Fr. Emile G. "Buddy" Noel, a native of Mobile, AL, was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans on June 2, 2012. He first served as the Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville until July 1, 2015, when he was appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and Holy Guardian Angels Parishes. Fr. Buddy also serves as Dean of the Westbank Deanery since 2018, and Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the Archdiocese of New Orleans since 2013. On Fr. Buddy's ordination card, he placed a quote from the Turkish religious scholar, Fethullah Gulen, "become so open that your heart becomes as broad as the sea." He sees this sentiment as essential to being a follower of Jesus, in serving as a priest, and as a local leader of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.