VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' decision to convoke a special Holy Year of Mercy, beginning on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 2015 and closing on Nov. 20, 2016 - the Feast of Christ the King, has its roots in the event that led a teen-age Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the priesthood.

LAKE CHARLES – The Fred B. and Ruth B. Zigler Foundation of Jennings, has announced that it has awarded a grant of $48,000.00 to the Diocese of Lake Charles to assist four men from Jefferson Davis Parish studying for the priesthood for the diocese.