On a sunny day in the Shenandoah Valley, more than 7,000 Catholics worshipped together and celebrated the Diocesan Golden Jubilee at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Front Royal June 8.
The festival began with a Marian procession led by representatives of Black Catholic Ministry, Cameroonian, Colombian, Costa Rican, Filipino, Korean, Mexican, and Vietnamese communities.
Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and concelebrated by priests of the diocese. Festival goers enjoyed multicultural music, dancing, concerts by Jervis Campbell and Scythian, culinary delights, games, inflatables, and a petting zoo for children. The evening was capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.
“It’s beautiful to be a part of the 50th anniversary,” said Mary Rodriguez, who came with a large group of parishioners from St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church. “It’s been amazing to be a part of the journey of our diocese and to be here with my entire family. It’s beautiful to see all the parishes coming together.”
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge acknowledged the abundant blessings of the last 50 years, and the people who gathered as one. “We are on a journey, a procession to the ultimate destination for all of us — life with God forever in heaven,” he said. “We make this journey together as members of God’s holy family and as a diocesan family. Look around and see the ages, backgrounds, cultures represented. If we are to evangelize, we must reflect the unity that is ours as God’s holy people in response to the Lord in today’s Gospel who says nothing should divide us. “
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., was a special guest. “I’m very happy to be able to participate. It’s something wonderful,” he said, emphasizing the importance of celebrating. “To really know each other, you must have an encounter, and this is an encounter of all people, under the leadership of the bishop. I think it’s very important to do this.”
A vendor barn featured businesses selling everything from wooden crosses, to rosaries and iced coffee, a hit on the warm day. The Catholic Herald had a booth in addition to other chancery offices, including Catholic Charities. Long lines formed to get into the barn, at the inflatable games and for ice cream.
“It’s just so cool to see so many Catholics from all walks of life and languages and cultures,” said Julia De La Cruz, a parishioner of Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge. “We are very happy to be here.”
The vast, rolling fairgrounds had the feel of a large family reunion, with many coming on buses from every location in the diocese. Shrieks of joy and laughter filled the air, as families spread blankets under the shade to enjoy picnic lunches and a variety of ethnic desserts.
Bishop Burbidge returned to the main stage following a rousing performance by Scythian to offer a blessing. Scythian then led festivalgoers in singing the Salve Regina.
“It’s amazing to be here with all these other Catholics in our diocese,” said Anthony Pomilla, who attends St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal. “It gives me a lot of hope and confidence to see how many people love the Lord and want to spend their Saturday here at Mass with other people. It’s incredible.”
