As we celebrate this Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice, I am so grateful for the presence of leaders throughout our diocese, including those from the black community, and for the presence of all those here in the cathedral and those participating via livestream. Our gathering reflects our firm belief that it is the Lord and his Spirit who will heal and unite us as the Body of Christ, and who will renew the face of the earth. 

How can we not be anxious in these times? How can we face and find our way through the darkness around us? In past weeks our state’s General Assembly has considered legislation that would have undone vital protections for the unborn, repealed health and safety standards for pregnant women and their children, restricted the exercise of religious liberty in offering health coverage, and legalized physician-assisted suicide. And in these final weeks of the session, important decisions remain about abortion funding in the state budget, the death penalty, family life education, and whether to expand our state’s surrogacy law

Whenever hearing the Gospel proclaimed, I am always moved when Jesus asks a question, such as: “What are you looking for?” It is a question addressed to each one of us and I presume the answer, on many levels, would vary from one person to another.     

Since my Installation Mass in December, I have been blessed to participate in some significant diocesan events and initiatives. 

Bishop’s Homily Feb. 9 The following homily was given by Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge at the Virginia Vespers service at the Cathedral of the

The following homily was given by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge at the Masses he celebrated at each of the seven diocesan deaneries. Tonight, I wish