Father Hathaway’s Column — November 2, 2025
SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, NEW DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Yesterday, November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Leo XIV conferred the title of “Doctor of the Church” on Saint John Henry Newman. He is the 38th Doctor of the Church, a title given since the Middle Ages to certain saints whose writing or preaching is considered outstanding in guiding the faithful. An English theologian, former Anglican priest and convert to Catholicism, Saint John Henry Newman is especially noted for his insights on the development of doctrine and the role of conscience.
God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. Amen. – Saint John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church
ALL SOULS DAYS – November 2
Today, November 2, the Church celebrates All Souls’ Day or the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, as we pray for those who have died and are in Purgatory, undergoing purification and awaiting entrance into heaven.
Please remember that when you pray for these souls while visiting our Basilica between November 1 and 8, you may gain a plenary indulgence – the full remission of temporal punishment for forgiven sins – if you: 1) receive Holy Communion the day of your visit; 2) repent and are detached from sin (including venial sin) by going to confession during that visit or within 20 days before or after your visit; and 3) pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.
NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK – November 2-8
National Vocation Awareness Week, November 2-8, 2025, is a time to pray for and encourage those individuals God is calling to serve as priests, permanent deacons, or brothers and sisters in the consecrated religious life, especially from within our own Basilica of Saint Mary family. Two sons of the Basilica are currently serving as transitional deacons: Deacon Alex Solsma and Deacon Aaron Zanca. God willing, both will be ordained as priests for the Arlington Diocese in 2026.
Please keep them, and all those discerning a religious vocation, in your prayers.
Next Sunday, November 9, Seminarian John Anthony Buono, whose home parish is Saint Agnes in Arlington, will speak briefly at all of our Masses to address the importance of prayer and our relationship with God in discernment, no matter what our vocation. If you (or someone you know) feel called to a religious vocation, contact Father Noah Morey, Director of Vocations, at 703.841.2514 or vocations@arlingtondiocese.org
CATHOLIC VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN OUR DIOCESE?
Bishop Burbidge has been exploring the possibility of a Catholic-based vocational program in the Arlington Diocese. A recent survey of the diocese showed that 92 percent of parishioners enthusiastically support it. This overwhelming response prompts the next step: A survey of preferences on the model (or kind) of school and the location of that school. This is a momentous idea, and I encourage you participate in the survey out of personal interest or for the good of the diocese. It is available through November 23 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTEVOTECH. Thank you for participating in this important survey!