Gr. James B. Songy

Rev. Msgr. James B. Songy, age 82, son of the late Claude and Fabiola "Chippy" Songy, born in Edgard, LA on January 4, 1930, died in Houma, LA on Wednesday, December 05, 2012. He was educated at Holy Savior School in Lockport, LA, St. Joseph Seminary in St Benedict, LA and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA and ordained a priest on June 5, 1954. After serving as associate pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Edgard and St. Rita Parish in New Orleans from 1954 to 1962, he served as Assistant Financial Secretary and then Comptroller of the Archdiocese of New Orleans from 1962 to 1968. He served as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Slidell, LA from 1968 to 1969; and then as pastor of Holy Savior Parish in Lockport from 1969 to 1981. In March 1977 he was named by Pope Paul VI a Domestic Prelate with the title of Monsignor. In June 1977, he was named the first Chancellor of the new Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, while remaining pastor of Holy Savior until 1981. From 1981 to 1991 he served as Vicar for Temporalities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux while continuing his services as Chancellor. In 1991 he was Vicar General of the Diocese in which capacity he served until his retirement in June of 1998. In January of 2003 he was named by Rome as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and came out of retirement and served in that position until the installation of Bishop Sam Jacobs in October of 2003. At which point he returned to retirement and to his residence with Ronald and Marie Rogers in Lockport, where he lived until his death.

Msgr. Songy stipulated before his death that there should be no wake on the night preceding his burial, and that his body be cremated, with remains placed by Samart-Mothe Funeral Home in a cypress box built by a friend for his burial, brought by his family to, and officially received at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma two hours before the funeral Mass for visitation by family and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. He will be buried at the Holy Savior Parish Mausoleum in Lockport.

He is survived by one sister, Enid S. Nielsen and her husband Thomas of New Orleans, LA; one brother, Kenneth J. Songy and his wife Iris of St. Rose, LA; one brother-in-law, Robert J. deGraauw of Abbeville, LA; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn L. Songy of Baton Rouge, LA and Carolyn M. Adams of Alexandria, LA; and by his dear friends, Marie and Ronnie Rogers. Also survived by 44 nieces and nephews and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Preceded in death by parents, three brothers, Claude G. Songy, Sr., Gerald E. Songy, Sr. and Msgr. Donald J. Songy; four sisters, Elsy S. Morris, Lois S. Guidry, Cleo "Cody" S. deGraauw and Joan "Tony" S. Nethery; and one nephew, Richard Songy, Sr.

The family extends deep appreciation to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, its bishops, priests, religious and other faithful, past and present, for all their kindness to him over the years and for their receptiveness to his priestly ministry. And very special thanks to Marie and Ronnie Rogers who welcomed him into their home and made him a part of their family throughout his years of retirement.

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home in Mathews is in charge of arrangements.