The Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana, United States, witnessed history on Friday as Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Enguriat was installed as its new bishop, becoming the first Black bishop to lead the diocese.
His appointment and installation have been hailed as a milestone for inclusivity and representation within the Catholic Church in America.
The installation ceremony, held at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, was attended by hundreds of parishioners, clergy, and dignitaries from both the United States and abroad.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, presided over the liturgical celebration and officially handed over the pastoral staff to Bishop Enguriat.
In his speech, Bishop Enguriat pledged to lead the faithful of Houma-Thibodaux with humility, courage, and compassion.
He emphasized unity and reconciliation as the cornerstone of his episcopate, especially in a diocese that continues to rebuild spiritually and socially after the devastations of recent hurricanes and economic challenges.
“I come not as a stranger but as a brother in faith. My prayer is that together we can walk in the footsteps of Christ, sharing hope, healing, and the love of God with all people,” Bishop Enguriat said to a resounding applause from the congregation.
Church leaders from Uganda, his home country, also joined the celebration, describing his appointment as a blessing not only to Houma-Thibodaux but to the global Catholic Church.
Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach of Soroti Catholic Diocese in Uganda said, “This is a moment of joy and pride for us. Bishop Enguriat carries the values of faith, resilience, and service that he cultivated in Ngora, and we believe he will shepherd this diocese with the same dedication.”
His installation has sparked excitement among African Catholics in the United States, who see his elevation as a testament to the growing role of African clergy in the global Church.
Profile: Bishop Simon Peter Enguriat
Full Name: Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Enguriat
Origin: Ngora District, Eastern Uganda, under Soroti Catholic Diocese
Education: Trained in philosophy and theology at seminaries in Uganda; further pastoral and academic studies in the United States.
Priesthood: Ordained a Catholic priest in Soroti Diocese, where he served in parish ministry, youth apostolate, and diocesan administration.
Missionary Service: Later sent on mission to the United States, where he ministered in various parishes under the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese.
Appointment: Named Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux by Pope Francis in July 2025.
Distinction: First Black bishop to serve in the diocese, bringing both cultural diversity and pastoral experience to the local Church.
Bishop Enguriat is widely described as a humble, approachable shepherd with a gift for community building, bridging cultural divides, and empowering the laity in evangelization.
