WASHINGTON (CNS) – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation Bishop C. Michael Jarrell of Lafayette, Louisiana, and named Auxiliary Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Dallas as his successor.

Deshotel

Bishop Jarrell is 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to turn in their resignation to the pope. Bishop Deshotel, 64, has been a Dallas auxiliary since 2010.
The changes were announced in Washington Feb. 17 by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Both bishops are natives of the Lafayette Diocese; Bishop Jarrell was born in Opelousas; Bishop Deshotel was born in Basile.
Dallas Bishop Kevin J. Farrell said the pope “has made an excellent decision” in naming the Dallas auxiliary “to lead the Catholic faithful in Lafayette.”
“Bishop Deshotel’s knowledge of the diocese and the wonderful Cajun culture there will be a tremendous asset as he returns as the chief shepherd,” he said in a statement. “Bishop Deshotel is extremely well thought of by parishioners and his brother priests alike. His pastoral manner and deep devotion to our church will certainly be missed by all in our diocese.
“I wish him many blessings in this new chapter of his ministry and I am certain he will be a tremendous blessing to the people of the Diocese of Lafayette.”
Bishop Deshotel said he was surprised by the news but grateful to Pope Francis, adding that while he looks forward to serving his home diocese, he will miss Dallas.
“I entered the seminary here in Dallas in 1972. This has been my home for 43 years. I have loved Dallas and the Church of Dallas and the many dear friends I have made here,” he said in a statement.
“But, when I was ordained, I promised my life to God in service to his church,” he added. “The Holy Father has told me he needs me to lead Lafayette and I accept this call as a new opportunity to show my love and fidelity to Christ.”
Born Jan. 6, 1952, John Douglas Deshotel attended the Catholic-run University of Dallas, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. In 1972 he entered Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas, completing his seminary studies in 1978. That same year he obtained his master’s in divinity degree at the University of Dallas. He was ordained to the priesthood May 13, 1978.
After ordination, he had a number of assignments as parochial vicar at parishes in Dallas and Longview. He also was a popular pastor at parishes in Greenville, Ennis, Irving and Dallas.
From 2001 through 2006, he was the vice rector of Holy Trinity Seminary. In 2008, he was appointed vicar general and diocesan moderator of the curia. He also was the ecumenical officer for the Dallas Diocese.
Born May 15, 1940, Charles Michael Jarrell was ordained a priest of the Lafayette Diocese June 3, 1967. He has been bishop of Lafayette since 2002.
The Diocese of Lafayette was established in Louisiana in 1918 and is located in southwest Louisiana between the Atchafalaya and Sabine rivers. The diocese serves more than 291,000 Catholics and is made up of 121 parishes.