The wait is finally over...

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 1, the announcement was made that a new bishop for our diocese had been appointed. Pope Francis appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, S.T.L., D.Min., of Washington, D.C., as the Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.

As the staff began arriving at the Pastoral Center that morning, everyone was wondering what the new bishop would be like. I was lucky enough to be the first among the Pastoral Center staff (excluding diocesan leadership) to meet and shake hands with him as he entered the building for the first time. He was so happy to be here and so genuine during our brief exchange. I knew immediately that we had been truly blessed by Pope Francis’ appointment of him in our diocese.

After waiting almost a year for the news, the air was thick with anticipation as we all gathered for the press conference … and I don’t think any one of us was disappointed after it was over. From the moment he was introduced, he captivated the priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and diocesan staff who were present. His joyful, lighthearted spirit was refreshingly contagious. And, his compassion toward the people of our diocese was apparent as he spoke from the heart about his pledge to serve us and to continue the Hurricane Ida recovery and rebuilding process that is already underway.

Bishop Dorsonville praised his predecessor, saying that he was a “wonderful leader and shepherd.” Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, KY, who served us well as our Fourth Bishop, congratulated him on his appointment and said in a statement, “I rejoice with the dear clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese on this appointment and join with them in praying for their new bishop.”

As we prepare for Bishop Dorsonville’s installation on March 29, let us all continue to pray for him as he transitions to his new home and his new diocese here in Houma-Thibodaux.

During this exciting time for our diocese, let us not forget that an important season is upon us. The season of Lent is a time of preparation leading up to the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During this Lent, let us strive for a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully in our own lives by practicing the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, fasting and giving alms. During Lent we are reminded that through the waters of our baptism, we were also baptized into Christ’s death, and died to sin and evil, so we too may live a new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). BC

YOU’RE INVITED

On Friday, March 17, there will be a special Mass of Celebration for Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden’s year of service as diocesan administrator during the sede vacante, at 5 p.m., at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church in Mathews. A reception will follow Mass in St. Hilary’s Multipurpose Building.

On Monday, March 27, there will be a Night of Prayer with Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, at 5:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, including the celebration of Mass, followed by adoration.

A reception hosted by the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana will follow at the Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center on the Top Floor. Hors d’oevres and drinks will be served.

Janet Marcel | Acting Editor & General Manager

On Wednesday, March 29, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville’s Mass of Installation will take place at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Everyone is asked to be seated by 1:30 p.m. Procession will begin at 1:45 p.m. The Mass is open to the public with overflow seating at the Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center in Houma. A livestream of the event will be broadcast on the diocese’s social media and at the civic center. A reception will follow at the civic center. Hors d’oevres and drinks will be served.

If you enjoy reading the Bayou Catholic magazine, pick up an extra copy to give to a friend or neighbor. Hopefully they will read something that inspires them to learn more about the Catholic faith.