By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 1/27/05)

"Make me holy, and make my diocese holy," Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde said at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More last week, paraphrasing St. John Vianney.

More than 150 people joined the bishop at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington to spend time with Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament.

"Each of you in the depths of your heart also asks, ‘Make me holy, and make my family holy,’" the bishop said. "We humbly and honestly acknowledge and admit we cannot make ourselves holy. Only God can do that, and He needs our free consent."

The Cathedral’s weekly holy hour was a little different last week. It was renamed a "Eucharistic Concert" and lasted nearly two hours instead of one.

Few noticed the extended period of time, though, as they enjoyed spending time in the presence of Christ and reflecting on the Blessed Sacrament while listening to the music of Irish Tenor Mark Forrest accompanied by the praise and worship group Vision.

But the evening was not about the music or being entertained. Interspersed with the musical selections were reflections on Christ’s life read by Father Matthew Zuberbueler, parochial vicar, and periods for silent meditation.

The last reflection was delivered by Bishop Loverde where he repeated many of Pope John Paul II’s words on this Year of the Eucharist.

"The Eucharist is the source of our life," the bishop quoted. "The Holy Father encourages us to cultivate a lively awareness about Christ’s presence.

"May we allow the Lord in His real presence to energize all that we are and we do. As we do, we shall become ever more the Church, where the Eucharist is the source and summit of Her entire life."

Forrest has already seen the success of the Eucharistic Concert in Chicago, New Jersey and Florida. He is currently working with about 40 parishes in the Diocese of Arlington to schedule events at local churches.