For a few years now, Father Michael Alello, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Baton Rouge and himself an occasional runner of marathons, has celebrated a special “26.2” minute Mass here at the Cathedral before the start of the Louisiana Marathon. He's graciously offered to do it again this year, on Sunday, January 19, at 6 am.

Since the Cathedral is only a few hundred yards from the race's starting line, this gives runners a chance to gather and pray beforehand. The bathrooms in the Cathedral Parish Hall will also be available to the congregation at that time.

While race day downtown is a day full of athletic accomplishment and the crowds that assemble focus most of the time on the Marathon and its related celebratory events, taking time for God is also important! May He bless the day's participants with health and safety, as they offer their praise and gratitude to Him!