Catholics seeking healing and community filed into St. Philip Church in Falls Church for the first Pilgrimage of Grace Mass June 25.
The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, was intended to bring comfort and peace for those struggling with adversity in their lives, particularly victims of abuse. The Mass was the first in a series running through October that also honors the Franciscan Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reminded the faithful that the church must do more when it comes to accompanying and helping victims and survivors. “Dear friends, our prayers are powerful, but they are not enough,” he said. “They also must be matched with action, with a loving response.”
As a diocesan family, the church must “make sure that our heartfelt sorrow and regrets and apologies are met with a firm resolve every day to implement any action or program or policy, whatever to do our part to eradicate any form of sexual abuse,” he said. The church should reflect Christ’s loving compassion “and allow our time, our resources, our presence to continue to accompany those who experience abuse, reminding them that they are never alone,” he added.
No one is exempt from bearing a cross, whether it be personal or family issues or crises of physical or spiritual suffering, Bishop Burbidge said. “When we are carrying a cross, when we feel weak, it’s actually then that we’re the strongest, because we’re realizing we can no longer just rely on ourselves and our own resources, but are made very much aware of our need for the Lord.”
Following the U.S. bishops’ recent consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Burbidge encouraged the faithful to “draw ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and entrust our cares and our burdens to him.”
At the end of Mass, Frank Moncher, diocesan psychologist and chair of the diocesan Mental Health Council, spoke about diocesan efforts to expand access to mental health resources. “The goal is to provide guidance for establishing programs that serve to ensure people are welcome and have a sense of belonging,” he said. “We now have an online Catholic counselor referral service, as well as resources and referrals for families impacted by (family) members struggling with gender confusion.”
Moncher took the opportunity to address those suffering from sexual abuse. “To anyone here who is suffering or has been abused, we want to express our sorrow for the pain you have experienced and assure you of our promise to try to assist you as best we can,” he said. “We encourage victims of sexual abuse by clergy, staff or volunteers in the church, to come forward and report abuse when you’re ready to do so.” He encouraged those suffering to contact the diocesan victim’s assistance office for additional recommendations of counselors or referrals for spiritual guidance.
Following Mass, attendees mingled at an outdoor reception. Several Massgoers offered prayers at the parish’s St. Francis of Assisi statue, which Bishop Burbidge made a jubilee pilgrimage site.
Andrew Webb, a parishioner of St. Philip, said he came to the Mass in support of those he knew suffering from illness. He said the day’s Gospel (Mt 16:24-8), in which Christ tells his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him, resonated with him. “Everybody in some way is suffering, whether it’s physical or mental,” he said.
Find out more
For the diocesan victim’s assistance office, go to arlingtondiocese.org/victim-assistance.
For the Pilgrimage of Grace Mass schedule, go to tinyurl.com/3pcvd8wj.
