Bishop Burbidge Celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge urged Marymount University students to live the beatitudes, visit the chapel often, and “go out to the peripheries,” especially with those who disagree with their faith and morals. His homily was given during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel on campus, an annual tradition at the start of each academic year.

Rev. Thomas Yehl, Marymount’s chaplain, and Rev. Michael Kuhn, assistant chaplain, were concelebrants.

“For me, it’s always great to see the community come together and start the year off with prayer,” said Ashton Mallon, director of Marymount’s Campus Ministry. “As a Catholic school, it’s important to remind us of why we do what we do. Every year it’s a huge celebration for us.”

Students, faculty and staff attended the Mass. A special lunch followed in Gerard Dining Hall. It was the first time Bishop Burbidge, who was installed in December, participated in the annual tradition at Marymount.

“The Bishop was absolutely wonderful!” Mallon said. “I was very impressed that he made a point of introducing himself to all the students in the dining hall.”

Marymount University is an independent, coeducational Catholic university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines.

Photo captions
Photo 1
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge urged students to live the beatitudes, visit the chapel often, and “go out to the peripheries” during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel at Marymount University.

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The Mass of the Holy Spirit is an annual tradition at the start of each academic year at Marymount University.

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Marymount University students sing as part of the Mass of the Holy Spirit that marks the beginning of the new academic year. 

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Marymount President Matthew Shank, left, and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, right, during the Mass of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Michael Kuhn and Rev. Thomas Yehl were concelebrants.