A shepherd, a mentor, a friend

Archbishop Fabre Farewell

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre: A shepherd, a mentor, a friend

Guest Columnist

Dr. Ansel Augustine

I have had the pleasure of knowing Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre for about 15 years since he became the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2007. It was through him being one of my supervisors, that I was blessed to develop a deeper bond with him. Not only did he serve as a work supervisor, he has also been there for me during some of the toughest times of my life (loss of my spiritual father – Father Michael Jacques, S.S.E.; going through transitions in relationships, various ministry challenges, etc.). Through it all, Archbishop Fabre has been able to be a strong and stable force of prayer and faith to help me get through those tough times.

My relationship with Archbishop Fabre is very important to me. His presence in my life is one of the “heaven sent” relationships that have kept me grounded in a church and society that sometimes does not see, nor appreciate, my full dignity. By watching Archbishop Fabre chair the Anti-Racism Ad Hoc Committee for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and navigating the obstacles and challenges that come with addressing the issue of racism, I continue to be inspired and motivated to keep “fighting the good fight,” to create a more just society for all. Also, as I witnessed the way he served his former community of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux following Hurricane Ida, I witnessed and learned from a servant leader that was willing to do what was needed to address the needs of all in his care; even if it meant rolling up his sleeves to carry supplies and clean up debris.

As he moves on to his next chapter in ministry with the Archdiocese of Louisville, I know that he will continue to be the great man of God that he is as he ministers with the new flock that God has placed in his service. In an archdiocese that has gone through many challenges over the past few years, I believe Archbishop Fabre’s presence will be a source of healing. He has stated to me that one of his initial priorities is to listen and learn from the people to see how best he can serve them. This is reflective of Pope Francis’ challenge to priests in his document, Joy of the Gospel: “Be shepherds with the smell of the sheep.” I have personally received several calls from ministry colleagues from the Archdiocese of Louisville that are excited about him coming to their archdiocese. My response has been, “You better take care of my friend.”

Archbishop Fabre is a blessing no matter where he is. My home parish, St. Peter Claver Catholic Church here in New Orleans has fond memories of him and his ministry here as our auxiliary bishop. He was a steady and consoling presence for us when our pastor of 30 years, and one of Archbishop Fabre’s closest friends, Father Michael Jacques, S.S.E., suddenly passed away of a heart attack. Even through his grief of losing someone close to him, Archbishop Fabre made sure others were taken care of. This is his ministry and this is the man I am proud to call a shepherd, a mentor, and a friend.

God Bless you, Archbishop Fabre. You are a blessing to many, and will be a blessing to the Archdiocese of Louisville.

(Dr. Ansel Augustine is the director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.) BC

Congratulations

to Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre on his new appointment to the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky. Best wishes from the staff and volunteers of the historical research center and archives!