Walk Humbly

"Every life is cherished, chosen and sent...precious in the sight of God...chosen to live in intimate relationship with Him." In a first for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, a single Mass was used to honor both Respect Life Month and Disabilities Awareness Month at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Vienna Oct. 7. The merging of the two provided an opportunity for Bishop Michael F. Burbidge to highlight the Catholic Church’s teaching on the sanctity of all life — including those with special needs.

Hundreds of husbands and wives will gather this coming Sunday to publicly express their commitment, love and devotion to each other. Bishop Burbidge thanks our couples for their beautiful witness to this gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. May God bless them.

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop Burbidge explains the essential role lay people play in the Diocese. The Diocese is reviewing all clergy files and plans to publish a list of priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. A program within the Diocese for students with disabilities was honored nationally. The Diocese will host a retreat for people facing serious illnesses. The Synod of Bishops is happening now in Rome. October is Respect Life Month.

This week's 1-minute reflection from Bishop Burbidge on the Synod of Bishops in November, focusing on youth and young adults.

We are never alone, Bishop Burbidge reminds us. "God commands His angels to guard you wherever you go." Listen now to this comforting 1-minute reflection.

"It is only when we listen to someone's story, and when we share ours, that we can achieve greater unity that we long for and need." —Bishop Burbidge

Hurricane Florence’s fury killed 17 people. One of the hardest hit areas was Bishop Burbidge’s former Diocese in Raleigh, NC. He implores us to pray. Church leadership from the Vatican recently met with Pope Francis to discuss the sex abuse crisis. The Church in the U.S. prepares for V Encuentro. The Diocese will hold its first-ever conference to discuss ways we can combat opioid abuse. Bishop Burbidge recently announced the transfer of five priests from one parish to another. Bishop Burbidge shares why

Bishop Burbidge reminds us on this anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks: May we strive each day to be agents of peace, and may we never forget the heroes of September 11.

Hundreds of Appaloosa Music Festival attendees participated in the 9:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge at the Skyline Ranch Resort’s Clubhouse Stage in Front Royal Sept. 2. It is the fourth year for the annual three-day festival. “This festival, in a very real way, allows you to sing and proclaim the goodness of the Lord,” Bishop Burbidge said. The Mass served as the opener for a day of performances across the resort’s four stages, with more than 15 other groups performing Sunday

This Labor Day, we are reminded that workers are the backbone of our country. The Lord smiles on us when we work with the strength of His grace and love. Daily we give thanks for the fruit of our labor, and pray for the dignity of all who work.