Walk Humbly

On Columbus Day, we reflect on the spirit of exploration that led Christopher Columbus to set sail more than 500 years ago. Arriving ashore in the Americas in 1492, he opened a passageway to a new world and carried with it a desire to share the Christian faith.   As Americans, we give thanks for the blessing of living in "one nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". Our nat...

Our latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:     Comments on Pope Leo's XIV anticipated first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te ("I have loved you") on caring for the poor and encourages us to read the document in full     Expands upon his column in the Arlington Catholic Herald what the Catholic Church teaches on migration : "We don't tire of doing the work of welcoming the stra...

As autumn arrives, the air cools, the days shorten, and the leaves fall. The season is a reminder that life itself is always in motion. The question is: as the leaves change, will we?   God invites us to see change not with fear, but with hope. Each new season holds the promise of growth, renewal, and grace. Just as trees let go of their leaves, perhaps this is the time to release our burdens, for...

Yes, it is still baseball season, and the playoffs are here!   The pursuit of victory and thrill of achievement are good things we all strive for—on the field, at work, and in life. Although winning rightly excites us, it is the way we play that defines who we are. The effort, discipline, teamwork, and even setbacks all play a role in helping us grow.   Life works the same way. Success is importan...

O n the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:     Re caps what a blessing it was to attend the CALLED Conference and celebrate Mass for hundreds of young adults from throughout the diocese   Summarizes key points of his statement for National Migration Week Reflects on the joyful occasion of meeting the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew ; read more about his recent apost...

At the heart of our faith is the truth that we belong to one another. We are not isolated individuals, but members of God's family—brothers and sisters in Christ. Each person is a gift, created in God's image, entrusted to us for love and care.   When we honor the dignity of others, celebrate their unique talents, and lift them up in faith, we make visible the unity that God desires for his people...

At the heart of our faith is the truth that we belong to one another. We are not isolated individuals, but members of God's family—brothers and sisters in Christ. Each person is a gift, created in God's image, entrusted to us for love and care.   When we honor the dignity of others, celebrate their unique talents, and lift them up in faith, we make visible the unity that God desires for his people...

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to remind each other: you are not alone. If you are struggling, please know there is help, there is hope, and there are people who care. Don't delay, Reach out soon. To friends and families: be present, listen without judgment, and notice when someone is hurting. A simple act of kindness can be life-saving. Scripture tells us to "bear one another's burd...

O n the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:     Re flects on the one-year anniversary of the dedication of the new altar at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More ; watc h this brief recap     Shares how we can look to Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Gio r gio Frassati for inspiration — and now intercession —as their canonizations near ; learn more about the traits that u...

On Labor Day, we honor the dignity of work and the dignity of every worker. Whether in offices, fields, homes, or hospitals—the labor of every man and woman matters. Earnest labor builds families, strengthens communities, and shapes our world. May Labor Day be more than a time of rest—may it also be a time for gratitude. Gratitude for those who work quietly behind the scenes. The Lord worked with...

Jesus says, "Give to the one who asks of you." Our Lord challenges us to be loving and responsive to our brothers and sisters.   What our brothers and sisters ask of us are not usually material things. What others really ask of us are friendship and spiritual companionship. We owe one another our attention, compassion, forgiveness, respect, and quality time. When we give of ourselves selflessly an...

On this   episode, Bishop Burbidge speaks on : Invites all to join Pope Leo XIV in making Friday, August 22 , a day of prayer and fasting for peace in all places torn apart by armed conflict   Addresses the serious allegations that individuals at Fairfax County Public Schools arranged and funded abortions for minors without parental consent, as well as the proposed constitutional amendment in Virg...

A famous spiritual writer asked, "What is it you want to change? Your hair, your face, your body? Why? For God is in love with all of those things, and He might weep when they are gone." In a world full of pressure to be "someone else", we are reminded that God delights in the person He created you to be. You are wonderfully made—unique, loved, and called for a purpose. Do not spend your days wish...

As a new school year approaches, students of all ages prepare to return to classrooms, sports fields, activities, and the rhythm of daily assignments. This is a season filled with promise and the responsibility to grow, learn, and mature. Yet education is about more than academics. It's true purpose is to form the whole person—mind, heart, and soul. Parents: you are the first and most important te...

On this   episode, Bishop Burbidge speaks on :       R eflect on his recent experience at the 143rd Knights of Columbus Convention   React to the historic news of St. John Henry Newman named as the 38 th a D octor of the   Church     O ffer heartfelt prayers for those impacted by the recent attacks in Gaza and the tragic church bombing in Komanda , Congo , urging solidarity and peace     P review...

It is precisely at times when we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders that we are called to trust in God and to practice compassion. When we trust in God, we open ourselves to contemplative prayer and listen to his voice speaking to our heart. When we practice compassion we open our hearts to the joys and sorrows of others, and mirror the love of Christ—who loves with an infinite love. Ev...

Laughter is a gift from God—a gentle reminder that even in times of challenge, joy is still possible. A shared smile, a burst of laughter, or a lighthearted moment can lift the heaviest heart and renew our spirit. In Scripture we read, "A joyful heart is good medicine". (cf. Proverbs 17:22) In moments of distress or sorrow, ask the Lord for the grace to smile again—to embrace hope, healing, and ev...

Summer invites us to step outside of the ordinary. Whether you are discovering the beauty of God's creation, visiting someplace new, or simply enjoying a slower pace at home, every moment is a chance to recognize that there really is no such thing as an "ordinary" moment. Every day is an extraordinary gift and an opportunity to see with new eyes the people, places, and things of our lives. May thi...

Jesus prayed, "that they may all be one." It is a prayer that still echoes today—for our families, our communities, and our world so often marked by division. What if we made our Lord's prayer our mission? May we let go of bitterness, harsh judgment, and the need to always be right. Instead, may we choose charity. May we forgive one another, listen with compassion, and seek peace in every relation...

On this   episode, Bishop Burbidge speaks on :       Prayer and Aid for Victims of Texas Flash Floods , open ing with prayers for all impacted by the devastating flash floods in central Texas.     Big Beautiful Bill , and the elimination of the Johnson A me n dment offering brief comments on areas we can commend — including sharing the USCCB's strong advocacy for upholding the dignity of every chi...

Summer offers many of us a rare gift—time to step back, slow down, and find balance. Work is important, but so is rest. These longer days are a chance to be present—to share a meal with family, laugh with friends, play with your children, and simply enjoy the gift of those around you. Use this season to renew not just your body, but your spirit. Go for a walk. Exercise. Relax. Spend time outdoors....

As we celebrate Independence Day, we give thanks for the blessings of liberty and for all those—past and present—who have courageously defended our freedoms at great personal cost. The Fourth of July is a joyful time to gather with loved ones, to reflect on our shared values, and to renew our commitment to what it means to be truly free. Authentic freedom is a gift from God. It allows us to choose...

Bishop Michael Burbidge, Tom Shakely, Kevin Bohli and several WorkCampers describe their experience at the annual service week hosted by the Diocese of Arlington's Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministry. Hear how their lives are being changed as they serve those in most need. Listen to the full episode at: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/category/bishop-burbidge/the-walk-humbly-podcast/

On this   episode, Bishop Burbidge:   Encourages us to pray fervently for peace in the world, especially in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran Invites us to renew our efforts to locally and nationally advocate for constitutional justice for all persons, especially the vulnerable , as we observe the 3 rd anniversary of the Dobbs decision which reversed Roe v. Wade ; Re ad his statement Highlights Reli...

As we observe Religious Freedom Week, we are reminded that religious liberty allows us to live our faith openly, to serve others with compassion, and to speak the truth with love in the public square. Religious freedom protects our ability to stand for the life and dignity of every human person. Religious freedom ensures that ministries, schools, and individuals can continue to care for others. Re...