On the one-year anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass in his honor at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 21.
“Up until his final day on earth, Pope Francis encouraged us to pray fervently for the special intention of world peace,” said the bishop in his homily. “May we honor him today … by recommitting ourselves to such prayer, which is needed especially at this turbulent time.”
Though stricken with numerous ailments in his final days, “Pope Francis reflected holy perseverance amid his sufferings, never complaining or grumbling, but always striving to carry out his ministry to the best of his ability,” said Bishop Burbidge. “May we honor him today by uniting our crosses and burdens to the Lord without complaint but with trust in his healing love and saving power.”
The first pope from Latin America “often spoke to us about the proclamation of the joy of the Gospel,” he said. “He reminded us that joy is a powerful way to evangelize … May we honor him today by letting others see our joy in Christ and invite at least one other person to return to the Lord and his church, especially in this Easter season.”
Among those attending the 7 a.m. Mass were Ethan Zavacky, his fiancée, Marjorie Mika, and his future in-laws, Jack and Ann Mika. “It’s also my birthday and it was extra special that the bishop celebrated Mass this morning,” said Zavacky, a parishioner of the cathedral. “Pope Francis was someone who really fought for the poor and the disenfranchised, and I think more than ever we can cling to everything he taught us during his earthly life.”
“I read a book, ‘Pope Francis Takes the Bus,’ describing how he wanted to live a simple life,” said Mika, who attends St. Lawrence Church in Alexandria. “It just made him very human. I think Pope Leo is also like that — very much popes for the people, which is very beautiful.”
Bishop Burbidge said that “Pope Francis always reminded us that in Jesus, joy flourishes, peace abounds and hope never disappoints. In that joyful hope and with renewed Easter faith, may we commend Pope Francis to the Lord’s infinite love and divine mercy and pray that he may rest in the peace of the Lord forever and ever.”
