Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz addresses crowd before political speeches begin.

(Fancy Farm, KY - August 2, 2014) - Owensboro Bishop William Medley came back at St. Jerome’s Parish for its annual first weekend of August fundraiser, again this year offering prayer before the main attraction.This year was a bit different for this small Catholic community of Fancy Farm. Bishop Medley brought along his boss, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville. Louisville is headquarters for all Catholic churches in Kentucky. He came to see for himself the rowdiest political event in Kentucky.

The Archbishop was taking the crowds and confusion in stride. He told us that he is excited to see the “exercise of citizenship” that showing up for the political stump speak is.

When asked about his role as President of the U. S. Conference of Bishops, Kurtz said that the role of the Conference is for dioceses to support each other. When there is an issue of national importance, Kurtz said that Conference “acts as one.”

Issues like the “poorest and forgotten” bring unified action. The Archbishop said that the Conference is also interested in human life “from conception to natural death.”

In his remarks, the Archbishop said that in preparing for his visit, he looked up the word “commonwealth.” “Kentucky is a Commonwealth and that the common good is the primary concern.”

He urged that a good citizen of this Commonwealth of Kentucky should be free- that includes free to serve. “America is at her best,” he said, “ when people of good will bring their moral convictions to the common arena.”

Referring to this year’s off the stage song, Kurtz joked he had preached many a sermon, but none had ended with “Time is on My Side” the Rolling Stones hit. The song is played loudly when a speaker goes over their allotted time.

Whether it was the urging of the Archbishop to disagree agreeably or a significantly increased police presence, the 5000 crammed into and around the pavilion were noticeably less boisterous than in prior years.