Thirty minutes before the 6:30 p.m. Mass, the church parking lot
was almost full. The last well-wisher left around 10:30 p.m. Bishop Michael F.
Burbidge, who had celebrated his final public Mass as leader of the Diocese of
Raleigh, went home not long after.
It was an evening filled with emotion as the faithful gathered at
St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cary Nov. 29 for the special Mass and
reception. About 30 priests concelebrated, and many women religious and deacons
were present as well.
During Mass, Bishop Burbidge expressed his thankfulness for the
people of the Diocese of Raleigh, and all they shared with him during his
decade serving in North Carolina.
In addition to thanksgiving, he also spoke about “trust” and
“today” in his homily.
“As I prepare to begin a new ministry … guess what is happening?
Questions like these: ‘Lord, will I be able to start all over again and respond
to the responsibilities that will come my way? Is this the right timing? Will I
be able to ‘let go’ as you desire?’ While
our weak human nature can draw us back to anxiety, doubt and fear, we cannot
stay in that place if we are true followers of Christ,” he said. “It is only
human to look to the past and to treasure wonderful memories as I certainly do
upon concluding my tenure as your bishop. Yet, the sacred season of Advent
reminds us about today. Today, now, is the hour for us to stay awake.”
Hundreds who attended Mass prayed with him and later delivered a
heart-felt standing ovation. Many waited in line to wish him well and express
their personal thoughts.
Linh Nguyen and her husband, T.A, said they attended because
Bishop Burbidge had the heart of a priest, shared his time generously and
stayed connected to people.
“Both of our kids were confirmed by him. He comes here [to our
parish] a lot … and we are really going to miss him,” Linh said. “To me, he’s a
priest … even though he is a bishop. He’s so close to us and so easily
accessible.”
“Blessings to Bishop Burbidge on his new assignment. Thank you
for all you have done for us,” said Glenn Barnes from the Newman Center in
Chapel Hill.
“The Diocese of Arlington is amazing and they will be blessed to
have him,” said Jasmine Colon-Monge, a member of Infant of Prague Parish in
Jacksonville.
Bishop Burbidge was installed as the fourth bishop of Arlington
Dec. 6.
