11 Aug CFSL Celebrates One Year of the Maximilian Kolbe Society
One year ago, the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana launched a bold vision: to gather Catholic men from across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux into a brotherhood rooted in prayer, authentic fellowship, and a shared commitment to strengthening the future of the Church.
Today, the Catholic Foundation is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the Maximilian Kolbe Society, a ministry that has quickly grown into a vibrant community of more than 100 faithful Catholic men dedicated to supporting one another in faith while investing in the future of the priesthood.
Inspired by the extraordinary witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe—the Polish Franciscan priest and martyr who gave his life in place of another during World War II—the Society calls men to embrace lives marked by sacrificial love, courageous leadership, faithful stewardship, and unwavering trust in Christ.
“The Maximilian Kolbe Society is about much more than membership,” said Amy Ponson, CEO of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. “It is about forming men who desire to lead their families, serve the Church, encourage one another in faith, and ensure that future generations will always have faithful priests to shepherd our Diocese.”
Since its launch, the Society has provided countless opportunities for men to grow spiritually and build lasting friendships through:
- Weekly virtual rosaries
- Monthly men’s Masses and fellowship gatherings
- Faith formation opportunities led by Catholic speakers and clergy
- Quarterly opportunities for prayer and fraternity throughout the Diocese
A defining milestone of the Society’s inaugural year came during its first Men’s Retreat, “Reclaiming Kingship,” held in June. The day invited men into a deeper encounter with Christ through inspiring talks, personal reflection, Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, fellowship, and a private Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Simon Peter Engurait at E. D. White Catholic High School.
The retreat also marked a historic moment for the Society as its Steering Committee proudly presented the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux with its first $100,000 gift in support of the St. Joseph the Worker Seminarian House of Formation. The presentation reflected the Society’s central mission of providing spiritual, fraternal, and financial support to the seminarians who will one day serve the faithful throughout South Louisiana.
Through annual membership contributions, every gift made to the Maximilian Kolbe Society directly supports vocations by helping provide seminary education and formation for future priests. Beyond financial support, members commit themselves to praying for seminarians, growing in their own faith, and encouraging one another to become the men God has created them to be.
As the Society begins its second year, the Catholic Foundation invites men of every age and stage of life to discover the joy of belonging to something greater than themselves.
Whether you are a young professional, husband, father, grandfather, or retiree, the Maximilian Kolbe Society offers an opportunity to deepen your relationship with Christ, build authentic Catholic friendships, and leave a lasting legacy for the Church by investing in future priests.
“The future of our Diocese depends on faithful men who are willing to answer God’s call,” said Ponson. “Together, we are building more than a society—we are building a brotherhood that will strengthen our Church for generations.”
Membership in the Maximilian Kolbe Society is open to all Catholic men who desire to grow in faith while supporting the seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
For membership information, upcoming events, or to learn more, visit www.kolbesociety.org, call 985-850-3116, or follow the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana exists to inspire generosity, strengthen Catholic ministries, and provide faithful stewardship of charitable gifts throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Through endowments, donor-advised funds, charitable planning, scholarships, grants, and ministry support, the Foundation helps ensure the mission of the Church continues to flourish for generations to come. Learn more at www.catholicfoundationsl.org.