Walk Humbly

March is Women’s History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements of women, including those as widely known such as St. Teresa of Calcutta, as well as those transforming hearts and lives every day. From St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S. saint and co-patroness of our diocese, to Rosa Parks, who showed us the true face of courage, to the countless women who strive to make our homes, our communities, and our country a better place. As we honor those women who had a significant role in our rich history, and those publicly memorialized, we also remember those who make history through selfless devotion and humble sacrifice. They make all of our lives better simply by how they live theirs, in imitation of Jesus and his Blessed Mother. May they continue to make history!

On this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Responding to the ongoing violence in Ukraine, and prayers for peace
• The failure of the “Women’s Health Protection Act” in Congress underscores the importance of staying engaged and informed politically
• Reflections on Lent in advance of Ash Wednesday
• Congratulations to St. Paul VI Catholic High School’s boys basketball team on winning the WCAC Championship

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• What is the difference between the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and “last rites”?
• Is the Diocese planning to assist Ukrainian refugees in a similar manner to how we assisted refugees from Afghanistan?

This week we have the great privilege to begin our Lenten journey, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter. And it is indeed a privilege to be called to a conversion of heart as we seek to follow the will of Christ more faithfully. Our prayer should include silence, to let the Lord speak to us. Fasting reminds us that the things of this world can never satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst. Almsgiving allows us to share selflessly our resources with those in need. Pope Francis says: “Let us not allow this season of grace to pass in vain! Let us ask God to help us set out on a path of true conversion.” Stay focused. Pray. Fast. Be generous, and have a blessed Lenten season.

One of the great attributes about our country is our ability to come together in times of disaster, emergency and crisis. In the last year alone we have witnessed wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and a persistent pandemic, all of which have had unimaginable effects, cost lives and livelihoods, and wrought devastation and disaster. But we should ask ourselves: why does it often take a crisis for Americans to be unified? It is my prayer that we, as a nation, can commit to making empathy and concern for our neighbors and brothers and sisters a part of our daily lives. A crisis should simply strengthen our resolve and unity; not create it. Let us pray that we can develop a proactive instinct and live in greater harmony.

Another Pro Football Championship has been decided. While one city rejoices and celebrates an incredible win, another city deals with the disappointment of what could have been. Success and failure; victory and defeat. During our lifetime we too face these realities. There will be triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow. And depending on which we encounter, we accept the good with gratitude and appreciation for God’s blessing; and accept our burdens with humility and with trust that God will lead us through them. Remember, Jesus Christ embraced the suffering of the Cross. It was through his suffering and death that he triumphed in the Resurrection, leading him, and us, to the ultimate victory.  He wants us to join his team—to follow him—and enjoy a victory like no other in heaven.

On this week’s episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast:

• In commemoration of the diocesan Golden Jubilee in 2024, the Cathedral of St. Thomas More will undergo a major renovation
• Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently signed into law a bill making masks in schools a parent’s decision
• Two vital pro-life bills are currently before the Virginia Senate. How to make your voice heard with your senators
• Bishop Burbidge shares updates on the Traditional Latin Mass, after consulting with priest advisors in the Diocese
• Common threads from recent Synod listening sessions

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• As a mom of four kids under 8, I don’t feel welcome at Mass or adoration because it is hard for my kids to stay still and quiet. Is there anything parents like me can do to feel more connected, because Mass is so difficult for all of us?
• I understand St. Katharine Drexel Church in Haymarket is breaking ground on a new building soon. What is the process for a Catholic community to request and receive a new church?

February 8theach year marks the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. The U.S. State Department estimates that nearly 25 million persons worldwide could be victims of human trafficking. Examples of human trafficking include forced labor, domestic servitude, and various forms of abuse. It is beyond comprehension that anyone can be subjected to such evil; such horror. But it happens every day around the world. It is reported that human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise, trailing only the illegal drug trade. The average age of trafficked individuals is between 14 and 16, and less than one percent of victims are ever identified. United in prayer, may we work together for the eradication of human trafficking.

On this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Last week Bishop Burbidge visited the diocesan mission in Bánica, Dominican Republic. He shares his reflections on the trip.
• How the Diocese is celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
• An opportunity to continue the pro-life momentum in Virginia at Defending Life Day in Richmond Feb. 9.
• Updates on the diocesan synodal process

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• What are your Super Bowl predictions: Bengals or Rams?
• Fellowship is a strong part of my college’s Catholic Campus Ministry, but I feel my prayer life is weak. How do we balance fellowship and personal prayer?

This week is Catholic Schools Week, and it offers an opportunity to recognize alleducators who are so important in the lives of children and young adults. We know that in these times, teaching encompasses more than just delivering content.  As parent partners, teachers assume the responsibility of a child’s emotional, social, and academic progress while children are in their care.  In addition, they respond with agility and creativity to factors such as ever evolving technology, social emotional challenges and cultural strife that impact student learning.  If COVID has taught us anything, it is that our educators are heroes.  Whether in-person or virtual, pre-school, elementary, high school or beyond, teachers educate their students with dedication and resolve. We are ever grateful for their vocation and pray that God grants them the grace to teach with enthusiasm, compassion, and clarity.  

One of the confounding puzzles of life is our impatience. Whether it is our need to be first in line, frustration while waiting for a stop light that takes too long, or agonizing delays on the tarmac, we are a nation that simply does not want to wait. We may get angry, upset, or even resentful. Our spiritual lives can have the same tendency—to expect God to work in our lives faster and on our terms. But the pace is not ours to decide. Our earthly journey is set to God’s time. Jesus once cured a woman who was incapable of standing for 18 years. We can never lose hope in the Lord’s power to heal us and transform our lives…but in his time, not ours. Therefore, pray for the grace to persevere and alwaysto be patient in faith.