As we mark the World Day for Consecrated Life in this 50th year since the founding of the Diocese of Arlington, we reflect on the men and women religious who played a critical role in the founding and building of our diocese, giving up everything to follow Christ.
Our diocese has benefited greatly from the many sisters, priests, and brothers in religious and consecrated life who founded parishes, schools, and other institutions as the Catholic population of Virginia grew over the decades. When the diocese was established in 1974, men and women from 34 unique congregations participated in crucial ways.
This service in our diocese has continued — and expanded — with 58 religious order priests, six religious brothers, and 97 religious sisters in the diocese who staff parishes, schools, hospitals, and ministries of charity. Additionally, we are grateful for the cloistered religious who support us with their constant prayer. There are also 49 men and women from our diocese currently in formation with various religious orders.
As we celebrate our Diocesan Golden Jubilee, we reflect on the tremendous contributions these men and women have made to our local church. We pray for them and for all called by God to follow in their footsteps, renewing our diocese for years to come.
This year, World Day for Consecrated Life is observed in the church Feb. 2, and in parishes Feb. 3-4.
