For the first time in its history, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana, United States, will be led by a Ugandan. It was recently officially announced in Washington, D.C., that Pope Leo XIV has appointed 53-year-old Simon Peter Engurait as the next Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. The announcement came through Većeslav Tumir, chargé d’affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature, in the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Engurait, a priest originally from Uganda, has served in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since 2010 and most recently held the position of diocesan administrator following the departure of Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, who was appointed Archbishop of Louisville in 2022. Engurait’s appointment comes not just as a formality but as recognition of years of service, leadership, and pastoral care within the diocese.
Born and raised in Uganda, Engurait’s journey to the United States and rise through the Catholic hierarchy represents a deeply personal blend of migration, faith, and commitment to spiritual leadership. After his ordination in Uganda in 2000, he moved to the U.S., where he quickly became known for his calm presence, thoughtful engagement with parishioners, and dedication to community building.
His years in Louisiana have been marked by steady pastoral work, helping to guide the local Catholic community through a range of social and spiritual challenges, including natural disasters, racial and economic inequalities, and the broader crisis of declining church attendance in the West. Yet, Engurait’s leadership has consistently leaned on compassion, cross-cultural understanding, and a deep connection to the people.
While Houma-Thibodaux is a diocese rooted in Cajun Catholic tradition, it is also a community becoming increasingly diverse. Engurait’s appointment is not only historic in terms of nationality, but symbolic of the Church’s evolving face, where leadership reflects the global fabric of Catholicism in the 21st century.
The Vatican’s move is being welcomed across both American and Ugandan Catholic communities. For many in Uganda, it is a moment of national pride. For parishioners in Louisiana, it marks a new chapter with a leader who already knows their rhythms, speaks to their concerns, and has earned their trust through years of visible service.
Bishop-designate Engurait is expected to be installed in a formal episcopal ordination ceremony in the coming months, at a date to be announced. Until then, he will continue to serve in his current capacity while preparing to take on the full duties of bishop.
