With other diocesan priests surrounding him, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge marked the 21st anniversary of Bishop John R. Keating’s death at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More March 22.

Bishop Keating died of a heart attack during his ad limina visit to Rome March 22, 1998, at the age of 63. It was just two days after an audience with Pope John Paul II.

During his homily, Bishop Burbidge said, “We recall today the life and ministry of Bishop Keating and his faithful response in having been entrusted with the Lord’s vineyard here in the Diocese of Arlington.

“But now at this moment in time, this vineyard is entrusted to us, our privileged moment,” he said. “God will judge us, in his love and mercy, as to how we responded to this opportunity.”