Bishop Burbidge installed as head of Raleigh Diocese

Published: 2006-08-09

RALEIGH, N.C. (CNS) -- Bishop Michael F. Burbidge used the example of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, in formally introducing himself to his new flock as bishop of Raleigh at his Aug. 4 installation Mass. "Like the people St. John Vianney served, we are called to ongoing conversion and transformation," Bishop Burbidge said. "May we use this day to renew our commitment to build upon the great foundations that have been established in this diocese and rededicate ourselves to responding to the challenges St. John Vianney preached to his people." Bishop Burbidge, formerly an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was installed at the Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh to accommodate a crowd of more than 1,700. "We renew the commitments conveyed in the mission statement of the Diocese of Raleigh, to use our time, talents and resources to: advocate the worth and dignity of the human person from the moment of conception to natural death; eradicate the causes of division and polarization; and promote greater social justice in the cause of peace," Bishop Burbidge said in his homily.

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