Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace be with you!  As you may know, the Holy Father recently appointed me to serve the Diocese of Shreveport as Apostolic Administrator until a new bishop is appointed and installed.  I am honored and grateful for Pope Leo’s confidence in me to assist and minister to the priests, deacons, religious, and laity of North Louisiana, in addition to my continued role as Bishop of Alexandria.

I grew up in the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee and served as a priest there for twenty years until my appointment as bishop six years ago.  Although Memphis is a large urban area, the rest of West Tennessee consists of small towns and communities.  It is sparsely populated, and the Catholic population is quite small.  In this regard, my home diocese bears a strong resemblance to much of the Diocese of Shreveport.  I know from experience that ministering in such a setting can be both challenging and wonderfully uplifting.

I have learned that in this year of the Diocese of Shreveport’s Fortieth Anniversary, you have drawn strength from the profound acknowledgment that “In Christ, We Are One.”  In an often bitterly divided culture, our unity in Jesus Christ is one touchstone that should fill our hearts with hope.

My ministry in North Louisiana has two important aspects.  First, I hope to encounter and learn about the people of this diocese, joining together to proclaim the Gospel and to build up the Body of Christ, which is the Church.  Second, I look forward to praying with you for the appointment of a new bishop who will continue the great work of these past forty years.

I hope you will also pray for me as I rely upon the grace of God to guide my steps in both North and Central Louisiana.  Please be assured of my prayers for each of you.

Live Jesus in our hearts,

Most Reverend Robert W. Marshall, Jr.

Apostolic Administrator