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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre named Archbishop of Louisville, KY Story by Janet Marcel Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre has been named as the 10th Bishop and fifth Archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky. The official announcement of his appointment was made by Pope Francis Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. The pope accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, who turned 75 on Aug. 18, 2021. As required by canon law, a bishop must turn in his resignation to the pope when he reaches the age of 75. Archbishop Kurtz has led the Archdiocese of Louisville since 2007. A press conference was held in Louisville, Kentucky, where Archbishop Kurtz introduced Archbishop Fabre to the public. Diocesan staff gathered at the Pastoral Center in Schriever to watch this press conference together. Archbishop Kurtz told those present and watching via livestream on social media that he had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Fabre about a month before he was ordained a bishop at a bishop’s retreat in Louisiana. “We’re getting someone who is a deeply human person, a very healthy person, a holy man and in a special way a good pastoral bishop,” said Archbishop Kurtz. “So we are really blessed. Soon he will be singing along with us ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’ However, he will also bring some Cajun flavor to his new Kentucky home.” In his address at the press conference, Archbishop Fabre expressed his gratitude and personal support to Pope Francis, who called him to continue his pastoral ministry in Louisville. “I am both humbled and excited by this appointment by the Holy Father and I pledge to serve the needs of this local church to the very best of my ability,” said the archbishop. “In all that we do, my brothers and sisters, it is the Lord Jesus Christ that we praise and serve, as together we grow in faith.” Archbishop Fabre thanked Archbishop Kurtz for his faithful leadership and for the many ways he has shepherded the church in Louisville and expressed his appreciation for the camaraderie they have shared as brother bishops in the fifth ecclesiastical region of the church in the United States. He addressed the faithful of the archdiocese saying, “My brothers and sisters, I anticipate meeting you and experiencing the cultures of the people of God in this wonderful archdiocese. I look forward to getting to know you and most importantly listening to your hearts … I also want to greet in a very special way the priests, deacons, consecrated religious and seminarians of the archdiocese. We are on a mission to make missionary disciples … and I look forward to sharing this mission that has been entrusted to us by Jesus Christ as we work together to serve the
MARNIE MCALLISTER/THE RECORD
Newly appointed Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre sits next to Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, whom he succeeds as Archbishop of Louisville, KY, at a press conference Feb. 8. people of God.” Turning his attention to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Archbishop Fabre began by saying, “I also want to take this opportunity to thank the good people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. To all the priests, deacons … .” At this point, Archbishop Fabre paused as he became very emotional, apologizing as his voice broke and he began to tear up. He continued through his tears and remained very emotional as he spoke to the people of Houma-Thibodaux. “ … To all the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians and all the people of Houma-Thibodaux, I express my deep, deep gratitude for our life together in South Louisiana, which has been my home for eight and one half years. I have been incredibly happy and fulfilled as the Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, and I express gratitude to you for the love, support and kindness you have shown me during my time with you. I pray that God, in his mercy, will continue to bless the good people of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.” Later in his address, Archbishop Fabre said, “While the presbyterate and the people of Houma-Thibodaux will always be in my heart, I pledge to serve the Archdiocese of Louisville with the same fervor and commitment. I look forward to making the Archdiocese of Louisville my new home and I rejoice in the opportunity to become a part of this local church and this unique area of our slice of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Therefore, I am no longer in the ‘WhoDat’ Nation of the New Orleans Saints, for I know well this is Cardinal and Wildcat country, where
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March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7
