Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Easter Sunday Mass for 3,500 Catholics at the Fredericksburg Expo Center March 31.
The Mass primarily drew parishioners of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge invoked the Diocesan Golden Jubilee theme “Renew.”
“If you are suffering physically or emotionally, be renewed through the healing love of God, who promises to provide the bodily and spiritual graces we need,” he said. “If you are dealing with loneliness, be renewed in the nearness of the Lord, who is alive and with us! If you are mourning the death of loved ones, do not despair. Be renewed in the pledge of eternal life that Jesus promises to all who follow Him.”
Bishop Burbidge also encouraged the congregation to heed the day’s Scripture readings and to proclaim the Good News of Easter through the witness of our lives.
“Renew your firm resolve to live in holiness and integrity of life. Renew your pledges to pray daily, to be consistent in the practice of our holy Catholic faith and true to God’s Word even when others do not accept it,” he said. “Renew your commitment to love and serve our brothers and sisters in most need through your generosity and compassion. In all these ways, we live our baptismal promises and, pray God, will attract and inspire others to follow his beloved Son.”
