The Walk Humbly Podcast Episode 22

The Walk Humbly Podcast – Episode 24

Extreme abortion law, Governor Northam’s yearbook photo, Covington Diocese, and more

February 4, 2019


This week's episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast includes:

This week was filled with big news and stunning statements made by state politicians about abortion public policy. Bishop Burbidge discusses how abortion advocates have once again gone too far and the major role that social media played in generating awareness.

Following a statement this past weekend, Bishop Burbidge again addresses the racist photo displayed on Governor Northam’s medical school yearbook page.

More than two weeks have passed since the Covington Diocese was in the news related to an interaction between students and protestors. Bishop Burbidge offers perspective on how to avoid jumping to conclusions. 

Bishop Burbidge also answers these questions from the faithful:

  • What is the Church doing for clergy who are falsely accused of sexual abuse
  • What qualifies someone as a Catholic when the Church says there are 1.2 billion Catholics in the world?

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.

Topics discussed:

  • 1:23 – Bishop Burbidge speaks about celebrating Black History Month and honoring Black Catholics.
    • 1:35 – “In a sense, every month is Black History Month, but we highlight it in a special way just to raise our awareness and reflect on the many accomplishments of individuals from the African American community in all areas and walks of life, in science and sports and the arts, civil rights, politics. But as Catholics, we especially remember the great contributions made by African Americans and Black Catholics to the life of our Church.”
  • 3:35 – Saturday, February 2 was the World Day for Consecrated Life. Bishop expresses his gratitude for the many consecrated men and women serving in our diocese. He also challenges the faithful both to consider a vocation to the consecrated life and to consider inviting others to do so as well.
    • 5:42 – “That's how the Lord helps people to hear the call, through other people. Like, ‘Hey, have you ever thought about being a priest or consecrated religious? I think you'd be really great.’ Sometimes you're that instrument as a layperson or as another priest or religious.”
  • 6:05 – New York recently passed an abortion law that allows abortions up to the point of birth, and similar law was attempted in Virginia legislature. Bishop discusses how disturbing this is, as well as the danger of Delegate Tran and Governor Northam’s comments, and he encourages Catholics in our diocese to advocated in support the gospel of life.
    • 7:17 – “The fact we're at this point, it has been really horrific. It's really been very, very unsettling days, and I think it has a shocked the core, to the very core of our being in hearing that bill explained and hearing the governor's comments. Very, very, very disturbing, the grotesque descriptions of abortion, even in the latest stages of a baby's development. You almost can't believe it.”
    • 9:08 – “Abortion advocates have gone too far, and we have seen an outcry like we have never seen in years. So, one, in a sense, if you want to call it a blessing that has come from these past disturbing days, is the fact that it has really awakened people.”
    • 10:09 – “I think first, because Delegate Tran and Governor Northam's comments were so horrendous and dangerous for our country, people were just stunned. They just said, I have to do something.”
    • 11:18 – “I want the faithful in this diocese to sign up as a member, as a recipient of the Virginia Catholic Conference email list.”
    • 12:45 – “More than ever, dear friends, our prayer, our advocacy, our witness on behalf of life is absolutely essential.”
  • 17:44 - Bishop addresses the premature judgement via social media of the students from Covington Catholic High School at the March for Life.
    • 19:23 - Again, it's a lesson that we have to be careful, especially when we see things on social media, because it can be manipulated, and it's best, although people want a timely response, it's best to wait to make sure we know the whole story.
  • 21:23 – This year’s Bishop’s Lenten Appeal is approaching. Bishop Burbidge speaks about this year’s theme and also reminds us that funds given to the BLA go directly to ministries.
    • 21:40 – “Well, first of all, I'm so grateful for the theme. We always choose a theme to guide us through the Bishop's Lenten Appeal, and the one we chose this year when [ … ] seems timely providential. It's ‘together in the light of Christ.’ What that implies is that there is darkness, and we have seen the darkness in recent weeks and days, as we have discussed most of this podcast.”
    • 23:02 – “With so many people experiencing darkness [ … ] How are they going to see the light of Christ? Well, we're given a privileged opportunity and role by these 40 ministries that are supported by the Bishop's Lenten Appeal. Why are they here? To radiate, to bring the light of Christ to others in need.”
  • 26:41 – Bishop Burbidge answers: “What is the Church doing to engage and minister to the falsely accused?"
  • 30:46 – Bishop answers: What qualifies someone as a Catholic when the Annuarium Statisticum compiled by the Central Office of Church Statistics says there are 1.2 billion Catholics in the world?”