Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Priests of the Archdiocese of Louisville gathered on May 5 at the Cathedral of the Assumption to honor 11 priests celebrating significant jubilees in 2025. The annual liturgy was led by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and included participation from the jubilarians, marking their 25th, 50th, and 70th anniversaries of ordination.

During the ceremony, Archbishop Fabre expressed gratitude for the priests' years of service and prayed for continued blessings upon them. Father Gary G. Davis, celebrating his golden jubilee, delivered a homily recounting his journey to priesthood. He shared how his aspirations shifted from wanting to be a history teacher to realizing a vocation in priesthood inspired by a "wondrous" priest he observed during Mass.

Father Davis spoke about overcoming doubts and eventually embracing his calling: “Somewhere along the line I quietly, calmly came to the conclusion this is what I want to do. This is what I want to be," he said.

The event also recognized other priests for their long-standing service:

- Father James E. Flynn celebrated 70 years since his ordination on March 26, 1955. His career includes roles as pastor and associate pastor at various churches and advocacy work for immigrant rights.

- Passionist Father Christopher Gibson marks 50 years since being ordained on December 20, 1975. Originally from Argentina, he has served globally including missions in India and leadership roles within his congregation.

- Father Robert L. Stuempel was ordained on May 24, 1975, with service spanning multiple parishes and roles within youth programs.

Celebrating their silver jubilees are:

- Father Jeffrey D. Gatlin was ordained on June 3, 2000, currently serving as pastor at St. Brigid Church in Vine Grove, Kentucky.

- Carmelite Father Thomason A. Jose serves as administrator of St. Martin of Tours Church in Flaherty after being ordained on December 27, 2000.

- Franciscan Father George M. Munjanattu serves as pastor of Holy Family Church after arriving in Louisville in 2015.

- Retired Father David W. Naylor has served numerous parishes throughout Kentucky during his career.

- Passionist Father Justin Nelson Alphonse was ordained on May 7, 2000, now leading St. Bernard Church.

- Father Joel Rogers serves as pastor of St. Helen Church in Glasgow after being ordained on June 10, 2000.

- Father John A. Schwartzlose serves as associate pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Church following his ordination on June 3, 2000.

This gathering highlighted decades of dedication by these clergy members within the Archdiocese.