Born: March 30, 1947
Ordained: May 26, 1973
Died: July 23, 2020
Reverend Robert M. Abel, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, died on July 23, 2020, at the age of 73. Father Abel, born in Louisville, was baptized at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, in Louisville Kentucky, and attended Our Mother of Sorrows and Saint Helen elementary schools, and Saint Thomas Seminary for high school and college. He attended major seminary at Mount Saint Mary’s of the West, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Father Abel was ordained a priest on May 26, 1973. Father served as Pastor of Saint Mary, Louisville, and Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, Payneville and Saint Theresa, Rhodelia; Associate Pastor of Saint Stephen Martyr, Saint Denis (where he also served as Pro-tempore), Saint Lawrence, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Polycarp; Administrator of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton; and Chaplain of Angela Merici High School, Bishop David High School, Holy Cross High School, Holy Rosary Academy, and Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Newman Council.
Father Abel was preceded in death by his father and mother, Louis F. and Dorothy (Martin) Abel. He is survived by his two sisters, Carol and Mary Lou, and several nieces and nephews.
Father’s funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2020, at Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi Church, 110 Highway 376, Payneville. Archbishop Kurtz will preside. Father will be buried in the priests’ section at Calvary Cemetery following Mass.
Public visitation is 2:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday at Saint Theresa, 9245 Rhodelia Road, Payneville, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., led by Deacon Greg Beavin, and 9:00-10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, facemasks must be worn and visitors during busy periods may be asked to wait until others leave before entering. No food or beverages may be sent or shared at this time.
