Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Reception of Basilica Symbols with Bishop Michael Burbidge
On September 8, 2018, the Basilica of Saint Mary formally celebrated the designation of our parish as a basilica and received the objects particular to a basilica, the Ombrellino (umbrella) and Tintinnabulum (bell). Bishop Michael Burbidge celebrated Mass and blessed the two symbols.
“Today the Ombrellino and Tintinnabulum stand in basilicas such as ours as signs of our trust that Christ himself continues to shepherd his flock in every place,” said Bishop Burbidge during his homily. “The title of basilica and these symbols challenge us to enter more deeply into the communion of the Church, to support this communion, and to witness it.”
You can read more about these symbols here.
September 8 is also the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is an important feast day for the Basilica since Mary is the patron of our parish. A collection of relics related to Mary were displayed during the Mass. They are a gift to the Basilica from Father Carroll Oubre and will be reserved in a side-chapel that will be constructed in the near future.
Bishop Burbidge and the Basilica’s priests hosted a reception in the Lyceum following the Mass to celebrate Mary’s birthday.
Click here for coverage of the Mass from The Arlington Catholic Herald.
PHOTOS: A collection of photos from the Mass and reception are available here.
This video is a montage of moments from the Mass and reception:
This video is of the full Mass: