The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Msgr. Simon Peter Engurait, a Ugandan-born priest and diocesan administrator of Houma-Thibodaux, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in the United States of America.
The announcement was made by the Vatican on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Msgr. Engurait has been serving as diocesan administrator since 2024, following a steady progression of leadership roles within the diocese.
Born on 28 August 1971 in Ngora, Uganda, Msgr. Engurait received his early formation at Saint Peter Minor Seminary in Soroti and Saint Peter College in Tororo. He holds a degree in political science and public administration from Makerere University, Uganda, and a master’s degree in business administration from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.
After moving to the United States, he pursued his theological formation at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, earning a Master of Divinity. He was ordained a priest on 25 May 2013 for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
Since his ordination, Msgr. Engurait has served in various pastoral and administrative capacities. These include parish vicar of the Cathedral (2013–2015), Saint Genevieve (2015–2016), and Christ the Redeemer (2016–2017). He has served as parish priest of Saint Bridget Parish since 2017, and concurrently held the positions of moderator of the Curia (2016–2024) and vicar general (2017–2024).
His appointment marks a significant milestone not only for the diocese but also for the Ugandan Catholic community worldwide, highlighting the global nature of Church leadership and the role of African clergy in the universal Church.
Further details regarding his episcopal ordination and installation will be communicated in due course.
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