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The Walk Humbly Podcast – Episode 17

Mass for victims of sexual abuse, Archbishop Viganò allegations, Labor Day and more

August 30, 2018

 

 

This past Sunday, Bishop Burbidge hosted a solemn Mass for victims of sexual abuse and their healing. Hear what he shared with survivors and those who came out to pray for them. Read the commitments the Diocese of Arlington makes regarding allegations of sexual abuse and protecting God’s children.

Just last week, an 11-page letter from Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò was published in which he makes many accusations of some of the highest-ranking officials in the Catholic Church. Hear Bishop Burbidge’s response to these allegations.

This weekend we celebrate Labor Day. The Church has always respected and stood up for the worker. Hear Bishop Burbidge’s message to the faithful about this holiday.

Bishop Burbidge also answers questions from the faithful. If you are interested in submitting a question, please email info@arlingtondiocese.org and include your first name and parish.

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Topics Discussed:

  • 0:59 – Bishop Burbidge hosted a solemn Mass for victims of sexual abuse and their healing. Hear what he shared with survivors and those who came out to pray for them.
    • 1:24 – “…the Diocese of Arlington stands ready to assist you in that healing process. And we will be steadfast in doing as we have done throughout the years, everything possible to prevent such horrific acts from occurring again within our Church.”
    • 1:42 – “I wanted to assure victims that if they ever were met with disregard from the Church in the past, and we've heard stories where sadly and unbelievably, victims were, that is not the case in our Diocese. It doesn't matter where their abuse occurred, it doesn't matter how long, if we can help you to please come forward, and we will assist you, as I said, in every way possible.”
  • 7:36 – Bishop Burbidge expresses his support for an investigation into the 11-page letter citing allegations written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.
    • 8:10 – “Well, I was out to dinner that evening with some of the priests from our diocese and got in my car – it was a little bit later Saturday – and I saw all these text messages, so many that I said, ‘What is happening?’ And it was like, ‘Did you see this letter?’ because it’s unprecedented. This is the first time that we’ve ever seen a letter like this. I know Archbishop Viganò, and when I saw that he wrote such an extensive letter, of course I wanted to read his statements, and as you mentioned, we’ve never seen anything like this before. He explained the reason for writing was because he felt it was a matter of conscience for him. So now we have these statements that are, in a sense, calling into question who knew what about the Archbishop McCarrick situation and when. There are a lot of questions there, and I think Cardinal DiNardo, the president of our conference of Catholic bishops, in his statement said it correctly: We need to review Archbishop Viganò’s letter carefully, comprehensively, thoroughly – and evidence needs to be given. But the bottom line is we need to know the truth. What is the truth? And that demands a comprehensive review. All the faithful need to hear the answer to those questions – who knew what, and when? So, I know that Cardinal DiNardo has, I believe, mentioned that he is asking the Holy Father to assist in putting into place the support we need to get those answers. We know we always say that the truth is what sets us free, and so we need to get to the truth regarding this matter.”
  • 10:49 – Hear Bishop Burbidge’s message to the faithful about Labor Day.
  • 16:29 – Bishop Burbidge answers: “If you could spend an afternoon with any Doctor of the Church, who would it be and why?”
  • 17:43 – Bishop Burbidge answers: “How can I respond to my coworker, who’s asking if Jesus loves people who are gay?”