Diocese of Arlington

The Latest

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Diocese promotes day of ‘unplugging’ from screens, devices for Lent

Mar 26, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, is promoting a “Diocesan Day of Unplugging” on March 28 as a Lenten fasting discipline. Read more

Sister Mary Casey O’Connor, SV, and her twin sister, Casey Gunning, who has Down syndrome, speak at the March for Life Rally in 2023.

World Down Syndrome Day: How the Church works to reach Catholics with disabilities

Mar 21, 2025

By Tyler Arnold

March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day — a global awareness day recognized by the United Nations to advocate for... Read more

Attendees visit vendors at the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia’s 2025 “From Inclusion to Belonging Conference” on March 25, 2025.

‘From Inclusion to Belonging’ conference welcomes Catholics with disabilities

Mar 17, 2025

By Tyler Arnold

The “From Inclusion to Belonging Conference” focused on plans for the future as those with disabilities prepare for adult life... Read more

Father Frederick Edlefsen is pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Arlington, Virginia.

Catholic priest at crash site of deadly midair collision: ‘It was my duty’ to be there

Jan 31, 2025

By Kate Quiñones

After the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, Father Frederick Edlefsen made his way to the scene... Read more

Emergency response units search on Jan. 30, 2025, near the crash site of the American Airlines plane in the Potomac River after the plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 29.

UPDATE: Washington, Baltimore archbishops offer prayers after deadly DC plane crash

Jan 30, 2025

By Daniel Payne

The archbishops of Washington and Baltimore offered prayers on Thursday after a deadly plane crash near downtown Washington, D.C. Read more

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia.

Virginia bishop urges caution on gambling amid push for new casino

Oct 11, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

“Just be vigilant, everyone. Just be prayerful,” Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington said. Read more

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

U.S. bishops’ pro-life chair on opposition to abortion pill: It’s ‘because we love women’ 

Jun 14, 2024

By Zelda Caldwell

The high court’s unanimous decision on Thursday found that the plaintiffs did not have legal standing to sue the U.S.... Read more

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Virginia diocese offers to assist with burial of unborn baby found in pond

Mar 15, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, announced that his diocese is willing to help with the burial of the body... Read more

Sister Thea Bowman (Courtesy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) and Venerable Augustus Tolton

Arlington bishop: ‘Reflect on faithful witness’ during Black Catholic History Month

Nov 6, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Bishop Michael Burbidge said the month, observed in November, is “an important time” time to review the roles Black Catholics... Read more

Options Students Mia Butler and Veronica Caravan with their peer mentors at an end-of-year celebration.

Special education program focuses on ‘inclusive, student-centered, Catholic education’

Nov 4, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The Options Program is a special education program in all four high schools in the Diocese of Arlington that serves... Read more

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, speaks at Philadelphia’s Eucharistic Congress on Sept. 30, 2023. 

Be joyful, the Eucharist is not just a metaphor, Bishop Burbidge says

Oct 3, 2023

By Daniel Payne

At the opening Mass of Philadelphia’s Eucharistic Congress, Burbidge said a “common error” is that “some people mistakenly see the... Read more

When Pope Pius IX declared the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary on December 8, 1854, he had a golden crown added to the mosaic of Mary, Virgin Immaculate, in the Chapel of the Choir in St. Peter's Basilica.

‘Mary, Explained’ series addresses Marian devotion in Arlington Diocese and beyond

Jun 11, 2023

By Bridget McCartney Nohara

In preparation for its upcoming golden jubilee, the Virginia diocese has created a seven-part series to explain why the Church... Read more

Scott A. Asalone, 65, a former priest at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Purcellville, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a minor.

Former priest convicted of sexually abusing a minor in Virginia court

Dec 14, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

Scott A. Asalone, 65, was arrested in Asbury Park, New Jersey, in 2020 on a felony charge of carnal knowledge... Read more

In commemoration of All Souls' Day, Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge celebrated Mass at a Fairfax cemetery and blessed the gravesites of the priests buried there on Nov. 2, 2022.

At All Souls’ Day Mass, Arlington bishop implores prayers for the faithful departed

Nov 2, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

The Mass, attended by about 750 people, was followed by Bishop Michael Burbidge's blessing of the gravesites of deceased priests. Read more

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Former Arlington director of child protection office acquitted on sexual battery charge

Oct 10, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

The Diocese of Arlington, Virgina’s former director for the Office of Child Protection, Father Terry Specht, was found not guilty... Read more

Parishioners of Holy Cross Church in Garrett Park, Maryland, learned in a Sept. 30, 2022, email that their pastor was suspended over allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

Maryland priest accused of sexual abuse of minors placed on administrative leave

Oct 4, 2022

By Zelda Caldwell

A priest at a parish in Garrett Park, Maryland, has been placed on administrative leave after he was accused of... Read more

A Traditional Latin Mass.

Arlington bishop curtails Traditional Latin Masses

Jul 30, 2022

By Shannon Mullen

Thirteen parishes must stop offering Traditional Latin Masses come Sept. 8. Read more

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington.

Nancy Pelosi's Communion ban will apply in Diocese of Arlington, bishop says

May 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone's direction "is not limited to just a geographical area,” Bishop Michael J. Burbidge of Arlington said. Read more

Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, delivers the commencement address at Christendom College in Front Royal, Va., May 14, 2022.

Read Cardinal Sarah's commencement address at Christendom College

May 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

Addressing the graduates of Christendom College this month, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, focused... Read more

Alexandria, Virginia City Hall

After outcry, city scraps plan for Abortion Provider Appreciation Day

Mar 7, 2022

By Christine Rousselle

The Alexandria City Council will no longer be considering a resolution to honor abortionists, after the city’s mayor pulled the... Read more