Archbishop Fabre will be deeply missed in Louisiana

By Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond
Clarion Herald

I  would like to share some personal thoughts about Archbishop Shelton Fabre, who has served since 2013 as bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and who was named by Pope Francis on Feb. 8 as the new archbishop of Louisville.

Archbishop Fabre will certainly be missed by the bishops of Louisiana and by so many people who have come to know him and appreciate him. He served well as the auxiliary bishop of New Orleans from 2006 to 2013. I had met him before I arrived in the archdiocese in 2009, but then I had the privilege to be a co-worker with him as a brother bishop for the next four years until the Holy Father named him bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in 2013.

I know that the people of Houma-Thibodaux have truly fallen in love with him and appreciate the personal way in which he deals with people, as well as his good administrative style, which is indeed pastoral. Though we will miss him, our consolation is that he will lead the people of the Archdiocese of Louisville with enthusiasm and integrity.

Archbishop Fabre has become nationally known for traveling throughout the United States to present the bishops’ pastoral letter against racism entitled “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.” He proved to be an effective speaker and one who was able to explain the reality of racism and call people to a greater respect for and unity with one another.

I know that Archbishop Joseph Kurtz is delighted to have him in Louisville as his successor and will be a support to him in whatever way that he is able.

I remember fondly the relationships Archbishop Fabre has forged in recent years with all the bishops of Louisiana and specifically with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Archbishop Fabre leaves the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese at a very critical time because it is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ida. He and I spoke about the recovery and rebuilding process many times, and, over the last six months, his major concern has been for his people, who are rebuilding their lives and their homes.

I know he is a man of great compassion and will certainly miss his people.

When he officially is installed as archbishop of Louisville on March 30, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will elect a diocesan administrator to guide the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Francis.

Please join me in prayer for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and also for Archbishop Fabre as he begins the new ministry to which God has called him.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to clarionherald@clarionherald.org.