Will Recognize Catholic Presence in the Western Vicariate and Feast of Diocesan Patron
Bishop Barry C. Knestout, 13th bishop of Richmond, will celebrate the third Bicentennial Regional Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Roanoke, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m. The Mass will recognize the Catholic presence in the diocese’s Western Vicariate and celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), patron saint of the Diocese of Richmond.
An Octave of Service in honor of St. Vincent de Paul will begin on Sunday, Sept. 27, the saint’s feast day. This is a week-long opportunity for parishes, schools, ministries and individuals to put their faith in action by serving their communities.
“Service is integral to our Catholic faith and was a vital part of the life of St. Vincent de Paul, who believed that we should assist the poor in every way, both by ourselves and by enlisting the help of others,” said Bishop Knestout. “Our bicentennial Octave of Service will be a time when the faithful of the Diocese of Richmond joyfully give of our time and talent in service to our communities over eight days.”
During the Mass in Roanoke, Bishop Knestout will use a historic chalice and crozier. The chalice belonged to Bishop Augustine van de Vyver, sixth bishop of Richmond (1889-1911). The crozier belonged to Bishop Walter F. Sullivan, 11th bishop of Richmond (1974-2003).
All parishes and communities throughout the Diocese of Richmond will use special prayers, readings and a bicentennial hymn at Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses during the weekend of Sept. 26-27.
To allow for social distancing, attendance at the Mass is by invitation only. The Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website at www.richmonddiocese.org/livestream and on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages so that Catholics from all around the Diocese of Richmond and beyond can take part in this special Mass celebrating our jubilee year.
For more information about the diocese’s 200th anniversary and the Octave of Service visit the bicentennial website: www.2020.richmonddiocese.org.