In the homey atmosphere of the St. Joseph the Worker Seminarian House of Formation in Thibodaux, Bishop Mario Dorsonville and Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden sat down to engage in conversation ranging from lighthearted to inspired in front of cameras and studio lights recently for the diocesan Office of Communications. Bishop Dorsonville took Very Rev. Madden through his formative years to the issues which matter greatly to him today as he becomes the shepherd of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
Early years in Colombia “I was born in a Catholic family. My dad was French and was a civil engineer. My mom was devoted to raising family which was … myself!” he said with a laugh. Being an only child, Very Rev. Madden teased about him being spoiled rotten. In fact, when he was 12 years old and going to school, he recalled his parents were told that “Mario should be a little more disciplined.”
During his youth, a poster on a wall seeking vocations for the priesthood made a lasting impression as he could not get the question out of his mind. During a mission trip with seminarians, the young Mario visited a sick woman. She was happy to receive a visit from seminarians. “I showed her a picture of the Blessed Sacrament and she went from happiness to joy.” It was then that he realized “the connection between humanity and God.” At 15, he applied for the seminary and became a priest at 24.
His parent’s reaction to his vocation Bishop Dorsonville joked that his father thought he’d become an engineer as well, but his father later said, “You will build a bridge from here to heaven.” His father and his mother were silently supportive, described the bishop. “Not too many people thought that I would make it,” he said with a hearty laugh.
First assignment His first assignment was South of Bogotá, in the capital city of Colombia, which was a large, busy parish considered the “Cathedral of the Poor.” There, large processions of Our Lady were held through the streets. The parish was called the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
A huge challenge Bishop Dorsonville was approached about becoming pastor when he was 26 years old. He said he liked the challenge of becoming a pastor. He was sent a picture of an empty field. He was told he needed to build it. In five years, by the time he was 30, the church and rectory were complete.
Moving to the United States Bishop had the opportunity to attend Catholic University in Washington, D.C., to study for his doctorate in ministry. In keeping with his obedience to the Lord, and something he tells confirmation candidates, “Ask the Lord what does he want you to do because you never know.”
He earned his doctorate in 1996.
Ministries of focus “This was the beginning of falling in love with the multicultural aspect of the church” and his works with Hispanic ministry in Washington, D.C.
“There is no worse poverty than a person who doesn’t have faith or a voice,” he stated, adding a quote by Pope Francis, “Let’s move from indifference to solidarity.“
Bishop Dorsonville spoke of “Christian passion.” “People don’t expect you to solve all their problems but for you to give them some of your time.”
Bishop Dorsonville worked with the homeless in Washington, D.C., and remembers speaking with a young man who had lost hope and said he was “nobody” when the bishop asked his name.
Of serving those in need, he said, “Don’t close the door. Say ‘Let me make a reference to you. Let me walk with you in this process.’” His reaction to the papal nuncio’s call “It was a golden opportunity (to be Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux). When you’re serving, it doesn’t matter whom, those in need – families, children, youth, colleges.”
“When God calls you with human instruments, you must be ready. This was a very big surprise in my life,” he said.
Houma-Thibodaux? Where is that? Bishop recalls being joyful when he received the call from the Archbishop Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States. “I didn’t hesitate for a moment,” he recalled, even though he had no idea where Houma-Thibodaux was located. “When the pope wants you to do something, you have no real reason to say no,” he emphasized. He expressed gratitude for every single person who thanked him for saying yes even though they were perhaps wondering, “Who is this Colombian guy?” he said.
Missing his home of 30 years – Washington, D.C. Amidst his joy, his human feelings are of being uprooted. “It’s painful to say goodbye to people, but if we work well while we are here, we will all be together in heaven.”
Ministries of concentration Bishop Dorsonville would like to see that young people go back to Mass and attend college and to make sure that the work of Catholic Charities is held up. He spoke of moving human encounters working with those in need and watching others get twice what they went to give when serving others. “It doesn’t matter how many people you serve. It’s how much time you spend.”
First impressions of Houma-Thibodaux When driving out for the press conference at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever when he was first announced Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Dorsonville noted the devastation of the hurricane to homes. “I want to tell the people who are still struggling, the church is an open door … You are not here by yourself.”
Father Stephen Castille, special assistant to the office of the bishop, was his driver the first day and he quickly demonstrated to Bishop Dorsonville, “Everyone knows who’s who … . It’s a small world but delightful. I like to care and know the people.” Very Rev. Madden, who is originally from Ireland, assured the bishop of the welcoming people in the area from all cultures, which make up the diverse population, largely influenced by the Cajun faith.
Very Rev. Madden told the bishop that “no Cajun loves alligators” because the bishop has been outspoken about his fear of the reptiles. “I will have to get into the culture little by little,” Bishop Dorsonville joked.
Interactions with the locals Because of a knee injury that happened shortly before his arrival in Louisiana, the bishop has attended some physical therapy sessions in the Thibodaux area. He complimented the quality of professional help, the spirit of humanity and the generosity of people he has met. “Everyone calls you father, not sir,” he said, approvingly.
For the people At the time of this interview, Bishop Dorsonville was busy with preparations being made by diocesan staff for his installation. He stated that he wanted the installation to be for the people of Houma-Thibodaux and that music was the main aspect of the Mass for him. “I am a lover of music.” He attended a rehearsal of the choirs and says, “I found myself in tears.”
His hopes “That God would be recognized through the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He will appoint us where we need to go.”
The interview ended with the two priests praying the Hail Mary and then Bishop Dorsonville thanking Very Rev. Madden for being a faithful shepherd, for saying yes to the call out of retirement and thanking his brother priests, deacons and religious and sisters.”