Bishop Shelton Fabre, Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, was welcomed to Notre Dame Seminary on Friday, September 27. Bishop Fabre, who is the Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, offered his personal reflections to the seminarians regarding the USCCB document called, “Open Wide Our Hearts – The Enduring Call to Love: A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.” In his reflection, Bishop Fabre outlined the USCCB’s attempts to curb racism in the church and society, from as early as the 1950’s, and continuing into the present day. Following this, Bishop Fabre answered questions from the seminarian community, prior to celebrating Mass.
During his remarks, Bishop Fabre stated: “Racism is never an easy topic to talk about…We continue to struggle with racism in our church, country, world, and in our hearts…My hope is that we model what we want to see – respectful dialogue and conversation about racism.” One of the most important points he raised is that the church’s teaching on the sin of racism is really part of our social teaching about the respect and dignity of human life. He also said that it is necessary for the formation of future priests to include opportunities for us to grow in cultural awareness, sensitivity, and the dignity of others who are different from ourselves. Notre Dame Seminary is grateful for Bishop Fabre’s presentation and his leadership in the fight against the sin of racism.
For more information on the USCCB’s work combating the sin of racism you may visit USCCB.org/racism
