Worship

Mary, cause of our joy & mother of priests

This year's theme for our Diocesan Pilgrimage, "Mary, Cause of our Joy and Mother of Priests", ties in two important themes for 2009. First, "Mary, the Cause of Joy" celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of the Arlington Diocese.

Secondly, "Mary, Mother of Priests" is in relation for this Year for Priests. On June 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI called on the universal church to encourage and support priests to strive for spiritual perfection.

Catholic Diocese of Arlington

Explanation of the image

The Year for Priests (June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010) is a Jubilee year initiated by the Holy Father to call priests to strive for spiritual perfection. During this year, the laity offer spiritual support through increased prayer for priests.

The cover illustration takes as its inspiration a 6th century icon from the Monastery of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai, Egypt.

Image is also used for the 2010 edition of the Diocesan Directory and is courtesy of Rev. Donald J. Rooney, Pastor of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Fredericksburg, VA.