Statement of Cardinal Donald Wuerl on the Appointment of Bishop Michael Burbidge as Bishop of Arlington, Virginia

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Our Holy Father Pope Francis has once again shown his love and care for the Church in our country with the appointment of the Most Reverend Michael Burbidge as the new Bishop of Arlington, Virginia. With joy we receive this news and recognize in Bishop Burbidge a shepherd of the flock who possesses great zeal and has long demonstrated his love for the people entrusted to his pastoral care.

As Bishop Burbidge takes on his new responsibilities, I look forward to working with him as our neighbor across the Potomac, as we continue the tradition of collaboration and cooperative ministry between the Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of Washington in this metropolitan area.

At the same time, I want to express my great appreciation for the long service and ministry of Bishop Paul Loverde, as he steps aside now from the pastoral governance of the Church of Arlington. May God continue to bless him as he opens this new chapter in his life as a retired bishop.

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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s. www.adw.org.

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Chieko Noguchi
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