Bishop Burbidge - The Arlington Catholic Herald

Faith / Bishop Burbidge

Statement from Bishop Burbidge on World Refugee Day

On June 20, we celebrate World Refugee Day, welcoming and praying for all refugees, asylees, special immigrant visa holders, and other secondary migrants who were forced to flee the violence or destitution of their homelands. As we raise awareness for newcomers who have recently arrived in our country and Diocese, may we also stand with refugees and commemorate their courage, resilience and perseverance.

6/20/18

Bishop Burbidge's Memorial Day statement

On this Memorial Day, we solemnly pause to remember those who fought and died for our country through many conflicts, battles and wars to ensure that we continue enjoying the freedom envisioned by our Founders. We also pray in a special way today that our nation and world will be rid of all conflict and division so that we may live together as God’s holy family.

5/25/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Statement from Bishop Burbidge on collection for retired priests

The Collection for Retired Diocesan Priests assists us in caring for our current and future retired priests and offers a way to show gratitude for their many years of dedication and faithful service. I encourage all in the Diocese prayerfully to consider a gift to this collection and, in so doing, recognizing the profound impact our priests have had on the mission of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Arlington.

5/18/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
On the call to holiness in today’s world

Pope Francis' new exhortation is a call to holiness in today’s world, which he notes is “not meant to be a treatise on holiness” but rather a “call to holiness in a practical way for our own time with its risks, challenges and opportunities.” He reminds us that, “the Lord has chosen each one of us to ‘be holy and blameless before him in love’ ” (Eph 1:4), and to “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven” (Mt 5:12) just as Jesus told the crowds on the Sermon on the Mount.More

5/3/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Bishop Burbidge's statement on the National Day of Prayer

As we pause today, May 3, to offer a National Day of Prayer, we reflect upon this year’s theme: Pray for America—UNITY. More

5/2/18

Bishop Burbidge's statement on World Day of Prayer for Vocations

The Catholic Church celebrates its annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 22. More

4/19/18

On ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’

The goal of an apostolic exhortation is to encourage — literally, to “give courage.” In his new apostolic exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), Pope Francis achieves this goal by calling us to renewed boldness and courage to pursue holiness. “The only great tragedy in life,” our Holy Father reminds us in the words of Leon Bloy, “is not to become a saint.” More

4/10/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Statement from Bishop Burbidge on the 50th anniversary of MLK's death

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated 50 years ago today. More

4/4/18

Child Abuse Prevention Month

On Divine Mercy Sunday (April 8) and always, all are invited to pray in a special way for abused children and for those entrusted with their care. May we be united as we continue to protect and safeguard all of God’s children from any form of neglect or abuse. More

4/2/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Easter letter from Bishop Burbidge

The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus manifests His saving victory over the powers of sin and death. This sacred event filled the Apostles with new life and grace, which gave them hope after experiencing grave fear at His crucifixion. In turn, the Apostles spread the message of this wondrous mystery so that others might experience the freedom of His saving grace and joy and consolation in His promise of eternal life. More

3/28/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Statement from Bishop Burbidge on Pope Francis' fifth anniversary

I ask all in the Diocese of Arlington to join me in prayer for Pope Francis, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of his election as our Holy Father.More

3/13/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

The World Day for Consecrated Life

On this World Day for Consecrated Life, we celebrate the men and women religious who consecrate their lives to the Lord through the counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. More

2/1/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Catholic Schools Week letter to parents

From January 28 through February 3, the Diocese of Arlington unites with dioceses throughout the United States to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Nationally, the theme chosen for this week is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” More

1/25/18

Catholic Schools Week

From January 28 through February 3, the Diocese of Arlington unites with dioceses throughout the United States to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Nationally, the theme chosen for this week is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Our diocese is blessed with 37 elementary schools, four high schools, four stand-alone preschools, and three independent Catholic schools that educate over 17,500 children who exemplify this theme.More

1/24/18

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

Bishop Burbidge's statement on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

From January 18-25, the Catholic Church joins other Christian Churches for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We do so inspired by Our Lord, who prayed to His Heavenly Father that those who believe in Him “may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you" (John 17:21). More

1/17/18

More