Beloved Community Spotlight

Rev. Deacon Lester “Les” Mut has called Baton Rouge home for most of his life, but his journey of faith, love, and vocation has taken some meaningful and memorable turns along the way.

Born in Jennings and raised in North Baton Rouge—literally in the shadow of the School Sisters of Notre Dame convent—Les grew up surrounded by faith, service, and strong relationships that would shape his spiritual foundation.

Les and his husband, Joe Boniol, share a story that feels almost cinematic. They met during daily Mass at Our Lady of Mercy during Lent, gradually moving closer to each other in the pews over the course of a week. One day, Les saved a seat for Joe in a packed church—only for Joe to disappear briefly to “visit the Virgin.” Undeterred, Les waited for him in the parking lot, and the rest is history. Thirty-three years later, they’re still together, twelve of those years married—though friends jokingly note they’ve had several “weddings,” including a blessing at St. Margaret’s in 2017 and a surprise civil ceremony in Central Park.

Their home includes Ivy Mae, their much-loved miniature dachshund, and a wider “family of choice,” including Corey and Lance—whom they affectionately call their adopted sons. After three decades in Mid City, Les and Joe recently downsized to a garden home near Bluebonnet and Burbank, closer to that extended family.

Professionally, Les serves as Manager of Administration at Greenoaks Funeral Home, where he brings care and steadiness to his role as a licensed funeral director and crematory operator. Joe, a former licensed florist, retired for medical reasons in 2017.

Les has been part of St. Margaret’s for a little over nine years. After experiencing exclusion in the Roman Catholic Church due to his sexuality, he and Joe began searching for a church home where they could fully belong. Knowing Fr. Tommy and already familiar with St. Margaret’s through Joe’s work with altar flowers, they decided to start there—and never left. What they found was a community that welcomed them completely.

That sense of welcome and affirmation has been life-changing. Les describes the people of St. Margaret’s as the heart of the parish—their love and support made his ordination to the diaconate possible. Through their encouragement, he pursued discernment, seminary, and ultimately realized a lifelong calling to ordained ministry.

Outside of church, Les has a creative side that might surprise some—he’s an accomplished tailor with a particular talent for costume design, even creating wedding and bridesmaid dresses. He and Joe also enjoy gardening, volunteering at church, and participating in a local Mardi Gras krewe.

Ask Les how he’d like to be remembered, and his answer reflects both humility and gratitude: as the deacon the people helped form. It’s fitting for someone whose faith has been so deeply shaped by community—and who, in turn, continues to serve that community with devotion and joy.