Listen Now

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Tragically in 2019 alone there were more than 650,000 reported cases of child abuse. To resist this evil we must be vigilant and observant and recognize the warning signs, particularly unexplained injuries, depression and poor hygiene, among others. Following the Catholic Church's own scandal related to abuse, we connected with victims and learned more intensely what victims really need. We must be willing to accompany them on their journey of healing, and it must be done on their time. We can help victims find healing in Christ.

As we continue the joy of the Easter Season, Sacred Scripture reminds us of the story of "Doubting Thomas," who would not believe in the Resurrection until he saw for himself the nail marks in the hands and feet of Christ. We live in a time of great doubt, uncertainty and suspicion, and our society has changed. Yet spiritually nothing has changed. Jesus leaves no doubt - He is with us until the end of time.

The week following Easter is always a beautiful time, as we are refreshed, renewed and spiritually replenished following Easter. But will our Easter journey be an end or a beginning? It may be tempting to view Lent as a "mission accomplished," but we should vow to allow Easter simply to be a start.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we enter the most solemn week in the Christian faith, we do so confident in the promise of what awaits us on Easter Sunday. No matter the conditions and situations we face, the Good News of Easter is constant and unchanged. We know, for certain, that Jesus turned darkness to light, suffering to glory, and even death to life. The Good News of Easter is that Jesus is alive and with us! We are not overwhelmed by our crosses but find strength in the Lord to carry them. We do not despair but find our hope in the newness of life that Jesus promises to all who follow Him. So, confidently let others see your love for God and your joy and serenity in following his ways. May Our Lord Jesus bless you and your families with his peace at Easter, and always.

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: Bishop Burbidge reflects on the recent, tragic shootings in Atlanta and Boulder Va. Governor signs bill to officially repeal the death penalty Diocesan racism conference engages challenging realities Vatican answers question related to whether homosexual civil unions/marriages can be blessed Bishop Burbidge explains why the so-called “Equality Act” is so dangerous April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Exciting announcements regarding Holy Week and Easter COVID-19 protocols Coming up: March 27 – Mass for the Sick and Caregivers (livestream only) 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church LIVESTREAMED! stambroseva.org/Mass Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not open to the public April 10 – Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate! (livestream only) 11 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Thomas More Philip D. Briggs Peter J. Clem John F. O'Farrell Robert C. Renner Daniel S. Reuwer Daniel A. Rice Peter J. St. George LIVESTREAMED! YouTube.com/arlingtondiocese or on Facebook Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not open to the public

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. People of faith should see Holy Week as a pilgrimage, as a journey, as a blessed, solemn opportunity to walk with Jesus to Jerusalem as he takes up his cross, suffers, and dies for us and our salvation. Especially this year when we have witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic—when there has been so much sadness in seeing loved ones in pain, and unfortunately, in seeing too many die—surrender your crosses and burdens and entrust them to the Lord. There is nothing right now that we are experiencing that the Lord has not already endured for us. Know that when our pilgrimage ends Jesus is neither crushed nor defeated. Rather, he is triumphant and victorious. Most importantly, he promises that all who are united to him will receive the same gifts of triumph and victory.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Hopefully, each of us during our lives can experience occasions of pleasant surprises: an unexpected gift, a visit from an out-of-town friend or relative, acknowledgment for a job well done, or perhaps healing of a friendship we thought was irreparable. As we prepare for Easter in just a few weeks we are reminded that we neither deserve God’s mercy nor do we have to earn it. It is a pure gift! Our loving and generous God longs to forgive us, and to heal us. As you seek reconciliation with the Lord and others during Lent, you will be surprised at the tremendous power, the incredible relief, and the abounding joy you will receive by offering forgiveness and by being forgiven. It is a gift beyond measure that will prepare our hearts fully and faithfully for the glory that will come.

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: Bishop Burbidge visits with diocesan seminarians Vaccine update: is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine morally acceptable? CDC issues new guidelines for vaccinated persons The American Rescue Plan has some good elements but has some very serious flaws Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience: How do you balance God’s will with your own free will? Do bishops report to archbishops? What are your NCAA basketball predictions?

In a few weeks spring will begin and with it our promise to perform our annual spring cleaning. So it is also as we continue our Lenten journey. We must look within ourselves and remove any obstacles in our spiritual path.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. It is easy to follow the crowd, to blend in, to say and do the things that will endear us to the majority. But at what cost? Sacred Scripture tells us that there is only One who we need to follow, Our Risen Lord. To do so, however, often requires us to rise above the crowd, to do what is right, holy and just. Yet it is not easy to do so, especially in these challenging times. To follow the way of Jesus will incur sacrifice in rising above the crowd. It requires courage. We may have to pay a price for being faithful to Jesus and his teachings. It may include ridicule and rejection from family, friends and colleagues. But St. Paul reminds and encourages us: “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: If passed, the Equality Act would open doors for religious discrimination and threaten unborn life Six new permanent deacons How to pray for those suffering in Texas Va. legislature votes to abolish the death penalty Bishop Burbidge shares “the joy of penance” Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience: Any plans to open new Catholic schools? Or increase size of current ones? What is it like to be a Catholic bishop during this pandemic? Any funny, sad or surprising anecdotes?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Now in the midst of our Lenten journey, I invite you to keep in mind these three words: Do, Daily, and Dependent. If spiritual disciplines are going to work in our lives, then we must do them on a daily basis, ever dependentupon the grace of God. If we live this way, then we will experience the transformation and conversion that the Lenten season is intended to provide. We will be drawn into a more intimate union with the Lord and we will be filled with abundant Lenten blessings. God is waiting for you—so do not delay the journey, avoid distractions, and do not get sidetracked. Rather embrace it with the urgency it requires. Each day during this sacred time, ask God to help you to dowhat you should, on a dailybasis, and, with a steadfast spirit, dependon His son always.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This week we begin the scared season of Lent, a period of 40 days in which we reflect, repent and prepare for the glory of Easter morning. Lent is marked by the three pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May we devote more time to morning and evening prayer; may we turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel and be active in charity. By doing so, and, of course, always dependent on the grace of God, we will experience a spiritual transformation. Now is the time to draw near to Our Lord, to purify our hearts, and to humble ourselves before Him. Make time to visit a church or a house of worship, to sit in silence with Jesus, and invite Him to speak to us. If we do, this Lent will undoubtedly be filled with abundant blessings.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. February 11th marks the 29th World Day of the Sick, a day when we pray in a special way for the sick and suffering, and for their caregivers. Because of COVID-19, we see on the daily newscasts those struggling to breathe, unable to have family present, on the edge between life and death. We see the fatigue, the desperation, and the exasperation of medical personnel. Therefore, we entrust the sick to Jesus, to his healing love and ask him to grant them the bodily and spiritual help they need. As we pray this week for patients and health care workers, may we also remember those who are seriously ill from other ailments and for those who tirelessly care for them, often a family member or relative. In Our Lord’s short time on earth, he healed and comforted the sick, and consoled all in need—and continues to do so!

In this week's episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: Bishop Burbidge discusses the Virginia Department of Education "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools" Could a recent VA adoption bill discriminate against Catholic Charities and end their adoption services? What are the USCCB and Bishops saying about the aggressive anti-life agenda unfolding under the Biden Administration? Bishop Burbidge answers the following questions from the faithful: What is your favorite hymn? How did you know you weren't called to be a priest in a religious order?

Recently on a storefront here in the area, a sign read: "Be kind to all." What a simple and profound message to be an imitation of Christ, who excluded no one from his compassion and was loving to all.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we settle into winter, we have a tendency to self-isolate. When the temperature drops, we raise the thermostat inside. This year, sadly due to the pandemic, it is not merely the season that pushes us to social distance. Hopefully we can make ourselves comfortable and safe, but this can also make us complacent. Jesus warns against complacency in our spiritual life. So how do we guard against it? There are three ways. One, increase the time we pray. Two, reach out to those who are alone, afraid and in need. Three, take care of yourself physically and emotionally, in body and in spirit. Do not allow yourself to “coast”, rather commit to keeping yourself spiritually energized, not only this winter but throughout the year. By avoiding spiritual complacency, we will remain connected to God and one another, experience growth in our own lives.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This week we remember and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a civil rights leader. Last year during a summer of racial tension in our country, we were forced, once again, to face the evil of racism and reflect on its tragic impact on our communities. We have much work to do, and it will take a commitment from all of us. One of the lights on the path of racial justice is Dr. King’s call for us to work peacefully and diligently for cultural, social, and governmental change. These efforts remain essential to our Christian work and witness in the world. Working together to eradicate racism with the help of God is an ongoing process rooted in faith, hope, and love. For as Dr. King himself reminded us, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: What does the Capitol Hill riot indicate about our country, and what is the path forward? How to be witnesses of Christ in today’s culture Advice on how to approach the presidential inauguration Several dangerous bills introduced in the Va. legislature Holy Father changes canon law related to instituted lectors and acolytes Bishop Burbidge reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his message can help us today Bishop Burbidge answers this question from the audience: How do I know if I am qualified to teach religious education to young people?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we plan for this year, many of us will face a budget crisis, whether it be in our personal finances, our family finances, or perhaps for a group or organization to which we belong. In addition, we continue to face a pandemic affecting family, friends, and loved ones, some of whom who may have succumbed to the virus, heightening our stress and anxiety. At times, we may develop a sense of loss and loneliness. Often the demands, pressures, and responsibilities of life can seem overwhelming, and they always will be, if we rely solely on our own resources. Let us pray for the grace, the courage and the confidence to take our concerns and crosses to Our Heavenly Father, the source of consolation, so that we can say with renewed faith and confidence, “I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.”