LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Friday’s installation ceremony was a homecoming for Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel. He comes to the hub city from Dallas but grew up in Louisiana and attended seminary in Lafayette.

Bishop Deshotel is no stranger to South Louisiana and he’s happy to be home. “Lafayette is the happiest city in the United States and the people are just wonderful.” said the Bishop following Friday’s service.

Bishop Deshotel grew up in Basile and has been serving in the Diocese of Dallas since 1978. Gwen Boudreaux was Bishop Deshotels administrative assistant in Dallas. She’s known him for 25 years. “We’ve known Bishop Deshotel since the 1990’s. He was our pastor and I was one of his catechist. He’s seen our children grow up.” Although Boudreaux and the Diocese of Dallas will miss Bishop Deshotel, she says Lafayette is blessed to have him.

“He is very faith filled, his homily speaks to your heart. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love him. What you see is what you get and he’s just a very spiritual man.”

Verna Polk is everyone’s momma at the Diocese of Lafayette where she’s served for 22 years. She says everyone is excited to welcome Bishop Deshotel. “He seems so humble and I think he’s going to be a blessing to the diocese.”

Having spent the last several years in Texas, Polk adds that the bishop is overdue for some home cooked Cajun cuisine.

“He is very happy because I cook brown gravy and potatoes. So far he loves it and I hope he continues to love it because we will take good care of him.”

Bishop Deshotel is the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette and was ordained in 1978 in Dallas.