Priest's mother donates his vestments

The memory of Father Danny J. Roussel, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, who died Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Vacherie, at the age of 49, will live on because of the generosity of his mother, Judith Bourgeois.

Upon learning of Father Roussel’s death, Bishop Michael G. Duca shared the following message with the faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of Rev. Danny Roussel’s death on Aug. 30th. Father Danny was a deeply devoted priest who was beloved by his family, his parishioners, and his brother clergy. He shared a commitment to the faith that was clear and unwavering. I greatly appreciated Danny’s generous and open-hearted service to our diocese. I inform you with profound sorrow that Father Danny took his own life at the age of 49. We are aware that Danny recently struggled with anxiety and depression. For many people, the difficulties of the modern world can be an unbearable challenge. For some, these feelings can be overwhelming. I would ask you to pray for Father Danny, his mother, his stepfather, brother and family.”

Father Roussel began his seminary formation in 2014, studied for seven years at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and was ordained a priest on May 22, 2021. At the time of his death, Father Roussel was serving as parochial vicar at St. Aloysius parish in Baton Rouge, and as a chaplain to St. Joseph’s Academy.

While going through Father Roussel’s belongings after his death, his mother came upon the vestments and other gifts given to him at his ordination. She had no idea what to do with his vestments, which he had chosen for himself.

Pam Folse, coordinator of Adult Formation and Service Program for St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, says Father Roussel was a dear friend of hers and she was also close to his mother.

Folse says Father Roussel’s mother had reached out to a few of his brother priests in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, but they agreed that the vestments should go to someone who needed them, which is what Bourgeois knew her son would also want. She shared that with Folse, who explained that it was kind of a “Holy Spirit” moment that followed. Folse says she knew that St. Eloi Church parish had been hit very hard by Hurricane Ida so she wanted to get in touch with the priest who was there. “I remembered that Father Dean Danos’ nephew’s wife worked with me at my former church parish and I knew that if I could get a hold of Father Dean, he could tell me who the pastor of St. Eloi was. Then I found out from a mutual connection in the Diocese of Baton Rouge that Father Dean was the pastor of St. Eloi and I was able to get his phone number to reach out to him.”

Folse then set up a meeting for Bourgeois to meet Father Danos.

“He is such a people person; it was wonderful to meet him,” says Bourgeois. “He made me feel at home. We got to know each other just a little. He was so happy to receive the vestments. He sent me a thank you card with a note about keeping in touch. It was a blessed meeting. He also prayed with me in private that day.”

Father Dean Danos, pastor of St. Eloi Church parish in Theriot since July 2016, says of meeting Bourgeois in person, “I expressed my sympathy and my condolences to his mother in person and we prayed together. I feel very humbled to be the recipient of Father Roussel’s beautiful vestments. I pray for him and his mother daily, as well as for his family and his parishioners for their great loss. I also celebrate Masses for him by name.”

Bourgeois says it really makes her feel good to know that Father Danos is praying for her son when he wears the vestments. “I really take that to heart. I cried in my heart to know that. I didn’t really realize before how important it was to pray for the dead. I can just feel the grace and the comfort in knowing that he is being prayed for by his brother priests.”

Even though Father Danos didn’t know Father Roussel or his mother, he says he’s grateful that she asked him to be the recipient of the vestments because she knew that he had lost some vestments in Hurricane Ida.

Father Danos received four vestments, one green, one white and two purple; some cassocks, an alb and some clergy shirts, many of which had never been worn. Even though Hurricane Ida derailed Father Danos’ retirement plans for this year, the pastor does plan to leave the vestments for the next priest who will serve St. Eloi Church parish.
                                                                                                                                                 Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Folse says that even though Father Roussell was only ordained a short time, the work he did was very far reaching. “We continue to hear good things about his ministry. It’s just very heartwarming.”

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255, or dial 211 for assistance locally.