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Bishop Burbidge visits Mary’s Shelter

Ashleigh Buyers | Catholic Herald

Bishop Burbidge gets a smile from one of Mary’s Shelter’s newest arrivals after their ribbon-cutting event in Fredericksburg May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge stands with Mary’s Shelter Director Kathleen Wilson and Fr. Bjorn C. Lundberg, Chaplain at St. John Paul the Great Catholic Highschool while holding 9-month-old Aizek Starr at the ribbon-cutting in Fredericksburg May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge prays with Director Kathleen Wilson and a group of volunteers at Mary’s Shelter in Fredericksburg May 6.

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Mary Shelter board member Julian Malcolm says a few words before the ribbon cutting ceremony for Mary’s Shelter’s new offices in Federicksburg May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge says a blessing before the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Mary’s Shelter’s new offices in Fredericksburg May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge cuts the ceremonial ribbon during a special ceremony at their new offices in Fredericksburg May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge sprinkles the outside of Mary’s Shelter’s office in Fredericksburg with holy water after a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge sprinkles the inside of Mary’s Shelter’s office in Fredericksburg with holy water May 6.

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge sprinkles the inside of Mary’s Shelter’s office in Fredericksburg with holy water May 6.

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A cheerful welcome matt welcomes visitors to Mary’s Shelter

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Children of Mary’s Shelter volunteers park Cozy Coupes in the toddler parking area at Mary’s Shelter in Fredericksburg May 6.

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Mary’s Shelter supporters, volunteers and residents celebrated a
high point for the organization May 6 with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony
for their new office on Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg.

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge cut the ceremonial ribbon in
front of a large crowd of Mary’s Shelter supporters who crammed the surrounding
sidewalk and street. It was the bishop’s first visit to the 10-year-old
organization, which has been a huge support for mothers in crisis.  After sprinkling both the crowd and the building
with holy water, Bishop Burbidge blessed all the rooms with the help of Father
John P. Mosimann, Pastor of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and Father
Keith D. Cummings, Parochial Vicar, along with former Pastor Father Donald J. Rooney
and former Parochial Vicar Father Bjorn C. Lundberg. The event concluded at
Mary’s Shelter’s Charles Street house where the bishop met with a dozen
residents and their babies. 

Mary’s Shelter board member Julian Malcolm thanked the bishop for
coming and recognized the efforts of Director Kathleen Wilson and Mary’s
Shelter volunteers who make the organization’s mission a reality every day. 

“You start with one bedroom in the basement of a house and now
you have four (locations) and 50-plus people a year that you are able to take
care of, and it is because you have a lot of folks who are willing to dig-in
when they can’t see (the outcome),” said Malcom. “Today is a high point. You
get a big hug from your bishop and a blessing and it really gives you a big
boost.”

The faith and dedication seen in the volunteers is a good example
for a new generation of volunteers such as Kennedy Sewell. The sophomore at
Summit Academy volunteered with fellow students before the event to paint,
clean and landscape. 

“Mrs. Wilson used to babysit me when I was a little kid, so it is
awesome to be able to stay with her and see her helping the moms,” said Sewell.
“We get to see how her faith has helped these women. You want to be stronger in
your faith just seeing that your faith can help other people in their lives.”

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