On the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Recaps what a blessing it was to attend the CALLED Conference and celebrate Mass for hundreds of young adults from throughout the diocese 
• Summarizes key points of his statement for National Migration Week
• Reflects on the joyful occasion of meeting the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew; read more about his recent apostolic visit to Falls Church

• Shares why October, when we observe both Respect Life Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is a sacred—and especially critical—time to renew our commitment to the dignity of every human life
  • Bishop Burbidge will be the principal celebrant and homilist for a Mass in Observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on October 4 at 4:30pm

• Conveys gratitude to all catechists for their dedication to forming children, teens, and adults in the Catholic faith

• Announces the launch of a new online educational platform, Porta Fidei
  • Access the premiere course Finding Jesus in the Gospels with Fr. John Riley

At the heart of our faith is the truth that we belong to one another. We are not isolated individuals, but members of God’s family—brothers and sisters in Christ. Each person is a gift, created in God’s image, entrusted to us for love and care.

When we honor the dignity of others, celebrate their unique talents, and lift them up in faith, we make visible the unity that God desires for his people. Our diversity—within the unity of the human family—reflects God’s creative love.

So today, may we be newly attentive to those around us: offering encouragement, extending compassion, and building one another up.

In doing so, we remind the world that true peace and joy are found when we live as one family, united in God’s love.

At the heart of our faith is the truth that we belong to one another. We are not isolated individuals, but members of God’s family—brothers and sisters in Christ. Each person is a gift, created in God’s image, entrusted to us for love and care.

When we honor the dignity of others, celebrate their unique talents, and lift them up in faith, we make visible the unity that God desires for his people. Our diversity—within the unity of the human family—reflects God’s creative love.

So today, may we be newly attentive to those around us: offering encouragement, extending compassion, and building one another up.

In doing so, we remind the world that true peace and joy are found when we live as one family, united in God’s love.

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to remind each other: you are not alone. If you are struggling, please know there is help, there is hope, and there are people who care. Don't delay, Reach out soon.

To friends and families: be present, listen without judgment, and notice when someone is hurting. A simple act of kindness can be life-saving.

Scripture tells us to “bear one another’s burdens”—because none of us are meant to walk alone. We are called to lift each other up, especially those who are suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally.

May we be a community that surrounds one another with compassion, hope, love and celebrate together the precious gift of life.

On the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Reflects on the one-year anniversary of the dedication of the new altar at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More; watch this brief recap  

• Shares how we can look to Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati for inspiration—and now intercession—as their canonizations near; learn more about the traits that unite the first two saints to be canonized by Pope Leo XIV  

• Reinforces why we can and should never underestimate the power of prayer in time of tragedy, while at the same time remaining ever vigilant in our approach to the security of our diocesan parishes and schools   

• Previews the 10th Annual Mass Honoring Military and First Responders taking place September 14 at 11 a.m. at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church  

• Reminds us of our unity in the one Body of Christ as we soon observe National Migration Week (September 22-28)  

• Promotes the release of the 2025 election resources from the Virginia Catholic Conference offering Catholics key information for the election season ahead

On Labor Day, we honor the dignity of work and the dignity of every worker. Whether in offices, fields, homes, or hospitals—the labor of every man and woman matters. Earnest labor builds families, strengthens communities, and shapes our world.

May Labor Day be more than a time of rest—may it also be a time for gratitude. Gratitude for those who work quietly behind the scenes.

The Lord worked with his hands, walked among the weary, and lifted up the burdened. He reminds us that every job done with love has immeasurable value in the eyes of God.

May we strive for fairness, justice, and respect in every workplace— and hold in prayer those who are unemployed or underemployed, that they may find meaningful opportunities and renewed hope.

Happy Labor Day.

Jesus says, “Give to the one who asks of you.” Our Lord challenges us to be loving and responsive to our brothers and sisters.

What our brothers and sisters ask of us are not usually material things. What others really ask of us are friendship and spiritual companionship. We owe one another our attention, compassion, forgiveness, respect, and quality time.

When we give of ourselves selflessly and sacrificially we give the most special gift of all. 

Ask God to transform our hearts and equip us to respond with love to those who need us. And when we give of ourselves to others, our Lord will use what we offer to them in miraculous ways.

On this episode, Bishop Burbidge speaks on:

• Invites all to join Pope Leo XIV in making Friday, August 22, a day of prayer and fasting for peace in all places torn apart by armed conflict

• Addresses the serious allegations that individuals at Fairfax County Public Schools arranged and funded abortions for minors without parental consent, as well as the proposed constitutional amendment in Virginia that would enshrine abortion as a fundamental right in our state

• Looks forward to celebrating Mass at the EWTN Family Celebration taking place August 30 in our diocese, and to Pope Leo XIV participating virtually at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) this fall

• Previews the 10th annual Appaloosa Festival taking place Labor Day Weekend

• Affirms parents’ role as the primary educators of their children, offering guidance for what students and parents alike should focus on to make this upcoming school year a success

• Shares how the Season of Creation is a beautiful opportunity to renew our commitment to being good stewards of the earth

• Offers practical ways to live more fully as Eucharistic people

A famous spiritual writer asked, “What is it you want to change? Your hair, your face, your body? Why? For God is in love with all of those things, and He might weep when they are gone.”

In a world full of pressure to be “someone else”, we are reminded that God delights in the person He created you to be. You are wonderfully made—unique, loved, and called for a purpose.

Do not spend your days wishing you were different. Rejoice in who you are. Trust that your worth is not measured by appearance or success, but by the love of the One who made you.

Embrace the truth: you are a beloved child of God and he cherishes you with a deep and everlasting love.

As a new school year approaches, students of all ages prepare to return to classrooms, sports fields, activities, and the rhythm of daily assignments. This is a season filled with promise and the responsibility to grow, learn, and mature.

Yet education is about more than academics. It's true purpose is to form the whole person—mind, heart, and soul.

Parents: you are the first and most important teachers of your children. What you teach at home—especially by your example—will shape the foundation for everything in your child’s life to come.

To all students: seek not only knowledge, but wisdom. Keep yourselves open to God and make time for studies as well as prayer.

May we all grow together in the goodness and wisdom that makes for a happy life.