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November 6, 2013
The new shepherd of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has been presented his staff.
“I am delighted to be here and begin this new journey with the faithful in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux,” said Bishop Shelton Fabre, new leader of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “Thank you for taking the time to be a part of this celebration. What a blessing it is for me to be called to serve here in this wonderful diocese. I express great gratitude to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.”
Fabre was installed as bishop last Wednesday at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma as 25 archbishops and bishops, one abbot and hundreds of parishioners looked on. Fabre’s mother, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and several other family members also attended the installation, and the new bishop thanked them for their continued love and support.
“I know that you are the right person for this diocese,” said previous bishop Sam Jacobs, who retired after 10 years as bishop of the diocese. “I want to thank the diocese for its love and support, and all it has done for me.”
“I want to also thank in a very special way Bishop Sam Jacobs for his faithful service here in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux,” Fabre said. “Thank you, Bishop Jacobs, and God bless you as you move into retirement. We look forward to your continued presence and ministry here with us.”
Fabre, a native of New Roads, was first ordained a priest in 1989 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, and he previously served as auxiliary bishop of New Orleans. He is one of only 10 active African-American bishops in the United States and is the eighth youngest bishop in the country.
In the last month, Fabre has prepared for the task ahead by meeting with many of the diocese’s priests, the chancery staff and the seminarians of Houma-Thibodaux, and he recalled a humorous moment from his meeting with the seminarians.
“I was playfully asked by one seminarian if I planned after my arrival here to take a pirogue ride down the bayou, just as Pere Menard had probably often done when he first brought the faith to this immediate area,” Fabre said. “I was intrigued by this invitation to root myself in the rich, wonderful Catholic history of this area by reenacting the travels of Pere Menard, a pioneer of the faith in this area. Planted in my mind in this manner, I must admit that as I have been driving along the bayous in my initial ventures into the diocese, I actually envisioned Pere Menard, Father Souby, another pioneer in faith, and our other ancestors in faith traveling in the area as best they could to bring the presence and comfort of the church to so many.”
During the installation, Archbishop Carlo Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read a letter from Pope Francis appointing Fabre to the Houma-Thibodaux diocese. Next, he and Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans escorted Fabre to the cathedra, the chair from which he will serve as teacher of the church. Aymond also presented Fabre with a crozier, his shepherd’s staff.
In his first act as bishop, Fabre told the congregation how he will adhere to his personal motto, “Comfort My People,” by bringing the Lord’s presence to situations such as resolving challenges to peace and religious freedom in the world.
“Indeed, what a blessing to join together as individuals and as the church in Houma-Thibodaux to respond in trust to God’s call to go out into the deep,” Fabre said. “We can therefore expect the miraculous blessings promised to those who recognize that what is needed is not always expertise, but rather simple, trusting faith.
“I promise to listen to the call that the Lord God gives to me with and through you, and to respond to the very best of my ability. I am truly grateful and excited about this call to serve you as your bishop.”
Bishop Shelton Fabre, new leader of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, reads at mass. Fabre was installed last week.
