Remembering Bishop Dorsonville

When Bishop Dorsonville first approached me to be his full-time secretary, I’ll admit, I wasn’t thrilled about leaving Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chackbay. It was a place I loved, where good things were happening, and I was hesitant to disrupt that momentum. But as I prayed about it, a deep conviction emerged—a sense that God was asking me to say yes.

Leaving Chackbay was one of the hardest things I had ever done at the time. It meant giving up preaching, spiritual direction, and all the things I became a priest to do. Instead, I expected a lot of administrative tasks—my “kryptonite.” However, my time with Bishop Dorsonville revealed that the job was about something deeper—the gift of accompanying him through his experiences.

Working with him wasn’t just about emails and calendars; it was about forming a genuine relationship. What stood out the most was Bishop Dorsonville’s intentional care for me. He wasn’t just a boss; he became a father figure, demonstrating a love and concern that never wavered. Saying “yes” to him became a journey of unexpected blessings from the Lord.

Our daily routine, starting with Mass in his chapel, brought a sense of family. Each morning, I would walk into his house and find him sitting in his chapel praying, rosary in hand, the Eucharist exposed on the altar. The laughter, the jokes, and the shared meals—it felt like we were a little trio, navigating life together. Bishop Dorsonville’s humor, his genuine interest in people, especially the “youngsters”, made the experience unique and joyful.

Reflecting on his ministry, I see a shepherd with a heart for the “lost sheep.” His focus was on drawing people back to the faith, emphasizing the beauty and simplicity of it all. He didn’t get distracted by analyzing problems or implementing policy. What struck me was his conviction that Jesus was the answer to everything. This unwavering faith and love for Jesus shaped his approach to ministry, inspiring me to imitate his total gift of self.

Bishop Dorsonville’s dedication to being with the people was remarkable. Despite health concerns, he insisted on encountering them, giving his full attention to each person as if they were the only one in the room. His selfless and total giving left a deep impression, echoing the heart of the Good Shepherd.

As we navigated his last days, the peace and trust he had in the Lord’s providence were evident. His focus was on heaven, even amidst health challenges, was a powerful testimony to his unwavering faith. I found myself not only processing my own grief but also reaching out to those who loved hi, assuring them that Bishop Dorsonville was never alone.

The impact he had on everyone, from doctors and nurses to those he encountered daily, was a testament to the love he radiated. His missionary zeal, wanting the diocese to be a Church focused on the main mission, resonated deeply with me. His legacy, characterized by love, joy and an unshakeable faith, is something I am profoundly grateful for.

I invite us all to think of Bishop Dorsonville’s influence in our diocese as just beginning. He has so much more to do, and death can’t stop that. In his passing, Bishop Dorsonville leaves us with a challenge—to imagine a world where we all love like he did. A world where simple acts of kindness, genuine connections, and a missionary spirit transform lives. It’s not about grand programs but about preaching Jesus, loving Jesus, and loving the person in front of us. That’s the transformative legacy he leaves behind.