Clarion Herald

09/15/2026

09/13/2026

A joyful noise could be heard in Metairie during St. Francis Xavier Church’s 2 p.m. Mass celebrating the 22nd anniversary of hosting God’s Special Children Masses.

Archbishop James Checchio served as the main celebrant with Father Mike Mitchell, Father Joseph Palermo and Father Raymond Igbogidi. Group organizer Judge Jay Zainey also invited local politicians to attend including New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and Jefferson Parish Councilman Deano Bonano.

The Masses, held the first Sunday of every month, was initiated for families with members who have special needs and challenges to be able to come together to worship.

Members of God’s Special Children assisted in the Mass as altar servers, readers and performing in the bell choir.

As part of the Mass, Archbishop Checchio confirmed group member Lauren Griggs into the Catholic faith.

The archbishop said he had heard about God’s Special Children since moving to the city and he was glad he was there to celebrate with them today. “We are all special in the eyes of God,” he said.

09/13/2026

The parishioners of St. Angela Merici parish in Metairie filled the church for the 4 p.m. Vigil today for the installation of new pastor Father Raymond Igbogidi.

Archbishop James Checchio served as principal celebrant welcoming Father Igbogidi to his new parish.

The Archbishop reminded the new pastor to always be a loving father gentle shepherd and wise teacher of his people while leading them to Christ. And, he thanked the parishioners for their faithfulness and fidelity to Jesus.

“It has been such a wonderful, welcoming community here at St. Angela,” said Father Igbogidi. “It has been an amazing experience for myself and Father Brett.”

09/09/2026

08/30/2026

Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Parish, 3037 Daiphine St. New Orleans, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the joining together of Annunciation, St. Cecilia, Sts. Peter & Paul, St. Gerard Community of Deaf and St. Vincent de Paul church parishes.

Archbishop James Checchio celebrated a tri-lingual ( ASL, English and Spanish) Mass at 11a.m. today with parish pastor Father Alex Guzman, former parish pastor Father Jose Lavastida and Father John Yike.

One parishioner who observed and participated in today’s Mass, said it was special to have all the parishes come together as one to celebrate.

Archbishop Checchio said he was thankful to be there today to celebrate this anniversary and be part of this history. “God bless all of you on this next chapter, it is a blessing “ he said. “You all love the faith and it shows.”

Father Guzman thanked the archbishop for celebrating with the parish today and for the inspirational Mass. He also thanked everyone from the parish for all their work getting ready for the day and reception that followed.

08/27/2026

08/23/2026

Parishioners gathered at the 10:30 a.m. Mass today at Visitation of Our Lady Church in Marrero for the official installation ceremony of Father Clayton, Beau, Charbonnet , III as pastor by Archbishop James Checchio.

There was not an available seat in the church as parishioners filed in for Mass thanking the Archbishop for his visit and sending Father Beau to their parish and Father Beau for his insatiable drive to keep the Holy Spirit alive and well in Marrero.

Archbishop Checchio said it was good to be with everyone in the parish, it was just a joy. “I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received as we begin this new ministry here with Father Beau.”

“Thank you for entering this new pilgrimage with me and together we welcome your new pastor and thank you for your love and commitment to Mass.”

Father Beau was met with thunderous applause when he said he felt humbled by the turnout today and thanked everyone for coming out as he was formally installed as pastor.

08/07/2026

A quick follow-up on Michael Delaney, the 2026 Pope John Paul II High School graduate enrolled to enter St. Joseph’s Seminary College (affectionately called St. Ben’s) on the Northshore for the fall semester, but before he begins his priestly training, he represented the United States at the North American Powerlifting Federation Regional Championships in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada from Aug. 2–8. He placed first and was the gold medal finisher for his age and category (in the up to 18-year-old division). Here are his stats:
- Squat of 534.62 lbs
- Bench of 281.08 lbs
- Deadlift of 557.7 lbs (*NAPF Record*)
- Total of 1,373.48 lbs
Click the link for the original story published in the Clarion Herald:

https://clarionherald.org/news/michael-delaney-through-all-things-christ-strengthens-me

08/03/2026

More than 3,000 educators from the Archdiocese of New Orleans school system gathered this morning at Xavier University’s Convocation Center for the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation’s Day of Formation to kick-off the upcoming school year.

The day started with an uplifting musical praise and worship service; followed by Mass celebrated by Archbishop James Checchio and a team of brother priests from area schools; a welcome address from the Executive Director and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. RaeNell Houston; a presentation from the Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization and Communications Father Jared Rodrigue and a commitment ceremony lead by Dr. Houston and Father Rodrigue said with the educators to recommit their time, talent and efforts to teaching and serving the families at Catholic schools this school year.

The Archbishop asked those in attendance to pray for him while he prayed for them and to ask the children to pray for him as well.
“I look forward to seeing all of you this year,” he said. “Remember, you are educating our children to get to heaven. Keep the focus on Jesus.”