Ugandan Priest Simon Peter Engurait Becomes First Black Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in U.S.

Louisiana, USA  — Ugandan priest Fr. Simon Peter Engurait has been officially ordained and installed as the Sixth Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana, United States, marking a historic moment as the first black bishop to lead the diocese.

The ordination and installation ceremony took place at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, drawing clergy, faithful, and dignitaries from across the region and beyond. In a touching moment during the service, Bishop Engurait’s mother was presented with the linen cloth used to wipe the excess chrism oil from his hands at ordination—a symbolic gesture honoring family and faith.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux celebrated the occasion on social media, declaring, “We have a bishop!! Fr. Simon Peter Engurait was ordained and installed as Sixth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux!!”

The Uganda Episcopal Conference also extended heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Engurait, stating, “We extend our deepest congratulations to Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Engurait upon his Ordination and Installation as 06th Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Diocese. May God richly bless you in your ministry.”

Bishop Engurait’s appointment is seen as a moment of pride not only for Uganda but for the global Catholic Church, highlighting the growing role of African clergy in church leadership worldwide.

Following his installation, Bishop Engurait celebrated his first Mass at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral on Saturday, marking the beginning of his pastoral ministry in the diocese.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, established in 1977, serves thousands of Catholics in southeastern Louisiana. Bishop Engurait succeeds Bishop Shelton Fabre, who was appointed Archbishop of Louisville in 2022.

Bishop Engurait’s leadership is expected to bring renewed spiritual energy and a global perspective to the diocese, reflecting his diverse pastoral experiences in both Uganda and the United States.

As celebrations continue, Catholics in Louisiana and Uganda alike are hailing his ordination as a milestone in the history of the diocese and a testament to the universal nature of the Catholic Church.