My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the Lord! I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2026! After years of hard work, dedication, commitment, and growth, our graduating seniors are celebrating an extraordinary achievement. As these young people look towards a hopeful future, I encourage you to support them in prayer.
Catholic education, grounded in faith and values, fosters comprehensive development — spiritual, intellectual, and moral. Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Catholic schools are “places where questions are not silenced, and doubt is not banished, but accompanied.” The graduates have been given the foundation to live out their faith, be good citizens, and make a positive difference in the world. Equipped with faith, knowledge, and values, the graduates are uniquely prepared to pursue their aspirations.
As these young people embark on the next stage of their lives, they will likely experience the joy of anticipation and uncertainty, in view of the unpredictability of life’s challenges. Our consistent support and encouragement are important as we continue to accompany them in this transition. We must follow the example of the Holy Father by encouraging our young people to use their voices and share their ideas, reminding them that their faith matters.
As bishop of this local church, I express sincere gratitude to our Catholic educators who have expressed an unwavering commitment to providing our young people with solid Catholic faith-formation and a well-rounded academic education which have prepared them for leadership and service in the Church and in society. Our administrators and staff are to be commended for creating a culture where these graduates could grow in their faith and deepen their respective relationships with Jesus Christ. Above all, we express heartfelt appreciation to the parents of these graduates for placing their trust in our Catholic Schools for the education and development of their children.
Join me in celebrating all of our high school and university graduates who have reached a significant milestone due to their accomplishments. May God bless them as they pursue their dreams, always keeping ever before them the love of Christ. May they keep their hearts open and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them with wisdom, courage, and love as they journey through life.
As we commend and congratulate the Class of 2026, know that I remain,
Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre
Archbishop of Louisville
