A brother's love

“The more you love, the more love you have to give. It’s the only feeling we have which is infinite … .”  Christina Westover was able to put into words the relationship I have with my brother, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. As the baby of the family my closest sibling both in age and as friends was, is and will forever be, Archbishop Fabre who I affectionately call “S.”

Our relationship growing up was the epitome of what Jesus intended when he instructed us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I vividly recall the many days we spent “playing store” in our parents’ home. We would gallivant around the house finding whatever treasures we could and with good courage, sell them back to our parents. During the tragic drowning death of our brother Luke “Tickie” Fabre III at the tender age of 20, I was a mere lad of eight years and “S” was only 10 years old. His servant heart was apparent then as he consoled me through what I thought was a never-ending nightmare. He assured me that God would bring security to us because through his son Jesus we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Archbishop Fabre continued to lead the family with a servant’s heart and the courage of a lion throughout his priestly ministry. To the world he is Archbishop Fabre, but to me, he is not only my archbishop but my “Big Brother S.” A big brother that continued to comfort and pray for not only me but the entire family during the loss of our second brother Clyde, our father Luke, our third brother Gerald, and our beloved mother, Theresa. Whether a short visit or a phone call, whenever I need him, he is always there. To hear him spread the Gospel of the Lord brings a forever smile to my face and to my heart. I know my parents are looking down on him right now saying, “We told you all “S” was not going to stay in Louisiana long. He is on his way across the ocean.” 

Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, better known as Lilo and Stitch, reminded the world that, “Ohana means family – no one gets left behind, and no one is ever forgotten.” Archbishop Fabre and I are both brothers by blood and brothers in Christ and no amount of distance this side of glory will ever keep us apart. He knows that I am only a phone call away. My father was a Ford man and so am I. I will jump in my Ford and travel this nation “to and fro” to get to my brother. When the road ends and the ocean begins, I will park my Ford, thank God for ships and airplanes (preferably ships), then board one of them and travel to the end of the earth to be with my brother if ever he needs me.

I am proud of everything my brother has accomplished, is accomplishing and will accomplish. My brother was featured in the world-renowned Jet Magazine, March 19, 2007, as the youngest bishop in the country. Yes, my brother has personally met the pope, traveled the world extensively, holds many prestigious titles and honors, but the most important thing that I am proudest of is the ability to call him my “Best Bud.”