Pope Leo the 14th has named Uganda-born priest, Father Simon Peter Engurait as Bishop-elect for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The 53-year-old was ordained as priest for the diocese in 2013.
“My brothers and sisters, I would like to pledge myself, with God’s help and your prayers, to serve you with humility, with love and with fidelity to the gospel. Fidelity to the Holy Father under the church,” Engurait said.
Bishop-elect Engurait has served as the Diocesan Administrator in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since January 2024, upon the sudden passing of Bishop Mario Dorsonville. He previously served as the Vicar General since 2017 and has also served as the pastor of St. Bridge Parish since that time as well.
Bishop-elect Engurait says he did not expect the Holy Father to choose him to be the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
“The Lord has asked me to be bishop. I must admit that, knowing the people of this diocese, brings me great comfort in saying yes,” Engurait said.
The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in southeastern Louisiana has an estimated 90,000 Catholics, around 38% of the total population of the territory. Bishop-elect Engurait was born in Uganda in 1971. He is the seventh of 14 children, and he was raised Catholic.
Before becoming a priest, Bishop-elect Engurait worked in the government of Uganda and later pursued a graduate degree in business administration. In 2003, he met Bishop Sam Jacobs, then the bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, and it was Bishop Jacobs who ordained him in 2013. Bishop-elect Engurait says south Louisiana is home and he loves the people there.
“It’s a privilege to say “yes” to you, as much as I’m saying “yes” to God. I love you, and I consider it a great honor to serve as your next bishop,” Engurait said.
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