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Prayer is one of the most important habits we can cultivate, yet practicing this habit often tests our patience and resolve. Even those who fervently pray day after day may sometimes wonder: does God hear my prayers?    Jesus teaches that perseverance, trust, and humility are essential for a strong prayer life. Do not be disheartened when you fail to see immediate responses. God will respond in his time and provide exactly what you need even if it is not what you expect. Trust him!  Pray with confidence. Approach the Lord with an open heart, ready to accept whatever he permits and to receive whatever he may choose to give. As you grow in humility and trust, you will experience deeper peace and a stronger faith. Stay faithful in prayer today—God is already at work.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge explains the meaning and significance of beatification as the Church beatifies Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Read about when Blessed Archbishop Sheen came to the diocese and tune into the livestream of the Beatification Mass celebrated in St. Louis.   Bishop expresses his hope to defeat the dangerous amendments threatening our state constitution and continues to encourage all to get out and vote early. Learn more and pledge to Vote no catholicsvoteno.com.   Read or replay his recent message to all the faithful of the diocese.   He also reflects on National Migration Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, and a diocesan retreat for persons facing serious illness. Join us for the Hispanic Heritage Mass and Festival on October 4.  Tune in until the end when he answers a listener's question about fostering greater engagement in faith formation at home.  Find a media gallery from the CALLED Conference for young adults held this month.  Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

One of the great American traditions every autumn is time spent with friends and family reveling in the achievements of our favorite college and pro sports teams.     We all naturally admire the excellence of a star athlete or the potential for a promising team to go "all the way" and win a championship.    Sports betting, however, increasingly threatens to ruin the pure enjoyment of our games. Young and old alike often wager money they can ill afford to lose. One in four adults maintain a sports betting account of some kind. Nearly half of bettors admit wagering more than they should, and more than half lose their wagers.    By all means, enjoy the games—enjoy them for what they are!—but while the allure of a quick profit may be enticing, don't bet on it.

In every family and in every community, grandparents and the elderly are precious gifts.  Our world moves quickly and looks toward what is new, but our grandparents and the elderly remind us of what endures: wisdom, patience, faithfulness, and love. Through their stories, sacrifices, and examples, they connect us to where we have been and guide the generations that follow.  We must make time for our grandparents and our elders. Call them. Visit them. Listen to their stories. Pray with them and for them. Above all, remind them that they are loved, cherished, and always remembered.   As we celebrate our grandparents and the elderly this week, may God abundantly bless them may we always honor their dignity, cherish their presence, and give thanks for the ways they enrich our families and communities.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge highlights the USCCB prayer, education, and advocacy campaign on abortion pills, the most prominent method of abortion in the United States.   He reflects on the solemn anniversary of September 11, 2001, and what is being done in the diocese to remember the lives lost and lives affected from the tragedy of 9/11. Watch God, at the Pentagon, 10-minute diocesan documentary produced for the 20th anniversary.  In 2017, Pope Francis opened a path to beatification for a Christian who freely offers his life out of love. Today, Bishop is promulgating an edict inviting the faithful to make known any useful information they may have regarding the Cause for Mr. Thomas Vander Woude. Learn more about Thomas Vander Woude and his cause for beatification and canonization.  On Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m., Bishop will lead a Holy Hour at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More to pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit this election season. Early voting begins on September 18. Can't join in-person? Be united in prayer via livestream.  Pledge to Vote no on Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2 at catholicsvoteno.com.  He also previews Mental Health Sunday on October 11, a day designated by U.S. bishops inviting Catholics to pause and reflect on healing and hope around mental health in their local parish community.  Tune in until the end when he answers a listener's question on scrupulosity.  Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

Labor Day honors all whose daily work contributes to healthy families and a stronger nation. All who labor participate in God's plan for our happiness.  This is because "work" is more than "a job." In God's design, the true purpose of our daily work is to praise him and serve one another. By God's grace, we can see how our "work" can become a "calling"—an invitation to do all things with excellence and a spirit of service.  We also remember those who are unemployed or underemployed and pray that God grants them meaningful work and fair family wages.   May we all find renewed purpose this Labor Day, recognizing that by our daily work we labor with the God who created and sustains our world, day by day.

We live in a world that often encourages us to measure our worth by our appearance, accomplishments, or possessions. It is easy to become preoccupied with how others see us rather than who we truly are.  Yet the most important question we can ask is: Who am I in the sight of God?  The greatest truth about our lives has nothing to do with what we own or how successful we are. The greatest truth is that we are beloved sons and daughters of God, created in his image and redeemed by his love.  When we remember who we are in Christ, we can experience true confidence and peace. May we live each day rooted in God's love, grateful for the one who calls us his own beloved sons and daughters.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge reflects on the upcoming beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and his enduring legacy of evangelization through media and unpacks how Question 1 on the ballot in Virginia this fall threatens parental rights.   Join Bishop Burbidge as he leads us in a Eucharistic holy hour on September 15 to pray for faithful citizenship this election season. Pledge to vote no at catholicsvoteno.com.   Bishop Burbidge highlights the upcoming Season of Creation, beginning with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1. He also previews the annual CALLED Conference for young adults taking place on September 19.  Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

Far too often we delay what matters most—putting aside growth in faith, important decisions, and even simple acts of kindness. We may tell ourselves that we address the big issues later, or do good acts another time—when life feels less busy. But what if those very things that could bring real blessings never happen because we waited too long?  Today is God's gift. We must live today with purpose, refusing to allow procrastination to rob us of the good we are called to do. In sacred scripture, we hear the Lord's parable of the workers in the vineyard. The lesson? Do good work and do not delay!  Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is a precious gift from God. By his grace, embrace it, cherish it, and live it fully.

As summer draws to a close, excitement builds for the back-to-school season. From wide-eyed kindergarteners taking those first brave steps into the classroom to college students embarking on a new adventure, we celebrate our young people and lift them up in prayer for the year ahead.  Each new school year is a fresh beginning, a God-given opportunity to experience his blessings and grow in wisdom. May our students embrace their studies and activities with confidence, rejoicing in their unique gifts and talents while always facing challenges with hope.  We pray especially for parents and teachers, that the Lord will bless them with patience, strength, and insight to guide and support students every step of the way. Together, may this be a year of holiness, steady growth, and deepening virtue in every heart.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge recaps the recent earthquake in Colombia and invites the faithful to pray for all those affected.  Bishop Burbidge highlights the upcoming Mental Health Day of Prayer on August 22nd, and the importance of integrating faith, physical health and mental wellness  The celebration of the Diocese's multicultural communities Mass + Fair will return this year on August 30th, showcasing the unity found in one faith across many cultures;  Bishop discusses the Catholics Vote No campaign and the Church's responsibility to speak clearly on fundamental matters of human life and marriage. Pledge to vote no on two critical ballot initiatives threatening Virginia's state constitution at catholicsvoteno.com.    Lastly, Bishop reflects on the start of a new academic year and the vital partnership between parents and Catholic educators in forming young people. He encourages students, families and all the faithful to embrace the back-to-school season as an opportunity for spiritual growth and a hopeful new beginning;   Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

Progress in the spiritual life is challenging. Search out the stories of great and holy men and women throughout history, and you will often find that few are born with unshakeable spiritual fervency.  Holy women and men are typically the result of a daily, deepening desire for God. Holy men and women experience great leaps and sometimes setbacks in their spiritual journey.  Do not be defeated if you realize you sometimes drift from God and a strong spiritual life. Jesus assures us that he will never leave us! It is never too late to return to the Lord. He is always there to embrace you in his infinite love and divine mercy.  Persevere! God rejoices that we are striving to grow closer to him, and he blesses our efforts.

Most of us find it easy to pray for the people we love; our family, friends, and those who support us. But faith calls us to something greater. Jesus invites us to pray not only for those closest to us, but also for those who have hurt us, disappointed us, or whom we may struggle to understand.  Praying for others does not excuse wrongdoing or ignore pain. Rather, it opens our hearts to healing, mercy, and peace. It reminds us that every person is a child of God, worthy of dignity and love.  Today, consider offering a prayer for someone who may not be on your usual list. In doing so, we reflect God's love and take one small step toward the unity our world so desperately needs.

Summer is a season of family gatherings, vacations, barbecues, road trips, and time with loved ones. These moments provide something our busy lives often lack: special opportunities to strengthen the bonds that unite us.  Stronger connections start when we make the commitment to quality time. Families flourish when we make time for one another. Just as God desires that we grow in relationship with him, he wants us to grow in relationship as brothers and sisters. Through shared experiences, conversations, laughter, and relaxation together, we can grow in love and appreciation for each other.   As you enjoy this summer season, cherish the gifts of family and friends, strengthen the relationships that matter most, and spend quality time with those you love and stay connected with God and one another.

#178: Three ways our diocese is fostering vocations to the priesthood    On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge recaps the Battle of the Altar Servers and the Quo Vadis and FIAT summer camps that took place this month.   It's not too early to take action in advance of elections this fall. Pledge to vote no on two critical ballot initiatives threatening Virginia's state constitution at catholicsvoteno.com.   The Diocesan Week of Service will return later this year! Save the date for November 9-15.  Bishop Burbidge also previews the inaugural Vianney Dinner supporting the cause of seminarian education in our diocese. Click here to learn more about the Seminarian Education Endowment.  Lastly, Bishop answers a listener question from Mark, a parishioner of the Basilica of Saint Mary: "We heard Jesus's parable of the sower recently at Mass. I am wondering if Bishop Burbidge would share his perspective as a spiritual father. Whenever I hear this passage, I wonder whether I am like rich or rocky soil."  Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.