Time capsule to be a part of Catholic Diocese celebration
The Diocese of Baton Rouge continues the yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary at a special ceremony to bury a time capsule in Christ Court, located at the Catholic Life Center, 1800 South Acadian Thruway at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Friday).
A photo display of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Plaquemine will be among the items buried in the capsule.
This day of grace commemorates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Papal Decree by Pope John XXIII establishing the Diocese of Baton Rouge on July 22, 1961. Bishop Robert W. Muench, fifth Bishop of the Diocese, will preside.
The time capsule, to be opened on July 22, 2061, will contain a scrapbook of individual pages submitted by Diocesan parishes, area Catholic schools and Catholic Diocese Office departments.
“This Jubilee scrapbook project has been a unique one. The scrapbook is an amazing depiction of the individual stories of the parishes, schools and departments. We are hopeful the scrapbook will give true insight into our life as a diocese to those who peer into it on our hundredth anniversary in 2061,” said Lisa Lewis, Associate Archivist, Diocese of Baton Rouge.
An exhibit featuring the founding of the diocese will be on display in the lobby of the Catholic Life Center.
The theme of the Golden Anniversary is “Born in the Spirit of Faith.” It calls all Catholics in this area to reflect on the history of the diocese and to commemorate and revere the past, while joyously celebrating and living our present in relationship with God. The yearlong celebration will conclude with a Mass at the River Center on November 6, 2011.
In July 1961, the Diocese of Baton Rouge was formed.