Lexington honors Father Norman Fischer with annual day of remembrance

Family, friends, and city officials gather downtown to celebrate the late pastor's legacy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The City of Lexington has officially named July 29 as the annual Day of Remembering Father Norman Fischer.

On Monday, a crowd of those impacted by the late Father Norman Fischer gathered inside the Government Center in downtown Lexington to honor his memory, one year after his sudden passing on July 15, 2024.

“You would never realize the impact he’s made on people all over the United States, and the world, in our community,” said Rick Fischer, Father Norman’s brother. “I’m very proud and honored for this to be bestowed upon him year after year, forever and ever,” said Rick.

Father Norman served as pastor of Saint Peter Claver Church and was also the chaplain at Lexington Catholic High School. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton presented the formal proclamation declaring the new day of remembrance.

“And really and truly I can’t think of anyone else who fits this in perpetuity day better than Father Norman,” Gorton said. “This is a real blessing to be here with you, his family, and read this proclamation and to present it to you,” said Gorton.

Many who attended wore matching T-shirts or brought photos in tribute to Father Norman. Friends and family shared personal stories of the community figure’s impact.

“He was a great little brother,” said Rick Fischer. “I always tell everybody, he never met a stranger,” said Rick.

“I remember when we went on car rides together he always, he’d sing in the car and play a bunch of songs, and he’d always joke around with me,” said Father Norman’s niece. “I miss him so much and I miss my moments with him,” she said.

Additional events to honor his legacy are scheduled in the coming weeks, including a children’s book launch this Saturday and a gallery fundraiser on August 20, what would have been Father Norman’s birthday.