The parish community of St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax celebrated the installation of its new pastor, Father Edward J. Bresnahan, at a special Mass Aug. 10. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Mass and congratulated the first-time pastor, “Father B.,” who previously served as parochial vicar at Nativity Catholic Church in Burke.
“Like any priest, Father B. comes to you bringing many gifts and abilities, but above all else, he comes to bring you Jesus,” Bishop Burbidge said in his homily. He addressed the new pastor:
“Father B.: With your parishioners, continue to seek opportunities each day to bring Jesus to others, especially the weak, the poor, the hungry, and most vulnerable by giving them your time, your resources, your gifts, all of which come from God and are to be spent in service of one another. Continue to carry out the many works of mercy and charitable outreach programs for which this parish is known.”
Father Bresnahan expressed his gratitude to Bishop Burbidge and the parish community in a letter published before the Mass. “In some ways, this is a big moment with many moving parts and the honor of welcoming our bishop,” he wrote. “At the same time, it is also beautifully simple. We are gathering to worship the Lord, just as our parish family has done for the past 70 years. That is our sacred and ordinary calling.”
