Archbishop Fabre Farewell
Congratulations
Bishops from the Province of Louisville offer prayers, support Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Archdiocese of Louisville, KY Pope Francis has blessed the Archdiocese of Louisville with his appointment of Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre as our 10th bishop and fifth archbishop. Archbishop Fabre brings outstanding gifts – a deep love of Jesus Christ, an abiding trust in Jesus’ care for his church, a listening and approachable spirit, a strength of character, and a desire to serve all as he relies on the grace of Christ and power of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis has given a great gift to the Archdiocese and Province of Louisville by appointing a true servant of Jesus Christ. Archbishop Fabre’s motto from the Prophet Isaiah “Comfort My People” - speaks to his desire to be a faithful instrument of Jesus Christ. I welcome my friend, Archbishop Shelton, as he brings Louisiana Cajun flavor to our fine Commonwealth, and I pledge to support him fully in his “new Kentucky home!”
Bishop John Iffert Diocese of Covington, KY It is with a grateful heart that I congratulate Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. As Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, he has truly been a comfort to God’s people. A comfort born out of love; a comfort confirmed in service; a comfort that will continue to grow because it is a comfort emanating from the Lord. To the people of HoumaThibodaux, I say thank you. On behalf of Bishop Emeritus Roger J. Foys and the people of the Diocese of Covington, KY, I pledge our love and support to Archbishop Fabre as we welcome him to the Province of Louisville. 26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2022
Bishop J. Mark Spalding, J.C.L. Diocese of Nashville, TN Praise be Jesus Christ! I am delighted and give thanks to God for the wonderful news that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Shelton J. Fabre as Archbishop of Louisville. The new archbishop’s joyful spirit and heart of a servant leader were obvious from our days in the seminary and have shone even more brightly as a shepherd in Louisiana. May he continue to be a clear, strong voice in the church, providing leadership for us all.
Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. Diocese of Lexington, KY Catholics throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky are eager to welcome Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. I am personally delighted by his appointment because I know him as a kind and thoughtful pastor who listens to the sheep as well as cares for them. I look forward to the role he will exercise among his brother bishops in Kentucky and Tennessee. Archbishop Fabre’s leadership in the church’s response to racism will continue to bear fruit here. Everyone present at his announcement in Louisville was deeply touched by the emotion he expressed for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux; we know he will be missed there.
