Local

Profess the truth and trust in God, Bishop Burbidge says at Mass before virtual March for Life

Leslie Miller | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Musician Steve Angrisano plays guitar and serves as cantor at a Mass for the Protection of Human Life Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. SCREENGRAB

bb-mass-cantor-Steve-Angrisano-3-GRAB_CR.jpg

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge says Catholics must witness to the Gospel of Life, in his homily at a Mass for the Protection of Human Life Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. SCREENGRAB

bb-mass-homily-6—SCREENGRAB_CR(1).jpg

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrates a Mass for the Protection of Human Life Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, with several priests concelebrating. SCREENGRAB

bb-mass-wide-shot-4-SCREENGRAB_CR.jpg

Caitlin Nalda, a student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, reads the Prayers of the Faithful at a Mass for the Protection of Human Life Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. JIM SALITSKY | CATHOLIC HERALD

BB_Mass_IMG_1994_1_V.jpg

Jackson Carnemark, a student at St. Thomas More Cathedral School, serves as a reader at a Mass for the Protection of Human Life Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. JIM SALITSKY | CATHOLIC HERALD

BB_Mass_IMG_1997_V.jpg

Even in the midst of darkness, Catholics are called to witness to the light, said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge at a Mass for the Protection of Human Life Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.

“Darkness covers our nation as abortion remains the law of the land and innocent lives are claimed every day through abortion,” Bishop Burbidge said at the morning Mass, which was to have preceded the 48th annual March for Life in Washington, now a virtual event.

“Darkness covers our nation as some states have legalized physician-assisted suicide and others are seeking to do the same. Darkness covers our nation as the elderly, the sick, the inmates, the immigrants and the poor are often denied the respect and care that every human person deserves,” Bishop Burbidge said.

In the midst of this darkness, he said, we must respond by professing the truth, witnessing to the Gospel of Life, and putting our trust in God.

“You offer such witness when you are not afraid to bring your faith into the public arena,” he said, to convey the truth that all of life is sacred.

Then we must entrust all of our efforts, sacrifices, witness and prayers to the Lord, “knowing that God will never allow them to be in vain and will use them in miraculous ways.”

Bishop Burbidge said that “even though darkness covers our nation and the alarms are sounding, we know that no evil or force is greater than the love and mercy of God.”

He quoted the words of Pope Francis, “Go forth and do not be discouraged. Care for life. Cherish life. What a beautiful thing to do!”

Bishop Burbidge said Thérèse Bermpohl, director of the diocesan Office of Marriage, Family, and Respect Life, would join a small group of pro-life representatives that would march in person in Washington. The march usually attracts crowds from across the nation to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Bishop Burbidge thanked students from the St. Thomas More Cathedral School and area colleges who attended the Mass and participated as readers. He also thanked musician Steve Angrisano, who played guitar and served as cantor for the Mass, after providing music at the Life is VERY Good Holy Hour for Life Thursday evening.

Related Articles