Bishop Michael Burbidge talks about transfer to Virginia

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Bishop Michael Burbidge was in the Port City Saturday for a special occasion.

Bishop Burbidge was at Basilica Shrine of St. Mary to celebrate the confirmation of more than 60 men and women into the Catholic church.

He will be leaving North Carolina after serving in the state for 10 years. He will soon become the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

“In our Catholic Church you don’t volunteer for a new job, you don’t interview for a new job, you get a phone call,” Bishop Burbidge said. “The Holy Father said you are now the new bishop of Arlington and I trust that when we say yes to God’s will it usually works out perfectly.”

Bishop Burbidge says once he leaves, the Diocese of Raleigh will then elect an administrator until a new bishop is named.

He says that could take some time, possibly up to a year.

“It’s bittersweet,” Bishop Burbidge said. “You know the human side is very real. It’s emotional actually to have to say goodbye to a place that you love and start all over again.”

He will be installed as the new bishop of Arlington on December 6.