The Diocesan Year for Priests celebration concluded on June 29, 2010 with the Closing Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge. Priests from throughout the Diocese were joined by the faithful in a Mass at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Southern Pines. The year-long celebration, which began June 19, 2009, was proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI as a year of spiritual renewal for priests so they could grow in holiness and deepen their relationship with the Lord.

Read Bishop Burbidge's homily.