On the feast of St. Thomas More and at his namesake cathedral in Arlington, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass June 22, and preached about the beauty of living courageously and fearlessly for the gift of religious freedom.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge urged the faithful to look toward the diocesan patron, St. Thomas More, as an example of strength and serenity. “He lived his faith and did not compromise it; he followed his well-informed conscience and did not violate it; he loved his country; but remained God’s servant first, even to the point of embracing martyrdom,” he said.
The saint’s example serves as a reminder that we are all God’s servants, Bishop Burbidge said, emphasizing the importance of spreading the faith especially amidst the current age of persecution. In a world where dangers are prevalent and religious freedom is threatened, the faithful must remain strong despite the costs of being “falsely labeled, ridiculed and even persecuted.”
Bishop Burbidge further emphasized the need to protect the unborn and the sanctity of marriage, as well as to reject policies that advocate against “these beautiful gifts.” He said: “As faithful citizens, nothing can deter us for, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, we are either for him or against him. If we live our faith without compromise, we build a stronger society.” Bishop Burbidge echoed the words of Pope Leo XIV, who called religious liberty the cornerstone of any just society.
