As Chaplain at Touro Hospital for 37 years before he passed away last October at the age of 86, Fr. Doug Brougher was the optimistic and effervescent face of comfort for thousands of people seeking spiritual and emotional support during challenging and difficult times. Fr. Doug’s commitment to patients and their families was always obvious and a testament to his character.

These qualities of Fr. Doug mirror Catholic Charities, which has strived to put people first over the last century. One of Fr. Doug’s final gestures was including Catholic Charities as part of his planned giving. As a member of the Legacy Society, he is helping make a meaningful commitment to sustain the future of Catholic Charities for the next Century of Service.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Fr. Doug attended elementary school at St. Rita School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Notre Dame Seminary and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology degree (S.T.L.) from Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained in Rome in 1962.

Friends for 70 years, Fr. Doug Doussan, Resident Chaplain at the Cenacle on the Lake Retreat Center, first met Fr. Doug as seminary students at Saint Ben’s on the Northshore.

“I was two years ahead of him at Saint Joseph Seminary College. He was very kind, friendly and generous,” Doussan said.

His affability was only matched by his selflessness and strong work ethic. According to Doussan, even in his 80s, Fr. Doug was visiting Touro five days a week for five hours a day.

“He never really retired,” Doussan added.

His diligence and loyalty to others was celebrated in 2021 when Touro presented him with the Judah Touro Society Award, given annually to a living individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of Touro Infirmary.

An avid reader, Fr. Doug’s thirst for knowledge and affinity for social media engagement (including with Catholic Charities) was a key part of him remaining close and relatable to anyone needing a reassuring word.

“He was very faithful to his job. He talked about how much he loved bringing communion to people there, talking to people who were troubled or who were worried about surgeries or had family problems. He was always there. People loved talking to him. He was non-judgmental and always positive and very loving. He had a calming way,” Doussan said.

As we celebrate the incredible life of Fr. Doug, we can’t help but recognize the parallels between his work and the mission of Catholic Charities. Just like Fr. Doug, we strive to foster hope where it may seem lost. We are honored to carry on Fr. Doug’s legacy as we continue to serve the Archdiocese of New Orleans for the next 100 years.

For more information on the Legacy Society, visit www.ccano.org/legacy-society or contact Samuel Rottman at [email protected] or 504-592-5688.

Photos of Fr. Doug Brougher courtesy of the Clarion Herald.