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Bishop celebrates Mass for Legatus members

Michael Flach | Catholic Herald

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge accepts the offertory gifts from Legatus members during Mass celebrated May 23 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Michael Flach | Catholic Herald

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Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass for members of Legatus May 23 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

Legatus is an international organization of practicing Catholic laymen and laywomen whose members study, live and spread the Catholic faith in their business, professional and personal lives.

The organization was founded by Tom Monaghan, who is best known for founding Domino’s Pizza and Ave Maria University.

Father Robert J. Rippy, cathedral rector, is chaplain of Legatus’ Northern Virginia Chapter. 

The bishop said he first encountered Legatus when he was in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “I came to admire and respect its mission and its members,” he said. “Our church, this diocese, needs you more than ever. We need you in your great roles as leaders to bring our faith into the public arena. What’s the most effective way to do so? Again, look to the example of Paul and Silas. It was through their witness.  

“You know that this time of year, there are many commencement speeches given, and with all due respect and acknowledging the good intention of the speakers, so often those speeches can contain some clichés and maybe some impossible dreams,” the bishop said. “I was thinking if I had to give a commencement speech today, in this year, in this world in which we are living, I think I would just ask the graduates one question: In the end, when it is all said and done, what do you want to be known for: your title or your testimony?

“Through your hard work and the grace of God, do you know how to answer that question?” Bishop Burbidge asked. “No doubt, you want to be known by the testimony of your life, as faithful sons and daughters of God who remain steadfast in proclaiming, teaching and living the Gospel.

“May the Holy Spirit give you wisdom, counsel, courage and strength,” he said. “May Our Lord Jesus bless you with His peace, consecrate you in the truth, and set you free.”  

Find out more

Legatus.org

 

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