Archbishop Fabre urges service and unity at Chrism Mass in Louisville
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre called on the faithful to dedicate themselves to service during the Chrism Mass held March 31 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville.
The annual liturgy, celebrated each Tuesday of Holy Week, brought together hundreds of attendees including more than 150 priests, deacons, seminarians, religious men and women, and lay people from across the Archdiocese of Louisville. The event is significant as it highlights themes central to Catholic worship and community life.
During his homily, Archbishop Fabre said that the Chrism Mass “invites us into the painful and yet glorious mystery of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” He explained that Jesus’ self-emptying serves as a model for all: “This pouring out on the part of Jesus is a very rich image for us to reflect on as we gather to celebrate…and to consider what the oils we bless invite us to pray about and put into practice in our lives.”
Fabre blessed olive oil for use as oil of catechumens and oil of the sick while consecrating sacred chrism mixed with balsam. These oils will be used throughout parishes over the next year for sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, ordination, anointing of the sick, and church dedications. He told those present that these actions “reflect Jesus’ own pouring out of himself,” emphasizing their role in every stage of Christian life.
Addressing various groups—priests, deacons (and their wives), religious men and women, seminarians, lay ministers, and all laity—Fabre urged each group to pour themselves out in service according to their vocation. He cautioned priests against egotism or clericalism: “People look to us … in all aspects of our lives to be examples of Jesus Christ… We are to pour out ourselves as servant leaders.” To deacons he said they should show justice and mercy; he thanked wives for their support; he encouraged seminarians not just toward a career but a life shaped by Christ; he told lay ministers they are central participants rather than spectators.
He also addressed ongoing changes within local parishes through an ongoing Pastoral Planning Process which may include closures or mergers. Fabre described this process as “both challenging and hope-filled,” saying it would ultimately lead “to new life and renewed commitment.”
The Archdiocese promotes spiritual development through ministries supporting outreach efforts according to its official website. It maintains archives safeguarding historical documents from its institutions according to its official website. The archdiocese aligns with Roman Catholic Church governance according to its official website under guidance from consultative groups like the College of Consultors according to its official website, provides pastoral care across central Kentucky parishes according to its official website, aims at spreading Gospel values while advancing justice according to its official website.
Concluding his homily with a prayer for unity among clergy and laity alike—”May we all continue…to becoming a church here in the Archdiocese…where [Christ] is encountered…poured out in love”—Fabre expressed hope that transformation through sacramental grace would make local communities signs “of unity and an instrument of God’s peace.”
