Curtis Guillory
Encyclopedia
Curtis John Guillory is the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont, TX. He became the fifth bishop of the 34-year-old Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont
on July 28, 2000.
He is the first African-American to be bishop of Beaumont—or ordinary of any diocese in Texas, for that matter.
His father's side of the family has been traced back to France. His mother's side of the family has been traced to the Isle Dominica in the West Indies.
He is the first Beaumont bishop to be a member of a religious community
. He is a member of the Society of the Divine Word. While an active bishop, he remains a member of that community but is not under its jurisdiction.
He is the second bishop of Beaumont to have Louisiana
roots. Bishop Warren Boudreaux was the first. Both were born and reared in the Diocese of Lafayette. Six of the 13 African-American bishops are from that diocese
.
He is the third of five bishops who came by way of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. Bishops Vincent Madeley Harris
and Bernard J. Ganter were natives of that diocese. Bishop Guillory served as Auxiliary Bishop
there for 12 years.
Curtis John Guillory was born to Wilfred and Theresa Guillory on September 1, 1943, in Mallet, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. He is the oldest of 16 children (six sons, ten daughters); all but one are still living.
His family goes back to the early years of Mobile, Alabama
. Pointe Guillory and Guillory Pass are named for his ancestors.
His father owned a small farm and worked another one. The children, including Curtis, helped in picking cotton, shucking corn, and feeding the animals. During the school year, Curtis would get up early to work the farm before school, and came home right after to work until dark.
One of his early pastors was Josephite Father George Strype, who also served in the Beaumont Diocese.
Young Curtis entered the Society of Divine Word's St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where in addition to his studies, he played on the seminary baseball team.
The Society of Divine Word, founded as a missionary community in Holland, was one of the first to accept African-Americans as seminarians.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the Divine Word College
at Epworth, Iowa
, in 1968, and later earned a Master of Divinity
degree at the Catholic Theological Union
in Chicago
.
His priestly ordination took place at his home parish of St. Ann in Mallet on December 16, 1972, by Panamanian Bishop Carlos Lewis, a member of the Divine Word Community.
Father Guillory later earned a master's degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University
in Omaha, Nebraska
, in 1986. He did one summer workshop in Jungian psychology in Switzerland
.
His first assignment was to St. Augustine Parish in New Orleans. Established in 1841, this was the home parish of Mr. Plessy of the Plessy v Ferguson court case. That was the case that decided "separate but equal" was constitutional. It has, of course, since been reversed. Father Guillory served three years as an associate and six years as pastor.
He was the founding director of the Tolton House of Studies in New Orleans - the seminarian residence of the Divine Word students.
In addition, he served during these years as a member of the executive committee of National Black Catholic Administrators, the Louisiana One Church/One Family adoption program, national chaplain to the Knights of Peter Claver, archdiocesan presbyteral council, and board member of the Spirituality Center.
The highlight of his New Orleans years was being the coordinator of the visit of Pope John Paul II
in New Orleans.
Guillory's appointment as auxiliary bishop of the Galveston-Houston Diocese was announced on December 29, 1987. He was consecrated on February 19, 1988.
The bishop chose for his episcopal motto Romans 8:28: "For those who love God, all things work together for good."
He is known for his frequent visitations of parishes and schools.
He has also held many church and civic responsibilities. Bishop Guillory was selected chair of the Committee of African American Catholics.
He also served on the national committee on Hispanic Affairs and Priestly Life and Ministry, and the boards of Sacred Heart Seminary and Xavier University. His civic services include the board of the YMCA
, the Mental Health Association, and the Harris County Hospital District.
His hobbies are reading, exercising, and traveling. He was the only bishop to carry the Olympic torch in 1996 when it traveled across the country.
Bishop Curtis John Guillory was appointed Bishop
of Beaumont
, Texas
in June 2000.
Guillory was born in Mallet
, Louisiana
on September 1, 1943. He attended St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
from 1960-4 and graduated from Divine Word College
in Epworth
, Iowa
in 1968.
Bishop Guillory earned his Master of Divinity
from Catholic Theological Union
in Chicago
, Illinois
in 1973. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 16, 1972. He earned a Masters degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University
, Omaha
, Nebraska
in 1986. Bishop Guillory was consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop
of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston on February 19, 1988.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont is a Roman Catholic diocese covering thirteen counties and portions of two others in Texas. The diocese was founded on September 29, 1966; the first bishop was Most Rev. Vincent Madeley Harris, D.D. St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica serves as the cathedral church...
on July 28, 2000.
Biography
He is the first non-canon lawyer to hold this position. He has done advanced work in Christian spirituality and Jungian psychology.He is the first African-American to be bishop of Beaumont—or ordinary of any diocese in Texas, for that matter.
His father's side of the family has been traced back to France. His mother's side of the family has been traced to the Isle Dominica in the West Indies.
He is the first Beaumont bishop to be a member of a religious community
Religious community
A religious community is a community who practice the same religion.In the wider sense it may describe members of one religion who live near or intermingled with members of other religions, who may often mix together in everyday life but worship separately. One might speak of the Catholic...
. He is a member of the Society of the Divine Word. While an active bishop, he remains a member of that community but is not under its jurisdiction.
He is the second bishop of Beaumont to have Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
roots. Bishop Warren Boudreaux was the first. Both were born and reared in the Diocese of Lafayette. Six of the 13 African-American bishops are from that diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
.
He is the third of five bishops who came by way of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. Bishops Vincent Madeley Harris
Vincent Madeley Harris
Vincent Madeley Harris was an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Beaumont and Bishop of Austin .-Biography:...
and Bernard J. Ganter were natives of that diocese. Bishop Guillory served as Auxiliary Bishop
Auxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
there for 12 years.
Curtis John Guillory was born to Wilfred and Theresa Guillory on September 1, 1943, in Mallet, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. He is the oldest of 16 children (six sons, ten daughters); all but one are still living.
His family goes back to the early years of Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
. Pointe Guillory and Guillory Pass are named for his ancestors.
His father owned a small farm and worked another one. The children, including Curtis, helped in picking cotton, shucking corn, and feeding the animals. During the school year, Curtis would get up early to work the farm before school, and came home right after to work until dark.
One of his early pastors was Josephite Father George Strype, who also served in the Beaumont Diocese.
Young Curtis entered the Society of Divine Word's St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where in addition to his studies, he played on the seminary baseball team.
The Society of Divine Word, founded as a missionary community in Holland, was one of the first to accept African-Americans as seminarians.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the Divine Word College
Divine Word College
Divine Word College is an undergraduate Roman Catholic seminary that educates young men for missionary vocations as priests and Brothers in the Society of the Divine Word...
at Epworth, Iowa
Epworth, Iowa
Epworth is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,428 at the 2000 census, but is now estimated to be 1,589 ....
, in 1968, and later earned a Master of Divinity
Master of Divinity
In the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
degree at the Catholic Theological Union
Catholic Theological Union
The Catholic Theological Union, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, is one of the largest schools of theology in the world and trains men and women for lay and clerical ministry within the Roman Catholic Church...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
.
His priestly ordination took place at his home parish of St. Ann in Mallet on December 16, 1972, by Panamanian Bishop Carlos Lewis, a member of the Divine Word Community.
Father Guillory later earned a master's degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University
Creighton University
Creighton University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1878, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The university is accredited by...
in Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, United States, and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about 20 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River...
, in 1986. He did one summer workshop in Jungian psychology in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
.
His first assignment was to St. Augustine Parish in New Orleans. Established in 1841, this was the home parish of Mr. Plessy of the Plessy v Ferguson court case. That was the case that decided "separate but equal" was constitutional. It has, of course, since been reversed. Father Guillory served three years as an associate and six years as pastor.
He was the founding director of the Tolton House of Studies in New Orleans - the seminarian residence of the Divine Word students.
In addition, he served during these years as a member of the executive committee of National Black Catholic Administrators, the Louisiana One Church/One Family adoption program, national chaplain to the Knights of Peter Claver, archdiocesan presbyteral council, and board member of the Spirituality Center.
The highlight of his New Orleans years was being the coordinator of the visit of Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
in New Orleans.
Guillory's appointment as auxiliary bishop of the Galveston-Houston Diocese was announced on December 29, 1987. He was consecrated on February 19, 1988.
The bishop chose for his episcopal motto Romans 8:28: "For those who love God, all things work together for good."
He is known for his frequent visitations of parishes and schools.
He has also held many church and civic responsibilities. Bishop Guillory was selected chair of the Committee of African American Catholics.
He also served on the national committee on Hispanic Affairs and Priestly Life and Ministry, and the boards of Sacred Heart Seminary and Xavier University. His civic services include the board of the YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
, the Mental Health Association, and the Harris County Hospital District.
His hobbies are reading, exercising, and traveling. He was the only bishop to carry the Olympic torch in 1996 when it traveled across the country.
Bishop Curtis John Guillory was appointed Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of Beaumont
Beaumont, Texas
Beaumont is a city in and county seat of Jefferson County, Texas, United States, within the Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city's population was 118,296 at the 2010 census. With Port Arthur and Orange, it forms the Golden Triangle, a major industrial area on the...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
in June 2000.
Guillory was born in Mallet
Mallet
A mallet is a kind of hammer, usually of rubber,or sometimes wood smaller than a maul or beetle and usually with a relatively large head.-Tools:Tool mallets come in different types, the most common of which are:...
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
on September 1, 1943. He attended St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
from 1960-4 and graduated from Divine Word College
Divine Word College
Divine Word College is an undergraduate Roman Catholic seminary that educates young men for missionary vocations as priests and Brothers in the Society of the Divine Word...
in Epworth
Epworth, Iowa
Epworth is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,428 at the 2000 census, but is now estimated to be 1,589 ....
, Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
in 1968.
Bishop Guillory earned his Master of Divinity
Master of Divinity
In the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
from Catholic Theological Union
Catholic Theological Union
The Catholic Theological Union, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, is one of the largest schools of theology in the world and trains men and women for lay and clerical ministry within the Roman Catholic Church...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
in 1973. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 16, 1972. He earned a Masters degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University
Creighton University
Creighton University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1878, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The university is accredited by...
, Omaha
Omaha
Omaha may refer to:*Omaha , a Native American tribe that currently resides in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Nebraska-Places:United States* Omaha, Nebraska* Omaha, Arkansas* Omaha, Georgia* Omaha, Illinois* Omaha, Texas...
, Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
in 1986. Bishop Guillory was consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop
Auxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston on February 19, 1988.
External links
- National Black Catholic Congress bio of Curtis Guillory
- National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus bio of Curtis Guillory