Walk Humbly

On Columbus Day, we reflect on the spirit of exploration that led Christopher Columbus to set sail more than 500 years ago. Arriving ashore in the Americas in 1492, he opened a passageway to a new world and carried with it a desire to share the Christian faith.

As Americans, we give thanks for the blessing of living in "one nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". Our national unity, under God's divine protection, is reflected in our nation's motto: e pluribus unum, "out of many, one".

Together, may we grow in shared loved for our national past and look with hopefulness toward our future. And may we reflect on how to deepen our unity as brothers and sisters who live together in harmony, forging a new and beautiful chapter in our national history.

Our latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:

• Comments on Pope Leo's XIV anticipated first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te ("I have loved you") on caring for the poor and encourages us to read the document in full

• Expands upon his column in the Arlington Catholic Herald what the Catholic Church teaches on migration: "We don't tire of doing the work of welcoming the stranger in our midst…. [for] in doing so we welcome Christ"

• Shares why news of the recent FDA approval of a new generic version of the chemical abortion drug, mifepristone, is deeply troubling and thus a call to prayer and action

• Recaps some of the central messages of his homily from the recent Mass for Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

• Offers perspective on awards and honors for Catholic politicians; read his statement

• Celebrates the 230th anniversary of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria, inviting all parishioners to gratitude and renewal; see the coverage

• Explains why the message of Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli tutti — published five years ago — remains relevant today; read his statement

• Encourages the faithful to renew their commitment to pray the Rosary daily this month for peace, echoing the invitation of the Holy Father; learn more

As autumn arrives, the air cools, the days shorten, and the leaves fall. The season is a reminder that life itself is always in motion. The question is: as the leaves change, will we?

God invites us to see change not with fear, but with hope. Each new season holds the promise of growth, renewal, and grace. Just as trees let go of their leaves, perhaps this is the time to release our burdens, forgive old hurts, or open ourselves to new possibilities.

Fall also invites us to gratitude—for harvest, for family, for the beauty all around us. And during change, we discover God's steady presence, guiding us forward.

May this season inspire you to embrace change with courage, trust, and the hope that God makes all things new.

Yes, it is still baseball season, and the playoffs are here!

The pursuit of victory and thrill of achievement are good things we all strive for—on the field, at work, and in life. Although winning rightly excites us, it is the way we play that defines who we are. The effort, discipline, teamwork, and even setbacks all play a role in helping us grow.

Life works the same way. Success is important, but the way we live each day—how we serve God, treat others, and live with integrity—matters even more.

So, as you cheer for your favorite team, take a moment to reflect on the daily "innings" of life that allow you to put forth your best self and to win what matters most: the favor of God!

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.