The Catholic Diocese of Shreveport will celebrate its 40th anniversary with an anniversary Mass on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, located at 939 Jordan Street in Shreveport. The event marks four decades of faith and service in North Louisiana.
The anniversary liturgy highlights the historical development and spiritual growth of the Diocese of Shreveport since its canonical establishment. The public celebration will bring together clergy, religious leaders, and parishioners from across the 16 northernmost civil parishes of the state.
“As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for the generations of faith that have built our diocese. This is a moment to look back at how God has guided us, but also a time to look forward with hope,” said Most Reverend Francis I. Malone, Bishop of Shreveport. “This milestone is more than just a look at our history; it is a celebration of God’s enduring grace in our lives. I am profoundly grateful for every priest, deacon, religious, and layperson who makes our diocese a true family of faith. Let us continue to live out the Gospel, be a light of Christ’s love for one another, and move forward with renewed joy and commitment to Christ.”
Established by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 1986, the diocese was created by dividing the former Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport, making the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans its primary seat. The anniversary celebration honors this lineage, featuring Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Baton Rouge and the second Bishop of Shreveport, who returns to serve as the homilist. The liturgy also honors the memory of the first spiritual shepherd of the diocese, Most Reverend Bishop William B. Friend, who led the faithful from 1986 until his retirement in 2006.
Over the past 40 years, the diocese has steadily expanded its pastoral ministries, faith formation programs, and educational institutions to meet the diverse sacramental needs of the local population. This anniversary milestone serves as an opportunity for the diocesan faithful to look back with gratitude and forward with a renewed evangelical commitment to the universal mission of the Church.