By Linda Busetti
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 1/24/02)
Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde (pictured at right) visited St. Joseph Parish last Sunday to celebrate Mass in his pastoral role, expressing his desire to be among his people.
"Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest" rang out from the choir to the rafters of the almost 100-year-old church as the congregation clapped along.
In his homily, Bishop Loverde said, "As members of God’s people, we are given a mission. … We must let Him use us to be instruments of His glory and bearers of His light …. Where do we fulfill our mission? …Keep your eyes and your hearts fixed on Jesus."
Bishop Loverde asked the congregation to pray for Pope John Paul II and representatives of various faiths scheduled to meet in Assisi Jan. 23-24 to work for the advancement of peace.
"Tomorrow our nation observes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life ended by violence," Bishop Loverde said. "Violence is so prevalent in our culture … Violence is overcome day by day, choice by choice, person by person. … We ensure that the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., toward eliminating racial inequality and injustice were not in vain and neither was his death."
Dr. King was remembered in the offertory hymn, "Keep the dream alive, We will have the victory, Just keep the dream alive."
At the close of Mass, Bishop Loverde thanked the gospel choir, which is led by Eugene Harper. "I just love being here," Bishop Loverde said. "This diocesan Church of Arlington is blessed by the rich diversity of its people…." And the rest of the diocese is "buoyed up by the spirit you bring, the faith and love. Your songs are so much from the heart," Bishop Loverde said. "I treasure very much the great richness you bring all of us."
Copyright ©2002 Arlington Catholic Herald. All rights reserved.
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