New Orleans Archbishop dispenses immigrants from Sunday Mass obligation due to fear of deportation as 250 Border Patrol agents deploy in Louisiana. Fifth US diocese to act.
Newsroom (11/12/2025 Gaudium Press ) The Archdiocese of New Orleans has become the fifth Catholic diocese in the United States to grant a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation to immigrants who fear arrest and deportation, as federal immigration enforcement intensifies across Louisiana and neighboring Mississippi.
In a letter dated December 8, Archbishop Gregory Aymond acknowledged the “real fear and anxiety” gripping immigrant communities following the deployment of additional federal agents to the region. “As I write to you, our immigrant brothers and sisters are facing real fear and anxiety in the face of increased immigration enforcement measures,” the archbishop wrote.
The decision follows the Trump administration’s launch of Operation Catahoula Crunch, which includes the temporary assignment of 250 U.S. Border Patrol agents to Louisiana and Mississippi with a reported goal of arresting 5,000 individuals.
“I have learned that many of our faithful families have chosen not to leave their homes for fear of being subjected to immigration control measures,” Archbishop A_questionsymond stated. “In view of these circumstances, I grant a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass to those Catholics who, with good reason, are afraid to participate because of their fear.”
The dispensation will remain in place until the individual feels safe to return to church or until the archbishop revokes or modifies the measure.
Archbishop Aymond encouraged affected Catholics to maintain their spiritual lives at home by gathering with family for prayer and, when possible, participating in Mass through livestreaming or televised broadcasts. “Please continue to pray for our community and for peace, as we look forward to your return to church and your full participation in the sacraments,” he wrote.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans joins four other U.S. dioceses that have issued similar dispensations this year: Baton Rouge (earlier this week under Bishop Michael Duca), San Bernardino, Nashville, and Charlotte.
In closing, Archbishop Aymond reiterated his prayers for migrants “in these difficult times” and urged the faithful to join in prayer for immigrant families, calling for “real justice and a system that protects and preserves the dignity of the human person and families, regardless of where they live or where they come from.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
Related Images:
