Three diocesan priests have been named monsignors by Pope Benedict XVI.They are the Rev. Robie Robichaux and the Rev. Keith DeRouen, both of Lafayette, and the Rev. Jefferson DeBlanc, Church Point.
The announcement was made by Bishop Michael Jarrell on Thursday. Monsignor is an honour given by the pope, on the recommendation of the bishop, in recognition of diocesan responsibility or special achievement.
Vatican regulations limit the number of monsignors in a diocese to 10 percent of the priests.
Robichaux is judicial vicar, or head of the diocesan tribunal, and also pastor of St. Leo Parish, Lafayette. DeBlanc is vicar for the West Region, and also pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Church Point. DeRouen is rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and as such hosts major diocesan ceremonies.
DeBlanc, a native of St. Martinville, was ordained in 1977 and has had pastoral assignments in New Iberia, Opelousas, Lake Charles, Ville Platte, Abbeville, Church Point, and Henderson. He was appointed to Church Point this year. He has been chancellor of Opelousas Catholic School, member of Council of Priests, diocesan school board, priest liaison for diocesan pastoral council.
DeRouen, a native of New Iberia, was ordained in 1983, and has had pastoral assignments in Abbeville, Crowley, St. Martinville and Lafayette. He has been pastor of the Cathedral since 1998. He is director of the Office of Worship and diocesan liturgist, has been diocesan master of ceremonies, member of the Council of Priests, and the building committee. He is moderator for the Red Mass, and a member of the Latin Mass commission.
Robichaux was born in New Orleans, grew up in Franklin, and was ordained in 1976. Pastoral assignments include Abbeville, New Iberia, Lafayette, Iota, Broussard. He was appointed to St. Leo Parish this year. He has been a member of the priests' council, the college of consultors, clergy personnel board, the diocesan tribunal. He is chancellor of Sts. Leo-Seton Elementary School, and chairman of the Latin Mass commission.
The new monsignors will celebrate their honors in the parishes in which they serve, the bishop noted.
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