Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana Dies Unexpectedly at 63
Bishop Mario Dorsonville, who served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly on Friday at the age of 63. The news was shared by Father Simon Peter Engurait, the vicar general of the diocese, who stated that the bishop succumbed to complications arising from recent health issues.
Bishop Dorsonville had been appointed as the bishop of the diocese on February 1, 2023, and was installed on March 29 of the same year. He succeeded Bishop Shelton J. Fabre in this role.
Father Engurait expressed his profound sadness and shock upon making the announcement of Bishop Dorsonville’s passing. He requested patience from the faithful as they navigate through this difficult time and urged them to keep the bishop in their prayers.
Bishop Dorsonville, born in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 30, 1960, dedicated almost four decades to his ecclesiastical career. He pursued his priestly studies at the Theological Seminary of Bogotá, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in both philosophy and sacred theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 23, 1985.
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Dorsonville held various positions, including parochial vicar, chaplain, pastor, professor, and director. He continued his theological studies and completed a doctorate in ministry at The Catholic University of America in 1995.
In 1999, he permanently relocated to the United States and became incardinated into the Archdiocese of Washington. He served the archdiocese in different capacities, including vice president for mission of Catholic Charities of Washington and director of the Spanish Catholic Center.
Bishop Dorsonville’s dedication to migrant rights and immigration reform was noteworthy. As chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, he advocated for the reinstatement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, emphasizing the important contributions of dreamers to American society.
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Dorsonville as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington in 2015. He was a constant voice for the vulnerable, urging the Biden administration to prioritize immigration reform.
Bishop Mario Dorsonville’s unexpected passing has left a void in the diocese and among the faithful. His tireless advocacy and dedicated service will be remembered as his legacy. The diocese mourns the loss of a shepherd who championed the rights of the marginalized and served his flock with love and compassion.
