Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville has called on the faithful to pray for Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, who died unexpectedly on January 19. In a statement, Archbishop Fabre expressed his sorrow and asked for prayers for Bishop Dorsonville's family, friends, and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He stated, "May God grant him rest and peace" and offered his support to the faithful of his former diocese.

Bishop Dorsonville, who was 63 years old, passed away due to complications from recent health problems. Father Simon Peter Engurait, the diocese's vicar general, announced the news on social media and asked for prayers for the bishop. He wrote, "My heart is broken as I make this news to you as this is not the kind of message any one of us would expect to receive."

Bishop Michael G. Duca of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also expressed his sadness and offered prayers for Bishop Dorsonville and the people of his diocese. He said, "May he rest eternally in the arms of our Lord and Savior."

Bishop Dorsonville had been serving as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since his installation on March 29, 2023. Prior to that, he had served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington for eight years. During his time as a bishop, he was a vocal advocate for immigration reform in the U.S. and chaired the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 31, 1960, Bishop Dorsonville was the only child of Leonor M. Rodríguez and Carlos J. Dorsonville. He was ordained to the priesthood in Bogotá on November 23, 1985. He held various roles in Bogotá parishes and continued his studies, receiving a licentiate in sacred theology and a doctorate in ministry.

In the United States, Bishop Dorsonville served the Hispanic community in Virginia and held positions in the Archdiocese of Washington, including as vice president of Catholic Charities. He was also an adjunct spiritual director and mentor for newly ordained priests.

In his first homily after becoming bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Dorsonville expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received and promised to pray for his new flock. He called on the faithful to "walk together to answer God's call to continue to build up the church we love."

The unexpected death of Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville has left the Catholic community in Louisiana and beyond in mourning. Archbishop Fabre's request for prayers reflects the deep sorrow felt by all those who knew and admired Bishop Dorsonville. As the faithful come together to remember him, may he rest in eternal peace.