This past weekend, we celebrated the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the United States, a remembrance instituted by Pope Francis three years ago. This year’s theme was: “His mercy is from age to age.” Pope Francis reminds us that grandparents and the elderly “are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young.” Commit to making time to remember your grandparents and the elderly, both living and deceased. Follow the path they so unselfishly charted. Always be grateful for their wisdom, gained over their many years, and the role models they have been for you. Most importantly, ensure that your grandparents and elderly friends know the love you have for them and pray that God may bestow his enduring peace upon them.

This week, we celebrate Labor Day, which honors workers who have given of their time, talents and efforts to build a better community, country and world. Many of the privileges that we enjoy—and for which we are so grateful—have their foundation in the tireless commitment of the men and women who strive each day to improve the lives of others. Pope Francis reminds us that “work is an essential component of human life, and even the path of sanctification.” We should always remember the ultimate purpose of our work: to praise God and to serve one another. May we also pray for those who are unemployed or underemployed and ask God to grant them the dignity of work, a just wage and the satisfaction of achievement.

If we are attentive and vigilant, we can notice good qualities and virtues others possess and find ways to compliment and encourage them. Without this thoughtfulness, it is tempting to focus only on their flaws and limitations, which may lead to a lack of charity. Such diversion keeps us from examining our own lives and recognizing what needs to be changed with the grace of God. We should spend our energy participating in the Lord’s call to ongoing conversion within ourselves. At the same time, may we build up others by lifting their spirits and helping them recognize their potential. By doing so, we serve as an example for others rather than their judge. Living in this way will help us grow daily in the virtues of kindness and humility.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Invites us to pray for our students as they begin a new school year 
• Shares why it is vital to pray for those struggling with their mental health
  • Attend the Day of Prayer for Mental Health at All Saints in Manassas, with Mass celebrated by Bishop Burbidge at 11 a.m. this Saturday, August 26
• Expresses grave concerns regarding some local public school districts rejecting the model policies of the Virginia Department of Education
  • Read Bishop’s Catechesis on the Human Person and Gender Ideology
• Affirms how our renovated cathedral will reflect the Diocese’s diverse cultural representation 
  • Attend the Marian Procession & Mass for Multicultural Communities this Friday, August 25
• Spotlights the upcoming Season of Creation taking place from September 1 to October 4 that opens with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 
• Gives advice and encouragement to those who are struggling with work

Bishop also answers the following question from the faithful:

• I found it nothing short of a miracle that the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Maui was unscathed by the wildfires but the surrounding area was in ruins. What were your thoughts on this? 

As we see summer coming to an end, we begin the anticipated “back to school” season. Whether it be a child walking into the first day of kindergarten or a college student saying goodbye to family, we celebrate our young people and pray for their success in the coming months. Each new school year is a new beginning—a new opportunity provided by God to encounter uncharted blessings. We hope that all students embarking on a new school year are filled with confidence and rejoice in their gifts and talents as they focus on schoolwork and extracurricular activities. And may we pray for all parents and teachers, that they will be blessed with the wisdom and strength to be a continued source of guidance and support for their children and for their students.

We are taught that the opposite of love is hate, but we could also argue that it is indifference. People choosing to be uncaring to others is one reason our world is filled with such challenges and division. Yet when we witness an act of love, it pierces this darkness and reminds us of the good that exists in our world. A parent courageously confronts their child about an addiction; a classmate convinces a friend to stop being a bully; a long-awaited vacation is cancelled to care for a sick relative. These actions become rays of light that permeate a culture of apathy. Commit to finding a moment to share kindness with someone in your life. For you may never know how much your love and compassion can lift-up, encourage, and transform others.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Shares highlights from the diocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day, which took place earlier this month in Lisbon, Portugal with the Holy Father 
• Explains why he visits monasteries and convents in the diocese annually
• Describes what the Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders is and the role it plays in seminarian formation 
• Relays words of encouragement to those preparing to go back to school this fall 
• Recaps the joyful experience of getting to visit and celebrate Mass at the headquarters of the United States Coast Guard recently

Bishop also answers the following questions from the faithful: 

• Do you have any advice for students about to head into their first year of college?
• What would you consider your “go-to” spiritual reading? Are there any particular saints’ writings or authors you especially like? 

It is easy to find joy and humor in our lives when we feel content and in control. However, when we are struggling or going through a period of suffering in our lives, it can be difficult to see any light through the darkness. Thus, in times of distress, it is especially important to ask God for the opportunity to smile, to laugh, and to allow a degree of levity in life when circumstances permit. Pope Francis shared that he prays every day for a sense of humor. He does so because, as he says, it “lifts you up, it shows you life is short and to take things in the spirit of a redeemer.” So, whenever possible, make the effort to smile, to laugh, and to be happy…and to rejoice in the Lord—always!

We often find ourselves admiring the special talents we see in others yet sometimes we fail to see our own unique abilities. Perhaps your friend is a passionate musician, your sibling has a special skill, or your colleague is the most outgoing person in any room. Occasionally, admiration can turn into envy and discontentment. It is useless to spend time wishing we had the talents that others possess. For every gift you see in another, a different one shines through you! Therefore, take joy in your unique personality and the gifts God has bestowed upon you. Because it is your uniqueness that makes you the person who God meant you to be and allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The Bible tells us that when we ask the Lord for help, he answers. Sometimes, he does so by using others as his instruments. So, when you go through a difficult time in life, know that you are never alone. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help from those you trust. The Lord has placed people in your life to stand by your side through any hardship. In turn, be generous with providing help and support to your loved ones and friends—whatever you have to offer! Ask the Lord for the courage and humility to ask for assistance when you need it, for the strength and compassion to support others when they are struggling, and the wisdom to know your faith will guide you through any trial or tribulation.