Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana
The Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving central Louisiana in the United States. Founded in 1853 by Pope Pius IX, it is currently led by Bishop Robert J. Marshall since 2020. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans, the diocese ministers to a diverse Catholic population across numerous parishes and missions. A notable aspect is its historic St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, which has served as the mother church since the diocese's establishment and reflects the region's French Catholic heritage.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana
| Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of New Orleans |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of New Orleans |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Louisiana |
| Bishop: | Robert J. Marshall |
| Website: | https://www.diocesealex.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 15.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 85 |
| Existence: | 1853– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | 4400 Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria, LA 71303 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana was established on January 27, 1853, by Pope Pius IX to serve the growing Catholic population in central Louisiana, originally as the Diocese of Natchitoches before being renamed and relocated.
History
Early Years
Established to address the spiritual needs of settlers and Native American communities in the region, the diocese initially covered a vast territory with limited clergy.
Modern Era
The see was transferred to Alexandria in 1910, and the diocese has since focused on parish development, education, and responding to natural disasters common to Louisiana.
Geography
The diocese covers 13 civil parishes in central Louisiana, including:
- Avoyelles Parish
- Rapides Parish
- Grant Parish
- Winn Parish
- Natchitoches Parish
- Sabine Parish
- Vernon Parish
- Allen Parish
- Beauregard Parish
- Evangeline Parish
- St. Landry Parish (partial)
- LaSalle Parish
- Catahoula Parish
It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans.
Mother Church
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Alexandria, Louisiana) in Alexandria serves as the diocese's mother church, a historic structure originally built in the nineteenth century and rebuilt after a fire in 1895.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Robert J. Marshall has served since 2020. A native of the region, he previously served as a pastor and vicar general before his episcopal appointment.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Augustus Martin | 1853–1875 | First bishop; established initial parishes and schools. |
| Francis Xavier Leray | 1876–1879 | Later became Archbishop of New Orleans. |
| Anthony Durier | 1885–1904 | Oversaw relocation of see to Alexandria. |
| Cornelius Van de Ven | 1904–1932 | Long-serving bishop during early twentieth-century growth. |
| Daniel Francis Desmond | 1932–1945 | Focused on education and seminary formation. |
| Charles Pasquale Greco | 1946–1973 | Led post-World War II expansion. |
| Lawrence Preston Joseph Graves | 1973–1982 | Emphasized social services. |
| John Clement Favalora | 1983–1989 | Later became Archbishop of Miami. |
| Sam Gallip Jacobs | 1989–2003 | Promoted vocations and youth ministry. |
| Ronald Paul Herzog | 2003–2016 | Focused on stewardship and evangelization. |
| David Leon Talley | 2016–2019 | Transferred to Memphis. |
| Robert J. Marshall | 2020–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.8), offering the Traditional Latin Mass in select parishes monthly, balancing traditional moral teachings with community outreach programs, and led by a bishop who emphasizes doctrinal fidelity alongside practical service.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 17,000 square miles (44,000 km²), serves about 50,000 registered Catholics across 50 parishes, and has a total population of roughly 350,000.
Religious Communities
Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary supports parish ministry and education in the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese encompasses parishes across central Louisiana, organized into five deaneries with a mix of historic and newer communities serving both rural and urban populations.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 15 schools.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Alexandria provides food assistance, counseling, and disaster relief to thousands annually.
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop Augustus Martin, the first ordinary, established the foundations of Catholic presence in the area during the mid-nineteenth century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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