Early life

Bishop Michael Jarrell was born on May 15, 1940, in Opelousas, Louisiana to William Jarrell Sr. and Jessie Rosa Barnett Jarrell. He attended public schools in Opelousas, then entered the Immaculata Minor Seminary in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1960, Jarrell entered Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1962 and an Master of Philosophy degree in 1963.^[2] Jarrell was ordained to the subdiaconate and then the diaconate in June 1966 by then Auxiliary Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux.

Priesthood

On June 3, 1967, Jarrell was ordained a priest by Bishop Maurice Schexnayder at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette.^[2]

After his ordination, Jarrell became a teacher at Landry High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 1972, , he was assigned as associate pastor to St. Michael Parish in Crowley, Louisiana. Jerrell was named pastor in 1976 of Sacred Heart Parish in Broussard, Louisiana, then in 1984 was moved to Sacred Heart Parish in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Jarrell remained in Ville Platte until 1993.^[2] Jarrell also served as regional vicar of three deaneries, as diocesan consultor and as chairman of the Clergy Continuing Education Committee. In 1988, Pope John Paul II named Jarrell a prelate of honor.^[2]

Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux

On March 4, 1993, John Paul II appointed Jarrell as bishop of the Diocese Diocese of Houma–Thibodaux. He was consecrated on March 4, 1993, by Archbishop Francis Schulte.^[2][1]

Bishop of Lafayette

On November 8, 2002, John Paul II appointed Jarrell as bishop for the Diocese of Lafayette. He was installed on December 18, 2002 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist.^[2][1] In 2015, it was revealed that ten years previously, the diocese had paid a $26 million settlement to the families of 123 children who were sexually abused by diocese priests between 1959 and 2002. The Daily Advertiser urged the release of the priests' names, but Jarrell refused, saying that he could not see the point.^[3]

Retirement

On February 18, 2016, Pope Francis accepted Jarrell's letter of resignation as bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette and appointed then Auxiliary Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel to succeed him.^[2]