On September 5, Bishop Simon Peter Engurait was ordained, making him the first African bishop in the mainland United States. Engurait was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana during a ceremony at Nicholls State University.
Engurait was appointed in June by Pope Leo XIV after working as administrator of the diocese since January 2024. He had also previously served as the vicar general and as the pastor of St. Bridget Parish since 2017.
“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,” Enguarit said after being appointed.
Engurait was born in Ngora, Uganda, in 1971 and is one of 14 children. He studied at multiple Catholic seminaries and universities in Uganda, focusing on philosophy, political science, and public administration. He worked in several positions for Uganda’s government for more than 11 years, serving in departments responsible for the reform and divestiture of public enterprises. Click here to read more.