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.
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The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
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Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
