Archbishop Shelton Fabre made his first official visit to the abbey on Aug. 5. He celebrated Mass and met with the brothers in Chapter afterward.

Pope Francis appointed Fabre to the post earlier this year. A Louisiana native, Fabre was installed on March 30. He is the Archdiocese of Louisville’s fifth archbishop and its 10th bishop.

Fabre succeeded Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, a longtime friend of the abbey who held the position since 2007. Kurtz retired in August on his 75th birthday.

During his welcome, Archbishop Fabre shared that his visit to Gethsemani coincided with the 33rd anniversary of his ordination – a happy occasion indeed. The monks were grateful for his visit and look forward to many happy returns. The brothers will continue to keep the archbishop in their prayers.