23 June 2025
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Simon Peter Engurait to be the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The announcement was made in Rome by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, on June 5, 2025.
“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-elect Engurait.
Bishop-elect Engurait has served as the Diocesan administrator in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since January 2024, following the passing of Bishop Mario Dorsonville. Since 2017, he had been serving both as the vicar general and the pastor of St. Bridget Parish.
“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.
Engurait was born in Ngora, Uganda, in 1971. He is one of 14 children. Before beginning a career in public service, including with Uganda’s government, Engurait was educated in Catholic seminaries during his early life. An encounter with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal while at Katigondo Seminary in Uganda shaped his spiritual path and ultimately led him back to a priestly vocation.
In 2007, he was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he graduated with a Master of Divinity; he also holds a MBA from the Netherlands. During his career, he rose from entry level positions to senior management.
He was ordained a deacon on May 12, 2012, at St. Bernadette Church in Houma, and on May 25, 2013, he was ordained as a priest at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma; both ordinations were conducted by Bishop Sam Jacobs.
Engurait served as associate pastor at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, St. Genevieve Catholic Church and at Christ the Redeemer, all in Thibodaux. In January of 2017, he was appointed as administrator and later as pastor of St. Bridget Church in Schriever, Louisiana, 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 has also served as interim executive director of Catholic Charities, and as a member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors.
“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 Elect Engurait. “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.”
This article originally published in the June 23, 2025 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.