Bishops of the Province of Louisville

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.

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.

Archbishop Fabre Farewell

Bishop David P. Talley Diocese of Memphis, TN

I was a brand new Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta when I first visited the beautiful Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and attended the Installation Mass of Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. He and I became good friends easily, in serving together on the sub-committee of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Our friendship became stronger when I was appointed to serve in Alexandria, LA. I had a chance to be with Bishop Fabre at our provincial meetings, at the board meetings of our Louisiana seminaries, during our Region V Retreats and during the twice yearly meeting of the USCCB. During these years of his service to the people of Houma-Thibodaux, I heard Bishop Fabre speak about his love for you, the people of Houma-Thibodaux. Recently, this love-in-action has been seen by all, as he has given of himself in caring for all who have suffered mightily during and after the devastating hurricane. And, I know that his heart was broken, as he heard of his appointment. He would have to leave a people that had become his family.

On the 30th of March, Archbishop Fabre became my provincial archbishop; and, I thank God for his appointment by the Holy Father. He will serve the Archdiocese of Louisville and the Province well, just as he has served the good people of HoumaThibodaux. Let us keep him in prayer and in our love.

More bishops offer prayers, support and congratulations

Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III Diocese of Biloxi, MS

Congratulations and prayers on your new assignment from myself and the faithful of the Diocese of Biloxi. My family that lives in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux have been touched by your ministry and personal presence to the people of Houma-Thibodaux. I, along with my family and the faithful of the Diocese of Biloxi, wish you well. We trust God will bless your ministry in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of Chicago, IL

“Our prayers and fraternal best wishes and admiration go with +Shelton for new and larger responsibilities he now shoulders in the Lord’s vineyard!”

Most Rev. Roy E. Campbell Jr. Auxiliary Bishop of Washington President – The National Black Catholic Congress

It is will great joy in giving praise to Almighty God, and thanks to Pope Francis, for the appointment of Archbishop Shelton Joseph Fabre as the 10th bishop and fifth Archbishop of Louisville. The National Black Catholic Congress congratulates Archbishop Fabre as he assumes his new role as Metropolitan Archbishop of Louisville.

Archbishop Fabre and the faithful of Louisville are in our prayers, as are the faithful of Houma-Thibodaux. I personally am excited to continue working with Archbishop Fabre for the unity and growth of the people of the Archdiocese of Louisville, the enrichment of Black Catholics in the United States through the work of the National Black Catholic Congress, and to assist him in his new role through the resources of the NBCC.

Archbishop Fabre’s Episcopal Motto, “Comfort My People,” speaks well of what he brings, by the grace of God, to the people of the Archdiocese of Louisville.