More than 100 parishioners and pilgrims gathered at Corpus Christi Church in Aldie, one of eight churches designated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge as a Holy Year site, for a moving Pilgrimage of Hope Mass for Those Who Are Suffering Sept. 27. As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations, visiting designated pilgrimage sites, along with the usual requirements, is one of the ways the faithful may receive a plenary indulgence.
In his homily, Father Michael G. Taylor, pastor, reminded the faithful that the Lord is always in our midst — our constant shepherd and protector. He challenged attendees to shift their mindset from, “What can I get out of this?” to “What can I bring to this?” Encouraging a spirit of generosity, he invited everyone to actively participate in the sacrifice of the Mass by becoming a gift and a light to others.
“You can bring so much simply by noticing those around you,” said Father Taylor. “Acknowledge others with a smile, a greeting, a kind word. Lift people up. Find the Lord in the presence of others, especially those who are abandoned, in poverty, hospitalized or imprisoned.”
Following the Mass, the Couples for Christ ministry, in collaboration with the diocese, hosted a breakfast reception for all in attendance.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of CFC’s recognition by the Vatican as an International Association of the Faithful with Pontifical Right. Earlier this year, more than 3,000 CFC delegates from around the world joined Pope Leo XIV’s first general audience at the Vatican in May — a milestone moment in the ministry’s global mission.
To attend
The next Pilgrimage of Hope Masses are Oct. 18, at 8:30 a.m.at St. John the Evangelist Church in Warrenton, and Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Fredericksburg.
