Bishop Michael F. Burbidge led more than 1,300 faithful from the Arlington diocese on a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Md., on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Oct. 7.
The pilgrimage occurred ahead of the conclusion next month of the Marian-themed second year of preparation for the 2024 Diocesan Golden Jubilee. The day included a talk, Mass, a visit to the Seton shrine and its new museum, a Eucharistic procession and adoration at the grotto. In his homily at Mass, Bishop Burbidge encouraged the faithful to emulate the faith of Mary and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
“Dear friends, it is my hope today that, like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, you will turn to Mary today and allow her into the home of your hearts. We do so when, like Mary, we acknowledge our blessings and proclaim the greatness of the Lord. We receive Mary into the home of our hearts when we imitate her example of sitting at the feet of Jesus and stop our constant doing so to be still in his presence,” he said. “We receive Mary into the home of our hearts when we listen to her words: ‘Do whatever he tells you and remain faithful to his commands.’ We receive Mary into the home our hearts when we entrust our desires, plans and our very lives to his providential care with the trust that allows us to echo her words: ‘Let it be done to me according to your Word.’ ”
