THIBODAUX, La. (WGNO) — The sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was installed Friday, Sept. 5 at Nicholls State University. He is the first bishop from Africa in the mainland United States.

According to the Diocese, Simon Peter Engurait was ordained as bishop by Archbishop Gregory Aymond. 40 bishops were present to lay hands on the bishop-elect as part of the ordination rite, representing apostolic succession.

Engurait's mother had a front row seat to the ordination, along with his 13 sibling and multiple family members from his homeland in Uganda.

Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States and representative of the pope was in attendance, as was Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington.

The liturgy featured four choirs, five languages and Uga

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