Simon Peter Engurait
Simon Peter Engurait | |
|---|---|
| Bishop-Elect of Houma–Thibodaux | |
| Diocese | Houma-Thibodaux |
| Appointed | June 5, 2025 |
| Predecessor | Mario Dorsonville |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 25, 2013 by Sam Jacobs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 28, 1971 Ngora, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan, American[citation needed] |
| Alma mater | Makerere University Maastricht School of Management Notre Dame Seminary (New Orleans) |
Simon Peter Engurait (born August 28, 1971) is a Ugandan-born American Catholic prelate who was appointed Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux on June 5, 2025, after serving as diocesan administrator there for almost 18 months. He has studied and worked in the US since 2007.
Early life and education
[edit]Engurait was born in Ngora, Eastern Uganda,[1] the seventh of fourteen children.[2] One of his brothers is a Catholic priest and another sibling is a religious sister.[1] He studied at St. Peter's College in Tororo and earned a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration from Makerere University in Kampala in 1995. Engurait then obtained a Master of Business Administration from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.[3]
In 2007, Engurait moved to the United States to study theology, earning a Master of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2013.[4][5]
Priesthood
[edit]Engurait was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 2013, by Bishop Sam Jacobs.[3] His pastoral assignments included service as associate pastor at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, St. Genevieve Parish in Thibodaux, and Christ the Redeemer Parish in Thibodaux. He became pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Schriever in January 2017.[6]
Diocesan leadership
[edit]In 2016, Engurait was appointed Moderator of the Curia and in 2017 he became Vicar General of the diocese.[4] Following the death of Bishop Mario Dorsonville in January 2024, Engurait served as diocesan administrator of the diocese until his appointment as bishop in June 2025.[6]
Episcopacy
[edit]On June 5, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Engurait as the sixth bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.[7] Engurait expressed humility and gratitude upon his appointment, emphasizing his love for the community of South Louisiana.[1] His episcopal consecration is scheduled for September 5, 2025.
Personal life
[edit]Engurait speaks English, Ateso, Kiswahili, and Spanish.[4] He is particularly passionate about marriage ministry and has been deeply influenced by Cajun culture.[8] Following his appointment Engurait stated “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.” [5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Guzik, Paulina (June 5, 2025). "Pope Leo XIV names Uganda native, Father Simon Peter Engurait, as bishop of Houma-Thibodaux". OSV News. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Our Bishop Elect Fr. Simon Peter Engurait". Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. June 5, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "Pope Leo XIV Appoints Father Simon Peter Engurait as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux". United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. June 5, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Moses, Nigell (June 5, 2025). "Father Simon Peter Engurait Named Sixth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux". WWL Louisiana. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "Introducing Our Bishop Elect, Father Simon Peter Engurait". Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Pastoral Center. June 5, 2025. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ a b "Ugandan priest named diocesan administrator of Louisiana diocese following death of bishop". Catholic News Agency. January 26, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Resignations and Appointments, 05.06.2025:Appointment of bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, U.S.A." Holy See Press Office. June 5, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Who is Fr. Simon Peter Engurait?". Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. June 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
External links
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