Our Lady of Lourdes has served as a beacon of hope and faith in the St. Matthews community for decades. It grieves me deeply to witness the decline of a place so many call home since our pastor began his term. Upon his appointment, his leadership led to the loss of significant funding from the Capital Campaign. This financial setback has strained our church’s resources and diminished its capacity to serve parishioners effectively. Even more concerning, loyal parishioners who have been pillars of our church for years have chosen to leave due to the changes and environment created under current leadership.

However, the gravest concern is the recent allegations of sexual assault by a staff member under our pastor's leadership, per WHAS 11 News. Such actions are not only legally reprehensible but morally destructive, standing against the core values that Our Lady of Lourdes, the Archdiocese, and the broader Catholic Church uphold. These allegations demand a thorough investigation and swift action to restore trust and integrity within our community.

Our Lady of Lourdes has been a nurturing ground for countless individuals, including myself, for whom Our Lady of Lourdes is a parish community and alma mater that instills values of respect, community, and love. I attended OLOL from kindergarten until I graduated 8th grade in 2020, and I have served our parish as a lector, as a member of the Outreach Committee, and as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School as an alumna. This behavior tarnishes the Lourdes legacy our parish community fights for and its longstanding positive impact.

We call upon the Archdiocese of Louisville to take immediate action to remove our pastor from his position. This is not merely about addressing past grievances but about safeguarding the future of our community. By taking this decisive step, the Archdiocese can begin the process of healing and reclaiming the trust of parishioners.

I urge you to join me in this call for justice and accountability. Sign this petition and help ensure that our church remains a pillar of strength, support, and moral guidance. #OURLourdes