By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

CONVENT – On Wednesday, July 4, St. Michael the Archangel Church in Convent will host the final Mass of a two-week series of services throughout the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge that are dedicated to the support of religious liberty.

The historic church, located along River Road, is one of several in the Baton Rouge Diocese to participate in the “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day vigil of Masses and other events that began June 21 and wraps up on Independence day. The event celebrates a series of martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution from political power and emphasizes the American heritage of religious liberty.

Fr. Vincent Dufresne, head pastor, said the Mass, which will begin at 5:15 p.m., serves as a time for parishioners to pray for state leaders and other officials that they keep in mind the religious freedom of the church.

“It certainly is an honor to be chosen for this, so we would like to invite all who can make it to please make every effort to join us for Mass that evening,” Dufresne said.

The church is located at 6476 River Road in Convent about one mile west of the St. James Parish Courthouse.