Special
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
A priests’ memory lives on through his mother’s charitable act Story by Janet Marcel The memory of Father Danny J. Roussel, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, who died Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Vacherie, at the age of 49, will live on because of the generosity of his mother, Judith Bourgeois. Upon learning of Father Roussel’s death, Bishop Michael G. Duca shared the following message with the faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of Rev. Danny Roussel’s death on Aug. 30th. Father Danny was a deeply devoted priest who was beloved by his family, his parishioners, and his brother clergy. He shared a commitment to the faith that was clear and unwavering. I greatly appreciated Danny’s generous and open-hearted service to our diocese. I inform you with profound sorrow that Father Danny took his own life at the age of 49. We are aware that Danny recently struggled with anxiety and depression. For many people, the difficulties 20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022
of the modern world can be an unbearable challenge. For some, these feelings can be overwhelming. I would ask you to pray for Father Danny, his mother, his stepfather, brother and family.” Father Roussel began his seminary formation in 2014, studied for seven years at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and was ordained a priest on May 22, 2021. At the time of his death, Father Roussel was serving as parochial vicar at St. Aloysius parish in Baton Rouge, and as a chaplain to St. Joseph’s Academy. While going through Father Roussel’s belongings after his death, his mother came upon the vestments and other gifts given to him at his ordination. She had no idea what to do with his vestments, which he had chosen for himself. Pam Folse, coordinator of Adult Formation and Service Program for St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, says
a
