Bishop Mario Dorsonville Obituary – Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of January 19 due to complications from recent health problems, as stated in a post from the diocese. He was 63 years old. Dorsonville had been serving as the fifth bishop of the diocese for less than a year since his installation on March 29, 2023. Before that, he had served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington for eight years after his appointment in 2015.
Fr. Simon Peter Engurait, the diocese’s vicar general, shared the news of the bishop’s death on social media on January 19, expressing great sadness and shock. He acknowledged that many questions would arise and asked for patience as they navigate through these uncertain times. He also requested prayers for Bishop Dorsonville. The diocese has not yet announced any funeral arrangements but expects the funeral to take place at the end of January with local ceremonies.
Bishop Michael G. Duca of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, expressed deep sadness upon hearing the news of Bishop Dorsonville’s untimely death. He asked for prayers for the people of the Houma-Thibodaux diocese, who had embraced Bishop Dorsonville during his short time among them. He prayed for Bishop Dorsonville to rest eternally in the arms of the Lord. Washington Auxiliary Bishop Juan Esposito-Garcia, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the archdiocese, sent an email on January 20 to the priests and members of the archdiocese, remembering Bishop Dorsonville as a special soul who touched the lives of many.