Bishop Michael F. Burbidge visited Catholic Charities Christ House in Alexandria Nov. 22, on the eve of Thanksgiving, to pray with and serve dinner to clients.
He visited with men, women and children who came for the evening meal, many of whom are homeless, as well as the formerly homeless men who live in the Christ House Men’s Transitional Program.
As the sun set, Bishop Burbidge gathered on the sidewalk with those waiting in line outside Christ House, at the corner of West and Prince Streets.
“Brothers and sisters, I hope you hear the Lord reminding you this evening of the love he has for you as his beloved sons and daughters,” Bishop Burbidge said, after reading a Gospel passage from John 15:12-17. “It is not a distant love. It is an intimate love. He knows you by name. The only thing he asks in return is that we love one another. And isn’t that what our world needs more than anything?”
Several in the crowd responded “Amen” as the bishop greeted them individually.
At 5 p.m., Bishop Burbidge and a small contingent of volunteers — three families from St. Luke Church in McLean — began handing out the to-go meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, veggies, fresh fruit, drinks, apple pie, personal care items and gift cards.
More than 50 people received the meal, which some ate from nearby stoops along the building and others took with them.
The meal was prepared and served by chef Cai Li Blakeman and her husband, Bruce; Rick and Yvonne Kicklighter; and Todd and Sarah Merchak. Children of the couples assisted. The Thanksgiving Eve event has become a yearly tradition for the families, as it is for Bishop Burbidge.
On Thanksgiving, Christ House staff and more volunteers arrived to serve another holiday feast to those waiting for a hot meal. The evening meal is served 365 days a year, thanks to volunteers from dozens of parishes, as well as other local churches and community groups who provide and serve the food.
Snider is diocesan deputy director of communications.
