The world celebrates Pope Leo’s first year (New York Times, 5/6): Bishop Burbidge said that as a result of his American heritage, Pope Leo understands the challenges American Catholics face.
The Church needs a new playbook to serve Latino Catholics (America, 5/11): The Diocese of Arlington has a new diaconate program created specifically for Hispanics.
Famous people become priests (USA Today, 5/13): Only men can become Catholic priests, and they must be baptized and confirmed, and they must be practicing Roman Catholics, according to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Those looking to become priests must also have "faith in, and love for, Christ and His Church."
Diocese of Arlington launches Christian citizenship course (Zeale, 5/20): The course, “Christian Citizenship and the Virtue of Patriotism,” will be taught by Chad Pecknold, associate professor of historical and systematic theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. It launches as the U.S. prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in July.
Queen of Apostles in Alexandria is an inclusive school for students with learning challenges (EWTN,5/22): Thanks to grants from Porto Charities the school is able to welcome students with intellectual disabilities and include them in everyday class-life.
American Bishops welcome new encyclical from Pope Leo (OSV, 5/25): Bishop Burbidge said he was “grateful” for Pope Leo’s attention to “issues of profound concern to the human person, most especially our innate desire for God and everlasting happiness.”
U.S. Bishops praise Pope Leo’s new encyclical on AI (EWTN News, 5/26): Bishop Burbidge was one of several American bishops to weigh in on the long-awaited document from Pope Leo
Virginia bishops speak out against two upcoming referendum issues facing voters (Daily Signal, 5/27): Bishop Burbidge used his Walk Humbly podcast to speak out on the ills of abortion and same-sex marriage.
Saint Tom of Virginia? (InsideNova, 5/28): Could a northern Virginia dad who saved his son’s life be an American saint one day? Some in the area are hoping so and working to let everyone know about the life of Tom Vander Woude.
