Bishop Curtis J. Guillory knew he would go into the priesthood from an early age.
“Well I always wanted to serve people,” said Bishop Guillory. “I guess the inspiration came from my parents.”
Beginning September the 1st , when Guillory turns 75, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont will begin the process of retirement after 18 years of service.
“I write a letter of resignation to Pope Francis, and it’s up to him when I’ll get a replacement,” said Guillory. “But generally speaking, I’ll be around six months to a year probably.”
It appears the Bishop won’t stop preaching in Beaumont for some time, but when that time comes, he will welcome it.
“Well one thing I’m getting old,” laughed Guillory. “But I think it’s a good age to retire.”
Being the first African American bishop in Texas, Guillory has made it a point to try and bring different cultures together in harmony. Jim Baxter who is the RCIA director St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Beaumont said he has seen the Bishop’s message work.
“Aside from his great knowledge of sacred texts, he also has this ability to reach out to be people,” said Baxter.
Baxter says he will miss the Bishops leadership in the Diocese.
“We all kind of take our cue from Bishop Guillory,” said Baxter. “And again he has really set that example and helps us understand what I mission is.”
Bishop Guillory will continue leading until his replacement is ready. As far as what he would like to see from his successor, leading more people to the priesthood to shepherd the parishes
“Just as it was the number one issue when I came, so it will be for my successor so I think that is something that is constant,” said Guillory.