The Golden Jubilee is the 50^th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Diocese of Arlington.  This will be commemorated in November 2024. Such a momentous anniversary reminds us that others have gone before us and built the foundation we stand upon - that we are the ones now called to serve God in this diocese, evangelize in his name and share his compassion through works of mercy.

Bishop Burbidge has designated the next two years, starting on starting on the Feast of Christ the King 2021, as preparatory years for the Jubilee, followed by the Golden Jubilee year itself. Each year will have a different theme: Remember (2021-2022), Rejoice (2022-2023), and Renew (2023-2024).

These actions are the root of the foundational truths of the Catholic Faith and share a steadfast focus on evangelization and works of mercy. The themes for this joyous, multi-year celebration were arrived upon by a designated collective, a Jubilee Steering Committee comprised of co-chairs, priests, women religious, and lay men and women. 

Anchored in the first-year theme of Remember, we will reflect as a diocesan family on Christ's words: “Do this in remembrance of me” - emphasizing the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Catholic life. With gratitude for the graces we receive from our Eucharistic Lord, we will remember how Our Lord has been at work in the Diocese of Arlington for these 50 years.

Bishop Burbidge will lead a Solemn Vespers with Exposition and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament inaugurating Preparation Year I of the Diocesan Golden Jubilee. Vespers will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday November 21, 2021 - the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More.

Vespers (Evening Prayer) is a formal praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, an exercise in which the faithful sanctify the day by praising God and offering prayers of intercession for the needs of the world. Vespers typically takes place while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar. 

There is no better way to lead off our Remember year than with an opportunity to praise our Lord truly present in the Blessed Sacrament as one diocesan family. This is beautiful time to offer Him our adoration and thanksgiving in active remembrance of all the ways He has worked our Diocese and beyond.

Head to jubilee.arlingtondiocese.org to learn about the many ways you can participate. There you will find all kinds of resources - including symposiums, pilgrimages, conferences, prayer opportunities, artistic performances, cultural events and more. A historic timeline highlighting key events in the life of our Diocese is also accessible via the Jubilee website.