Please join me in congratulating Bishop Doug Deshotel on his appointment by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana. The appointment was announced this morning in Washington, D.C. by the papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò. A news conference will be held at 11 a.m. in the Diocese of Lafayette.
The Holy Father has made an excellent decision in appointing Bishop Deshotel to lead the Catholic faithful in Lafayette. His knowledge of the diocese and the wonderful Cajun culture there will be a tremendous asset as he returns as the chief shepherd. His pastoral manner and deep devotion to our Church will certainly be missed by all in our diocese.
With the appointment, Bishop Deshotel will return to lead the diocese where he was born and raised and where his large extended family still lives today. Since entering Holy Trinity Seminary in 1972, Dallas has been his home. Bishop Doug told me that he will certainly miss the many good friends who have blessed his life for the last 43 years. I am certain, and I know you will agree, that he will be a tremendous blessing to the people of the Diocese of Lafayette.
Please pray for our friend, Bishop Doug, that God our Heavenly Father will bless him with wisdom, strength, peace and happiness as he begins this new chapter in his faithful ministry. You may read the news release that includes a more detailed history of Bishop Deshotel’s life and ministry, as well as find a link to the live stream of the news conference that begins at 11 a.m. at www.cathdal.org.
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