Archbishop Fabre’s Christmas message emphasizes hope amid challenges
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville has released his 2025 Christmas message, focusing on the theme of hope and peace brought by the birth of Jesus Christ.
“As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, we rejoice because we praise God in thanksgiving that true peace has come down to us from heaven,” Archbishop Fabre said. He highlighted the significance of the Incarnation, noting it as “the profound act of God sending his only begotten Son to bring hope and peace to the world.”
Marking the end of what he described as a Jubilee Holy Year and the 2,025th anniversary of Christ’s birth, Archbishop Fabre encouraged reflection on faith during challenging times. “There is no doubt that there are many people experiencing sadness, pain, grief, and struggles. However, in the face of brokenness, the presence of Christ remains steadfast. We just need to let the Lord into our hearts and allow him to guide us toward the light of hope and peace – empowering us to navigate the challenges or complexities of life with renewed faith and resilience,” he stated.
He called for contemplation and prayer during Christmas celebrations with family and friends. “As we celebrate this Christmas Day and the Christmas season with our families and friends, I encourage you to make time for contemplation, prayer, and reflection on the miraculous Incarnation of the Lord. Let us embrace the challenge of recognizing Jesus in the faces of the poor, immigrants, and refugees, while also seeing Christ as the beacon of hope against the widespread ‘famine of peace’ that endures around us in so many ways.”
The archbishop concluded his message by invoking blessings for all: “May God our Father, who chose to announce the birth of his Son to the shepherds through an angel, fill our hearts with his divine joy and inspire us to spread his Gospel. May we, who are gladdened by participation in the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, through an honorable way of life, become worthy of union with him (Roman Missal, At the Mass during the Night, Prayer After Communion)! Merry Christmas!”
The Archdiocese of Louisville operates as a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical territory serving central Kentucky communities through various ministries such as pastoral care and faith education. It is guided by Archbishop Fabre along with consultative groups like its College of Consultors and Pastoral Council. The archdiocese aims to spread Christian teachings while addressing human needs across parishes throughout Kentucky.
