OPINION: It may not be the last word, but Arlington, Va., Bishop Michael Burbidge has a good statement— good for the sake of our souls on the Durbin/Cupich issue (National Review, 10/1): Bishop Burbidge issued a statement after it was announced U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin would not accept an award from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Bishop Burbidge said sincere dialogue is essential to the health of a political community (OSV, 10/1): The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington made his comments after it was announced U.S. Sen. Durbin had decided to decline the honor from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Bishop Burbidge and other Catholic leaders spoke out about the issue (National Catholic Register, 10/1): Various U.S. bishops expressed relief and happiness after U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced his decision to decline an award from the Chicago Archdiocese following backlash over his pro-abortion views.
Bishop Burbidge directly addressed Cardinal Cupich’s statement on Sen. Durbin (CatholicVote, 10/1): Bishop Burbidge joined fellow Catholic leaders speaking out after it was announced Sen. Durbin would not be honored by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
American bishops should talk to each other and the Cupich/Durbin issue exposed the rift (Catholic World Report, 10/1): Bishop Burbidge directly addressed Cardinal Cupich in a thoughtful response after it was announced Senator Durbin would not be honored by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Bishop Burbidge releases a statement entitiled ‘The Gospel of Life and the Church’s Relationship with Civil Authorities’ (Theology of the Home, 10/2): Certainly, we can only move forward together if we recognize that our unity as a Christian people depends upon our responding with daily fidelity to our Lord and by our witness to the Gospel of Life.
Bishop Burbidge speaks out against possible abortion amendment (Catholic News Agency, 10/3): The Bishop of Arlington said Virginia has “some modest protections” for life, but “the proposed amendment would likely make it impossible … to pass similar protective laws in the future.”
Bishop Burbidge joins other pro-life advocates in calling out disappointment with FDA approval of generic abortion drug (CatholicVote, 10/3): A coalition of pro-life advocates, called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary to immediately reverse the FDA’s recent approval of a new generic version of the abortion drug mifepristone.
The debate surrounding the potential award for a pro-abortion senator shows division within the church(Washington Examiner, 10/4): The Church must continue to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Life in its entirety. Our public witness to the Gospel, to convincingly move hearts and minds to conversion, will always require that the Church show the hierarchy and unity of all truths.
Virginia bishop speak out against possible abortion amendment (Catholic News Agency, 10/8): Virginia’s two Catholic bishops are urging voters to “form [their] consciences and vote” in the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election that could also see the state poised to pass a far-reaching pro-abortion constitutional amendment.
PODCAST: Bishop Burbidge discusses the importance of praying the Rosary, including children with disabilities and much more (Conversations with Consequences, 10/9): Listen here.
As U.S. household debt hits all-time high, can the church help? (OSV, 10/14): Debbie Leben, who is leading a financial literacy class at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Ashburn, said debt is a real struggle, affecting all aspects of life.
‘A weapon against evil,’ Bishop Burbidge talks about the importance of the Rosary, Inclusion and Unity (National Catholic Register, 10/15): October is the Month of the Rosary, and when the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary rolls around each Oct. 7, Bishop Michael Burbidge can usually be found praying the beautiful Marian prayer with students.
New Sacred Heart campus in Stephens City draws in the Catholic faithful (Winchester Star, 10/17): The new site, which opened in August and is located close to I-81, has a capacity of 460 and offers Mass in both English and Spanish.
St. Mark Catholic School celebrates Blue Ribbon Award, despite DOE canceling the program (WJLA, 10/17): The principal said despite the award being eliminated the school plans to celebrate all year long.
St. Mark Catholic School makes their own blue ribbon to celebrate achievement (Patch, 10/20): The Blue Ribbon Program, first launched in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan, recognized high-achieving schools based on high student achievement or significant improvements in student achievement. It was canceled by the DOE earlier this year.
Catholic bishops speak out against President Trump IVF proposal (Catholic News Agency, 10/20): Bishop Michael Burbidge released a statement criticizing the effort to expand IVF, calling such treatments “unethical and unjust.”
Catholics across the country encouraged to pray the Respect Life Novena (Catholic News Agency, 10/21): This year, the Respect Life Novena will be available on the free version of the Hallow app and a different U.S. bishop will lead the faithful in prayer each day, including Bishop Burbidge.
Bishops respond to President Trump's IVF plans (Aleteia, 10/21): Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, whose territory is directly next to Washington, D.C., called IVF unethical and unjust.
Fr Rich Miserendino - chaplain for the University of Mary Washington - holds 'office hours' where the students are, and not tucked away in a building blocks away (OSV, 10/21): “Hello! I’m a Catholic Priest!” greets the cheerful, large-font sign taped to the back of the laptop computer of the jovial college chaplain who has a regular coffeehouse ministry.
PVI student aims to help other student-athletes in need (LoudounNow, 10/21): Svanik Palvai, a senior at St. Paul VI High School in Chantilly, started Pass the Gear during his freshman year. He is looking to expand the program.
Fr. Guillermo Gonzalez talks about Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Arlington (EWTN, 10/22): Fr. Gonzalez leads the St Gabriel Mission in Manassas.
Relics of St Therese to visit Sacred Heart in Winchester in November (Winchester Star, 10/23): This visit comes during a historic moment for the Church — the 100th anniversary of St. Thérèse's canonization and the global observance of the Jubilee Year, proclaimed by the Vatican.
Bishop O'Connell boys win state Catholic championship (ArlNow, 10/23): The state title is the Knights’ first in many years — maybe ever — according to the school.
Bishop Ireton Head of School discusses faith and fall athletics (Fox5, 10/24): The morning show also interviewed student athletes and showcased the entire school during two other segments in their weekly 'Show Your Spirit' program.
Pro-Life stakes are high in upcoming Virginia election (Catholic365, 10/29): Catholics are a minority in Virginia. But Catholics – especially in the Diocese of Arlington – tend to be robust in their understanding of things Catholic and of Catholic responsibility in and for the public square.
Arlington native and Bishop Ireton graduate, who now serves as Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, reflects on Justice Scalia and his commitment to faith (OSV, 10/30): Carlos Muniz noted that before he began studying law at Yale University, he attended a Knights of Columbus dinner at which Justice Scalia gave his famous St. Thomas More speech.
Bishop Burbidge issues statement on Black Catholic History Month (CatholicVote, 10/30): Bishop Burbidge praised the heroic witness of the six Black American Catholics who are the pathway to sainthood.
