Many watched in disbelief on Monday was the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris burned.
The 800-year-old medieval cathedral was more than a tourist destination in France, it was also a symbol to many Catholics around the world.
Today, Potomac Local asked the Catholic Dioceses of Arlington to give us some thoughts and perspective to ponder in the wake of this tragedy.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge tells us:
It is painful to see such a historic and time tested cathedral burn and suffer extensive damage. While it is appropriate to mourn the loss of this great cathedral, we must remember that the value of the Cathedral of Notre Dame is measured by what happened inside it.
These events remind us that our Church transcends bricks and mortar and the beauty of the Church exceeds world class architecture and works of great art. The Catholic Church was founded on Jesus Christ, and its beauty originates from his cross and resurrection, which are celebrated every time we gather around the eucharistic table.
I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington to join me in prayer and unity with Catholics and people of good will for those who live in Paris, France, that they would be comforted and strengthened in this time of sadness.
Burbridge was appointed Bishop of Arlington by Pope Francis in 2016. Prior to serving in Arlington, Burbridge was Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, N.C., and was auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia.
Recent Stories
A candidate who won a seat on the Quantico Town Council declined to do the job.
Rodney Thompson Middle School, 75 Walpole Street, 1/31, 2:06 p.m. Sergeant C.M. Hammond responded to a fight report.
Virginia officials are concerned there may not be enough electricity to go around and power Northern Virginia’s data centers under extreme conditions.
A fire broke out at a house in Dale City on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 4 p.m.
Every Sunday from May until November, the Dale City Farmer’s Market offered to donate their leftover fresh produce to the North Virginia Food Rescue to help those struggling with hunger.
The Dale City Farmers Market has been serving its local community since 1987. It is one of the largest open-air markets in the area. Their first donation last May was over 3,300 lbs of produce. That single donation provided 2,825 meals to food insecure communities.
Since that time, they have completed 28 food donations totaling nearly 127,000 lbs taken to the food bank by Paxton Van Lines. This provided more than 105,800 fresh meals to those in need.
Miller & Smith announces Cascades at Embrey Mill, is now selling. The age qualified 55+ Active Adult community offers main level living with low- maintenance homes designed for homeowners to enjoy a carefree lifestyle in Stafford, Virginia, near Fredericksburg, Quantico and Washington, D.C. The villa style attached homes at Cascades at Embrey Mill are priced from the upper $400,000s. The Rainier plan is available with and without a walkout lower level delivering three to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms and up to 2,800 square feet with a two-car front entry garage. The Rainier plan prioritizes space and flexibility via uninterrupted flow between rooms. Top wish list items such as a primary suite located on the main level, walk-in closets, and optional add-ons such as vaulted ceilings and zero entry primary showers attract prospective buyers. Other add-ons include a screened- in porch, patio and patio with screened-in porch. Buyers who need extra space can select a Rainier with a walkout lower-level plan. A community surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, the Cascades at Embrey Mill offers residents 10 miles of trails and community gardens, pools, parks, a community café and multiple gathering spaces. An easy connection via I-95 to nearby national hotspots allows residents to live a universally fun and fulfilled life just minutes from home. Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit the newly decorated model home at 247 Smokebush Drive to see the Rainier model firsthand. Contact Debora Flora at 703-300-1333 for information.
