Bayou Catholic Magazine June 2022

Father Dean Danos retires after 42 years of active ministry Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Father Dean Danos, a native of Larose who was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux on May 24, 1980, will be retiring June 30, 2022.

When asked what he attributes his 42 years of active ministry to, Father Danos says simply, “my love of Jesus...”

I keep a crucifix at my bedside, and every night and every morning, I kiss that crucifix and tell Jesus that I love him,” says the priest.

Father Danos is the youngest of three children and has an older brother and an older sister. He was brought up in a Catholic family who practiced and lived their faith, not only on Sunday but every day of the week. He served as an altar boy for many years at Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose and says he had many good priest role models – especially Msgr. John Keller, Msgr. William Koninkx and Father Emile Fossier – whom he felt always showed an interest in the people.

He says looking back over his life as a priest, there is nothing he would do differently even if he was given the opportunity, because “it was all good.”

One aspect of being a priest that Father Danos enjoyed most was working with youth. He served as diocesan director of Youth Ministry for many years and wrote a “Spotlight on YOUth” column for the Bayou Catholic newspaper. And, he says that he has always had active youth ministries in the parishes he served. Another aspect of his priesthood that was very fruitful and rewarding for the priest was prison ministry.

One of Father Danos’ fondest memories of being a priest was working in the missions in Saltillo, Mexico. He says it was a life-changing experience. “It opened my eyes and the eyes of many youth and adults as to how we live so differently compared to the people in third world countries.”

Father Danos has had the privilege of working with all four bishops of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He says each bishop brought their own style and gift to the position.

“It’s been a joy to work with all of them. The first three bishops allowed me to stay in Larose for 20 years – which was a long time, I thought – to care for my mother. I am very grateful to them for allowing that to happen. All four of them had an influence on my priesthood. I think every priest has a special place in his heart for the bishop who ordained him. For me, that was Bishop Boudreaux.

I remember him singing The Impossible Dream, and that sort of challenged me in the sense of knowing that the impossible is made possible with God.” He remembers Bishop Emeritus Michael Jarrell as very quiet, but loving and concerned for his priests. Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, he says, was a father to the priests, who also brought his charismatic gifts to each 20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • June 2022