Bishop Michael F. Burbidge reflected on the word “Rejoice” at a vespers service Nov. 20 marking the beginning of Year Two of the three-year period of preparation for the 2024 celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Arlington. The service, on the solemnity of Christ the King, included a Eucharistic holy hour and recitation of the Most Holy rosary at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.
Bishop Burbidge noted that the theme for Year Two is “Rejoice,” which refers to Mary’s words “My Soul Rejoices in the Lord.” The theme for Year One was “Remember;” with events such as Forty Hours celebrations held throughout the diocese, to put a renewed focus on appreciating the gift of the Eucharist. The theme of the third year will be “Renew” (“Behold, I make all things new”) with a catechetical focus on sharing the Catholic faith with others, and a pastoral focus on evangelization and works of mercy,
“How pleased Our Lord must be that we are dedicating Year Two to his Mother,” Bishop Burbidge said. “May our three goals for this year, as a diocese, as families and as individuals, be that we will deepen our intimate relationship with Mary and draw closer to her; promise anew to imitate her example of trust and faithful obedience, and, like Mary, do our part to bring forth her Son into a world in such desperate need of the truth of his Gospel and the peace that only he can give.”
He suggested that all the faithful of the diocese place a prominent image of Mary in their homes “to remind you of how near she is to you,” and pray the rosary, at least a decade of it, every day.
“You can rejoice in knowing that, like Mary, God has a special plan and vocation for you. Sometimes his call is mysterious and what he is asking seems a bit overwhelming and confusing. But we can be assured that whatever he asks, he always provides you with the grace and strength you need to carry out whatever he has entrusted to you. Each day, renew your ‘yes’ to the vocation that is yours and to all the Lord asks of you, knowing that ‘With God, all things are possible’,” he said.
“Rejoice, dear friends, in realizing that in Christ and his Gospel, you are able to proclaim the truth in love to a world that is so confused and in need of the faith and moral convictions we hold dear, especially as they relate to the sacredness of human life, the dignity of the human person; the sanctity of marriage, and the freedom that is ours as we do God’s will,” Bishop Burbidge said.
“Do not be overwhelmed. God does not demand success but only asks our best efforts, which he promises he will bless and use in miraculous ways to transform the world and touch the hearts of his people, especially those who are finding it difficult to rejoice at this time in their lives due to the burdens, circumstances and sufferings they are experiencing.
“We will continue to reassure them that the love of the Son of God and Son of Mary will never disappoint them.”
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