Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Simon Peter Engurait, a priest from Uganda, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana. Engurait has been serving as the diocesan administrator since January 2024 and was ordained in 2013. The appointment, announced by the Vatican, highlights the diocese's significant Catholic population and its history of foreign-born clergy. Engurait brings international and academic experience, having worked in business analysis before entering the seminary. He has served in various roles within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, including associate pastor and administrator/pastor of St. Bridget Church.
7 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Simon Peter Engurait as the new bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana 2 3. The appointment was announced by the Vatican on June 5, 2025 3. Engurait had been serving as the diocesan administrator since January 2024, following the death of Bishop Mario Dorsonville 1 2 3.
Born in Uganda in 1971, Engurait is 53 years old 2. He is one of 14 children, with one sibling a Franciscan religious sister and another a diocesan priest 2 3. Before entering the seminary, Engurait worked for the Ugandan government and later pursued a graduate degree in business administration, working in various business roles 2. He entered seminary in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in 2007 at the age of 36 and was ordained a priest on May 25, 2013 2 3.
Engurait's appointment is part of a broader trend of Pope Leo XIV appointing immigrants to US dioceses 1. Three of the Pope's first four US appointments have been immigrants: Engurait, Bishop Michael Pham of San Diego, and Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau of Newark 1. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has a significant Catholic population of around 90,000, representing about 38% of the total population 2 3.
Engurait expressed feeling "shocked" and "humbled" by the appointment 1 2 3. He affirmed his love for the people of South Louisiana, considering it a privilege to serve them as their bishop 2 3. He acknowledged the support from the diocese in saying yes to the appointment 1.
The Church's universality is reflected in episcopal appointments.
The universality of the Church is indeed reflected in episcopal appointments. Here's how:
In summary, episcopal appointments reflect the Church's universality through the bishops' role as successors to the apostles, their responsibility for maintaining unity and safeguarding the faith, and their connection to the universal mission of the Church to reach all people and cultures.