New bishop to celebrate Mass for the first time in Arlington

 

2016-10-05
 
BISHOP MICHAEL F. BURBIDGE WILL BE THE FOURTH BISHOP OF ARLINGTON     

ARLINGTON, Va.  - Just one day after Pope Francis appointed Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, age 59, to serve as the new bishop of Arlington, he will celebrate Mass tomorrow together with his predecessor, Bishop Paul Loverde.

Everyone is invited.

Here are the details:

When:           Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 12:05p.m.
Where:         Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, 3901 N Cathedral Lane, Arlington, VA 22203

Today Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Loverde, addressed the media at a 10:00 a.m.  news conference in Burke Hall at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington.

"Like all of you, I have profound respect and admiration for Bishop Loverde. He is a treasured friend and be assured that you will always see the unity that is ours as brothers. … And to Pope Francis, I express my deep gratitude for appointing me the Fourth Bishop of Arlington and convey to him my deep loyalty and faithful obedience," Bishop Burbidge said.

"I am confident that you will find Bishop Burbidge to be personable and welcoming, perceptive and attentive, with much wisdom from an experienced background… A man of integrity, he teaches the truths of our faith with clarity and joy.  He possesses the heart of a shepherd, reflecting the pastoral love and care flowing from the Heart of Christ," Bishop Loverde said.

About Bishop Burbidge

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bishop Burbidge was installed as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh in 2006.  Previously, he served as auxiliary bishop at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 2002 until 2006 where he oversaw the Office of the Vicar for Clergy and the Office of Communications.  Other assignments before ordination included Dean of Students at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary,  Administrative Secretary to the Archbishop of Philadelphia, and Honorary Prelate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, with the title of Monsignor.

He will assume leadership of the diocese during a Mass of Installation Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Until that time, Bishop Loverde will serve as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.

For more information about Bishop Burbidge and the transition, along with the complete video of all today's press conference go to www.arlingtondiocese.org

About

The Diocese of Arlington is home to more than 600,000 Catholics living in 21 counties and seven cities in central and northern Virginia. Parishioners live out their faith at 69 parishes, five missions, and 17,500 students attend 44 Catholic elementary and high schools.

 

Contact
Angela Pellerano, Director of Media Relations 703-841-2517 (o) 571-215-8731 (mobile) a.pellerano@arlingtondiocese.org