Walk Humbly

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I invite you to reflect its national theme this year: Community.

Saint Paul reminds us that we are one body in Christ. When someone we love suffers, we suffer too. Mental health struggles can feel isolating, but hope and healing are truly possible, especially when we entrust ourselves to Gods infinite love and saving prayers.

In our homes, communities, schools, and neighborhoods, may we nurture a spirit of empathy and presence to one another. Be attentive. Pray. Share encouragement. Together, with God's grace, we can ensure no one feels alone.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, remember: you are not alone. They are there for you, and the Lord is in your midst, the one who transforms distress to peace; suffering to glory.

On this episode, Bishop Burbidge shares what he has in common with Pope Leo XIV, what he has learned about the Holy Father and heard from the faithful of the diocese since our new pope was elected. He also offers a pastoral reflection on what inspiration we can glean from this papal election.

What if love, not hate, was our first response? What if we prayed for those who hurt us, gave without holding back, and showed mercy instead of judgment?

Jesus said: "Love your enemies. Pray for those who mistreat you. Give to everyone who asks of you. Stop judging. Stop condemning. Be merciful."

Imagine the transformation—our homes filled with peace, our nation strengthened by compassion, our world healed by grace.

It is not easy, but with God's help, it is possible. And it starts with us—right here, right now. One act of love. One prayer. One moment of grace.

May we all take that step together today. With God's grace, we can each do our part to bring light into the darkness.

"With profound gratitude to Almighty God, I join the universal Church in thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV. As the Bishop of Rome and Successor of Saint Peter, our Holy Father is for the entire world the visible principle of Christian unity. I encourage everyone in our families, parishes and schools to offer prayers, sacrifices and works of charity for Pope Leo XIV and his intentions.

As Bishop of Arlington, I invite all the faithful to join me for a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV, which will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More on Monday, May 12 at 12:05PM. This Mass of Thanksgiving will also be available via livestream, for those unable to attend in person. Through this celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we can support our Holy Father in a special way, asking Almighty God to grant that he may always bear witness to the truth, joy, and beauty of the Gospel with courage, steadfastness, and wisdom.

United in prayer for Pope Leo XIV, may we ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen him daily with divine grace in order that he may bring the light of faith and the unchanging and life-giving word of God to the challenges of our times. Likewise, may our Holy Father be for the Church and the world a sign of hope and an instrument of the peace and merciful love of Jesus Christ.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for our Holy Father and guide us all in fidelity to her Son, our Savior." - Bishop Michael Burbidge

On this episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Invites the faithful to pray for the cardinals as they enter the Conclave

• Reacts to the "Pope Trump" meme posted by the White House over the weekend

• Applauds Governor Youngkin for vetoing dangerous legislation that threatened life, religious liberty, and parental rights while expressing deep concern over the governor's approval of HB 1609 (IVF & embryo banking)

• Supports the creation of the White House's Religious Liberty Commission and encourages collaboration

• Condemns the new Washington state confession law requiring clergy to break the seal of confession and praises Bishop Daly's defense of the sacrament: "Even to the point of going to jail"

Have a story of hope you would like to share? Text your message or leave a voicemail: 703-778-9100

This Sunday, as we celebrate Mother's Day, we honor the women who have given us life, love, and the courage to grow.

Mothers, godmothers, and spiritual mothers reflect the very heart of God—nurturing life, forming souls, and offering love that is selfless, steadfast, and strong. In their sacrifices, we see the Cross. In their tenderness, the love of Christ. In their faith, the quiet power that builds the Church.

Today, we give thanks for every woman who has poured out her life so that others might flourish in hope and holiness.

Whether near or far, here or remembered in heaven, we celebrate you on this Joyous day. And we lift up in prayer all women who guide, protect, and lead with grace. May you be surrounded by peace and gratitude.

Want to share an inspiring message of hope? Call or text us at 703-778-9100!

This Holy Year, Bishop Burbidge is encouraging us to be mindful of the many signs of hope around us and to share that hope with others. By calling the Holy Year Hope Hotline you can share your story and the gift of hope with listeners throughout our diocese.

As spring begins, we welcome a season of new life and fresh beginnings—both in nature and in our hearts. The blooming flowers, fresh air, and longer days remind us of God's beauty and grace, calling us to pause, give thanks, and embrace His creation with joy, and may renew our promise to be good stewards of this gift.

Just as nature awakens after the stillness of winter, we, too, are invited to renewal. Let us cast off what burdens us. Move away from all behaviors not of God; and receive the hope that awaits us in Christ.

This spring, may our faith grow stronger, our love deepen, and our hearts be made new in the radiant light of God's love.

On this special episode, Bishop Burbidge and diocesan Chancellor Msgr. Paul deLadurantaye:

• Share personal memories with the Holy Father in Rome

• Discuss his legacy as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church

• Explain what is happening in the days leading up to the Holy Father's funeral, and what happens afterwards to elect his successor

• Offers thoughts on what we—the faithful—should do now and in the days to come

Children are precious gifts—in whom the Lord lives and dwells. They smile, they dream, they teach us how to love with open hearts and childlike trust.

But not every child knows safety. Abuse leaves scars that can last a lifetime—wounds that silence joy and steal hope.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—an opportunity to renew our sacred commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us from every form of abuse.

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington stands united with leaders across our communities to say: every child deserves safety, love, and support. Their lives are sacred and protecting them is our common mission.

Let us come together—in prayer and in action—for the safety of all God's children.

Because when we love and protect children, we serve their Creator.