While combing through the old files of
Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Daun Thomas Frankland, president,
learned that the more than 100-year-old cemetery was blessed by the bishop of
the Diocese of Richmond in the 1950s. Encouraged by Father Christopher P.
Christensen, parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington,
Frankland invited Bishop Michael F. Burbidge to bless a newer portion of the
grounds — the cremation garden — June 12.
“For us who believe in the Lord and
follow him, it is actually our sacred obligation to pray for the faithful
departed,” said Bishop Burbidge. “In a special way today, it is a privilege to
bless this beautiful place that has been created for us to remember them with
affection.”
