A Time of Joy and Blessings
The past several weeks have been an exciting and joyful time in the life of our Diocese and the entire Church. How privileged we are to be Catholic! How proud I am of our Diocese!
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was an event filled with abundant spiritual blessings. I was overwhelmed by the number of priests, religious and lay faithful who made extraordinary sacrifices to join in the Pilgrimage. It was edifying to see so many people celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, adore the Lord in silence before the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray the Rosary and listen to the presentations on the Blessed Mother that were offered. I will especially remember processing down the long aisle at the beginning of the Mass and witnessing the rich diversity of our Diocese and the unity that is ours in Christ Jesus. At the Mass and throughout the day, we prayed for all those in our Diocese who were unable to join us, especially the sick and homebound. There is no doubt that all of us who participated were renewed in our love for the Lord and His Blessed Mother.
Our holy Catholic faith was celebrated in such a magnificent way throughout the historic trip and pastoral visit of Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. He beautifully reminded us that Christ is our hope and we are sent forth to be His witnesses. In his magnificent homilies and reflections, which I encourage you to read and meditate upon, the Holy Father emphasized that in Christ alone we discover the Truth that sets us free and the joy which the world can never take away. (The homilies are available on www.vatican.va).
It was a privilege to be with Bishop Gossman and our brother-bishops as the Holy Father addressed us and encouraged us in our ministry. He conveyed special thanks to our priests and religious and all who have given their entire lives in service to the Church. Our Holy Father acknowledged the gravity of the scandal that has impacted the life of the Church and repeated his profound sorrow and sadness for the horrific sexual abuse of children. The Holy Father challenged all Bishops to remain instruments of healing and reconciliation and to reach out in compassion to all victims. I renew my commitment to respond to that call. He also asked all God’s people to show ongoing support for our priests who continue to serve the Lord faithfully, generously and devoutly. In addition, the Holy Father stressed that Bishops should make the strengthening of married love and family life among the highest priorities in our Dioceses, which we will continue to do in Raleigh.
Married love was celebrated in our Diocese recently at our annual Masses for couples celebrating 25, 50 and 50-plus years of marriage. It was a great joy to gather with approximately 300 couples and their families at the two Masses which were celebrated. On behalf of the entire Diocese, I thanked them for their example and witness of their lives, as they are visible signs of the love the Lord has for us and His Bride, the Church. I am grateful to all you married couples in our Diocese for your vocations and faithfulness. May your love continue to grow stronger with the passing of each new day.
This is, indeed, a blessed time in the life of our Church! May all of us be renewed in our holy Catholic faith and love for the Lord and His Church. May we continue to give great honor to our Blessed Mother and seek her constant protection. May we remain loyal to Our Holy Father and true to the teachings of our Church. May we be strengthened in our vocations and ever faithful to the promises we have made to God and one another. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, may Our Lord Jesus bless you and your families and keep you strong in faith, hope and love!
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge