First African Bishop in mainland U.S. ordained in Thibodaux

THIBODAUX, La. (WGNO) — The sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was installed Friday, Sept. 5 at Nicholls State University. He is the first bishop from Africa in the mainland United States.

According to the Diocese, Simon Peter Engurait was ordained as bishop by Archbishop Gregory Aymond. 40 bishops were present to lay hands on the bishop-elect as part of the ordination rite, representing apostolic succession.

Engurait’s mother had a front row seat to the ordination, along with his 13 sibling and multiple family members from his homeland in Uganda.

Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States and representative of the pope was in attendance, as was Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington.

The liturgy featured four choirs, five languages and Ugandan liturgical cultural practices.

“As a new bishop, I promise you that my first labor will be to stay close to Jesus so that everything I do flows from His love,” Engurait said. “A bishop is not meant to be a distant administrator, but rather a pastor who walks among his people. I want my ministry to be a ministry of presence. I want to be close to your families and parishes, close to you in your joys and in your sorrows, feeling with you the burdens you carry. I want to be a gentle and humble shepherd, never forgetting that the church is for service to those most in need.”

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