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At Virginia Vespers, a call to protect the common good

Brian T. Olszewski | Special to the Catholic Herald

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge (left) was the celebrant of Virginia Vespers held Feb. 15 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. BILLY ATWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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More than 300 people attended Virginia Vespers Feb. 15 in Richmond. BILLY ATWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Burbidge processes into the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond Feb. 15. BILLY ATWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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The third annual Virginia Vespers was held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond Feb. 15. COURTESY

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Preaching Feb. 15 at “Virginia Vespers: Evening Prayer for the
Commonwealth,” Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout said despite differences, all
must “ensure and protect the common good,” but that it must be done in a civil,
charitable manner.

 

“Even as we need to be truthful and honest about our differences
and our sincerely held beliefs, even though we should be honest about our
differences, we should do so in charity,” he said. “We should always be looking
for areas of cooperation and agreement with everyone we encounter in the
political, cultural and spiritual realm.”

The annual event, which was first held in 2016, is sponsored by the Virginian Catholic Conference. More than 300 clergy and laity, including members of the state
legislature, attended the event at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, who was the celebrant, opened the
evening by asking for a moment of silence for the victims of the Feb. 14 mass
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
in Parkland, Fla
.

“We pray for the victims, we pray for their families,” he said.

Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde also was in attendance.

Bishop Knestout provided direction in how to work for the common
good.

“Our advocacy for and engagement in the common good needs to be
based on principals, not polls; on advocacy for the poor and vulnerable, not
for the already influential; on the common good, not on particular parties or
ideologies,” he said.

He added that the “primary task of the church” is to educate and
catechize people in those principles “to form disciples of Christ.”

The bishop highlighted the fruits of the Holy Spirit —
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, long-suffering and forgiveness
— as key elements of advocacy.

“Humility is the recognition that we are part of a larger and
very diverse community that does not always see the world as we do as
Christians,” Bishop Knestout said. “We need to be willing to propose our views,
not impose them upon others.”

The bishop termed gentleness “a virtue disregarded in an
aggressive and demanding culture,” but noted it was “integral” for those who
wish to follow Christ.

Bishop Knestout encouraged the faithful to be at peace even when
it is difficult to effect change.

“Frustration at the damage done by a culture that often seems far
from God and his grace is understandable,” he said. “But we should not respond
with despair or anger.”

Olszewski is editor of The Catholic Virginian, newspaper
of the Diocese of Richmond.

 

 

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