Bishop Burbidge

A year in review: Bishop Burbidge’s first year in Arlington

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrates Mass during the biennial diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Oct. 14. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge marked his first anniversary as the fourth Bishop of Arlington by celebrating Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington Dec. 6.
It would be safe to say that Bishop Burbidge has reached nearly every corner of the Diocese during the past 12 months.  

In addition to his regular schedule of confirmations and parish visits, some of the highlights include celebrating Mass in all seven deaneries during the month of January. Bishop Burbidge ordained six permanent deacons in January, and two transitional deacons and three priests in June. He established St. Bridget of Ireland Parish in Berryville, as well as the missions of Our Lady of La Vang in Chantilly and St. Gabriel in Manassas.
He visited diocesan seminarians in Rome and concelebrated Mass with Pope Francis at the chapel in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Bishop Burbidge visited every Catholic high school in the diocese as well as the Catholic Campus Ministry programs at Marymount University in Arlington, Christendom College in Front Royal, George Mason University in Fairfax and Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg.
In October, he led the diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington and blessed the new Mother of Mercy Free Clinic in Manassas to celebrate the first World Day of the Poor Nov. 19. Also in November, he celebrated Mass for homeshool families at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville. 

Read Bishop Burbidge’s column, “Blessings come with transition”

 

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