Father Evrard Muhoza ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre ordained the Archdiocese of Louisville’s newest priest on May 30 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville. Father Evrard Muhoza, 27, pledged his obedience and made his priestly promises during the two-hour liturgy Saturday morning.

Urging Father Muhoza to reflect “Jesus’ love in all that you do,” Archbishop Fabre offered encouragement and guidance.

‘By abiding in the Lord and extending the love of Jesus Christ to all, the fruit of your priesthood will bear pastoral charity, which is always ready when needed to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’

— Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre

“Evrard, in your priestly ministry to the sick and the marginalized, to the elderly and to the young, to the rich and to the poor, at the hospital and in the school yard, in your ministry to the saint and to the sinner, you must embrace, exemplify, and show forth this command to love all as Jesus has loved us,” the archbishop said during his homily. “By abiding in the Lord and extending the love of Jesus Christ to all, the fruit of your priesthood will bear pastoral charity, which is always ready when needed to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Archbishop Fabre thanked Father Muhoza’s family and friends for encouraging his vocation. And, quoting Pope Leo XIV, he offered Father Muhoza and all priests in attendance some advice.

“ ‘In the communities where you will be sent, the Risen One is already present, and many have already followed him commendably,’ ” the archbishop quoted from an ordination homily given by Pope Leo. “ ‘You will encounter people who will direct you to him. These communities will help you to become saints.’ ”

Archbishop Fabre elaborated, “Pope Leo’s words serve as a humble reminder that you are joining those you serve on their journey with the Lord, and are sent to strengthen their already existing relationship with the living one. Pope Leo goes on to say that the faithful will also direct the priest … to Jesus Christ and help them to become saints. 

“Evrard, this spiritual gift given to you by the communities you will serve as a priest will only be possible if you do not give in to the temptation of clericalism and remain humbly receptive to all that God wants to teach you through those whom you serve,” he said.

Father Muhoza, who is originally from the central African country of Burundi, was joined at the liturgy by his family and friends, some of whom traveled from Africa for the ordination. 

The liturgy blended traditional hymns accompanied by organ with harmonies and language from Burundi, with some hymns, the responsorial psalm and a reading in the Kurundi language.

Father Muhoza has been assigned to serve as parochial vicar (a role formerly known locally as associate pastor) of St. Patrick Church in Eastwood.