Pope Leo XIV has named Father Simon Peter Engurait, a priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and current diocesan administrator, as the bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.
The appointment was announced by the Vatican on June 5. Bishop-designate Engurait has served as the diocesan administrator in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since January 2024, after the death of Bishop Mario Dorsonville, who previously served as an auxiliary bishop and priest in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.
"I did not expect this – I am humbled beyond words that the Holy Father has chosen me, not from outside, but from among the ranks of the priests of this beloved diocese," said Bishop-designate Engurait in a statement.
"I give thanks to God for the gift of life, for the call to the priesthood, and now, for this new and sacred calling to the apostolic ministry. Everything I am, and all that I hope to be, is by His grace," he said.
Born in Uganda in 1971, Bishop-designate Engurait brings international and academic experience to the role. He attended the local Ugandan St. Peter's College in Tororo, and studied at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He received a bachelor's degree at Makerere University in Kampala in 1995, a master of divinity from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans in 2013, earlier obtaining a master of business administration at Maastricht School of Management in The Netherlands.
He was ordained a priest on May 25, 2013, for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He served as associate pastor at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux and Christ the Redeemer Church in Thibodaux. In January of 2017, he was appointed as administrator and later pastor of St. Bridget Church in Schriever, where he has been to date.
He has held multiple diocesan leadership positions including moderator of the curia, coordinator of Christian formation, and most recently vicar general. He also served as interim executive director of Catholic Charities, and as a member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors.
He speaks English, Ateso, Kiswahili, and Spanish.
"While I am still shocked by the news that the Lord has asked me to be a bishop, I must admit that knowing the people of this diocese brings me great comfort in saying ‘yes,’" said Bishop-designate Engurait. He added, "South Louisiana is home, and I love the people here. It is a privilege to say ‘yes’ to you as much as I am saying ‘yes’ to God. I love you, and I consider it a great honor to serve you as your bishop."
The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux covers 3,500 square miles and serves more than 75,000 Catholics.
