CHRISTMAS 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
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Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,
“Christ is born for us! A Savior is given to us!”
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he fundamental message of Christmas is one of the immense love of the Father for all humanity. Such great love conceived the Son in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary so that God became man for our salvation. That love inspires in us a love for every human person, equally loved by the Father and imbued with an innate dignity.
The Christmas holidays inspire what is best in us as we remember loved ones, reach out to care for the poor, desire and pray for lasting peace, and work for a 2020 filled with serenity and collaboration among all the peoples of the world. The month of December always makes demands on schedules and this year will be no different. Bishops Higgins, Spencer, Buckon, Muhm, Coffey, and I visited the faithful at different installations in order to announce the joy of the Savior’s coming to the faithful. God willing, I will celebrate the Savior’s Nativity in the Middle East. Your prayers for the successful completion of our pastoral wanderings are deeply appreciated. As always, this issue of Salute offers a glimpse of recent activities, some initiatives aimed at the future, and details of the mission of the AMS to serve those who serve. There is no doubt that all of us are joined in prayer for the renewal of hearts and a New Year characterized by men and women who dialogue rather than go to war, that children can grow up with education, shelter, and enough to eat, and the Gospel reaches to the ends of the earth. Enjoy the following pages of Salute. Invoking abundant blessings from the Christ Child upon all of you, I wish you and all your loved ones the joy and peace proclaimed by the Angels at Bethlehem and longed for by all men and women of good will!
Sincerely in Christ,
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The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 CHRISTMAS 2019
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 Catholic Relief Services also Means Travel Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 12 Road Trips! Bishop F. Richard Spencer 15 The Evergreen Visit Bishop Neal J. Buckon 20 Going to the Margins Bishop Bill Muhm 23 Rome – New Bishops Course Bishop Joseph L. Coffey 26 Holy Mass atop Mount Suribachi Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O. 28 A Co-Sponsored Seminarian’s Summer Experience at the Navy Chaplain School Bradley Easterbrooks 32 The Harvest Continues Meet David Anthony Campo 43 Belvoir’s Priest Answers Call to Service Paul Lara, Belvoir Eagle 46 Vice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley USN (Ret.) Named Board Chairman of Father Vincent Capodanno Guild Taylor Henry COVER: WILLIAM-ADOLPHE BOUGUEREAU (1825-1905) - SONG OF THE ANGELS (1881)
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, publishes SALUTE for the nation’s Bishops, active and retired military chaplains, and financial supporters of the Archdiocese. ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address and phone number to: support@milarch.org call 202.719.3600 or write: Advancement Office, Archdiocese for the
CHRISTMAS 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469
Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org
CHRISTMAS 2019
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“Madonna in the
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Catholic Relief Services also Means Travel
L-R: CARLA BROWN, BISHOP LAURENT DABIRE, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, CARDINAL PHILIPPE OUEDRAOGO, AND BISHOP LEOPOLD OUEDRAOGO
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nother twenty-four hours of flights and airports draw to a close and I look forward to two more long trips before 2019 fuses into 2020! This particular trip was unique. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international charity of the Catholic Church in the U.S.A. asked me, as a member of their Board, to make a solidarity visit to my brother bishops in Burkina Faso and Niger.
These two former French colonies in West Africa are among the poorest in the world and are not well-known in the States. I had been to both before, because my first assignment as Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in the Ivory Coast also accredited me to Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) and Niger.
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BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
At present they are buffeted by different groups that oblige the population in portions of the country to flee. Niger has also received large groups of displaced immigrants who hoped to reach Europe or were engaged in the Libyan labor market, but have been expelled. These internal refugees weigh heavily on populations already struggling to survive a meager existence. While the Northeastern portion of the U.S. began to experience the first signs of winter, I dusted out my white cassocks and braved temperatures in the 90’s. At least Niger is fairly dry! The interchanges with my brother bishops were rich and fraternal. There was a desire to know about the Church in the U.S.A. and tell about their communities. For the first part of my visit, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger, the Most Reverend Laurent Dabiré, Bishop of Dori, was my constant companion. In Ouagadougou, the continued on page 6
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO’S TRIP TO THE DIOCESE OF KAYA (100 KM FROM THE OUAGADOUGOU THE CAPITAL OF BURKINA FASO)
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Catholic Relief Services
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POPE FRANCIS PRESENTS A GIFT TO ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO FOLLOWING THEIR AD LIMINA VISIT AT THE VATICAN ON 3 DECEMBER 2019 © 2019 SERVIZIO FOTOGRAFICO VATICANO | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
capital of Burkina Faso, I celebrated All Saints’ Day Mass with the Englishspeaking community and then met with four internally displaced people at the residence of the Cardinal Archbishop of Ouagadougou, His Eminence Philippe Ouédrago. One was a catechist who had to flee for his life and was ashamed that he had to leave his family behind. They were not in danger, but he, as a religious “leader”, was a marked man. The other three were Moslems, one of whom appeared to be quite elderly. In Kaya, to the north of the capital, I blessed a new library built by CRS to enrich the life of the community. There was also a meeting with a large group of internally displaced people. At most of these gatherings I was called upon to make some appropriate remarks, assure them of our prayers,
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and promise to make their plight known. Sometimes the gathering became somewhat long, because my remarks in French were then translated into MorĂŠ, a prominent local language. Before leaving Ouagadougou I celebrated Mass at St. Sebastian Parish, a military community. The Mass was enthusiastic and the French and MorĂŠ choirs shared their talents to enrich the beauty (and the length!) of the celebrations. Unlike our military chapels, this one was not air-conditioned and the fans offered little consolation! However, the XXXI Sunday in ordinary time was anything but ordinary. At that celebration, I wore the beautiful chasuble given to me by the CRS staff in Ouagadougou. It was locally made (albeit not from fabric produced by the CRS-sponsored cotton gins in the city). A short flight brought me to Niamey, the dusty capital of Niger. There the Vicar General, CRS Country Representative, and Father Ryan Boyle (Ch, Maj, USAF), accompanied by two airmen, met me. After the formalities which included donning a traditional wide-brimmed straw hat and ornament, Father Boyle took me to the air base. That very temporary facility houses the Armed Forces from several Nations. A short tour convinced me that inside was a good place to be. It was a pleasure to join the Italian Forces present and to pray with them to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I in Italy. They had prepared a plaque which I blessed. Of course, a great cup of espresso was offered and accepted. Later I was able to offer Sunday Mass for the community. The majority of the congregation was composed of the Italian contingent and so the second reading was done in Italian and I added something in my homily in the language of my grandparents. continued on page 8
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My first dinner of that Sunday was at the dining facility. Of course, I did not know that a second dinner was in the plans. At any rate, there had been no lunch! Promptly as planned, Father Boyle handed me over to the Archbishop of Niamey, the Most Reverend Laurent Lombo, and the Bishop of Maradi, the Most Reverend Ambroise Ouedrago. These two prelates, my brothers in the episcopate, would be my guides for the next three days. They, along with the Bishops of Burkina Faso, have become dear. Niger is a huge country with a population of only 23 million of whom 99% are Muslim. There is great tolerance in the country and Catholics are respected. Our schools (mostly pre-school and elementary) have a long waiting list. The education in values and familiarity with the Catholic faith has made an enormous contribution to the country and the bishops would like to be in a position to offer more high school education, as well. That is one of their hopes from association with the Church in the U.S.A. The visit to Niamey included time to become acquainted with CRS programs in the country, meetings with the Minister of the Interior who is also charged with religious matters and with the Ministry of Health, visits to schools, and a center for the formation of young women. Especially moving were two visits on Tuesday. The first was to the women’s nutritional center and infirmary (for recovery of both men and women) run by the Missionaries of Charity who are celebrating twenty-five years in Niger. These selfless women are completely dedicated to the poor in whom they clearly see the face of Christ. The second was to St. Gabriel Parish where the church and catechetical center were burned in 2015 by a youthful mob reacting to the infamous cartoons ridiculing the Moslem faith in Frat Hebdo, a French
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LEFT TO RIGHT: BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON, REV. MR. TIMOTHY MERGEN, BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS, MR. MADISON HAYES, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, BISHOP WILLIAM (BILL) MUHM, BISHOP JOSEPH L. COFFEY, Â MR. PETER LUDWIG, MR. BRADLEY EASTERBROOKS, BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER, AND MR. PATRICK COSTELLO AT THE VATICAN ON 3 DECEMBER 2019.
publication. The Armed Forces intervened before the same mob could burn the cathedral. It is so tragic that in the XXI century men and women cannot live together and respect what is most precious, faith in God. This parish also houses a center to welcome and offer initial assistance to the refugee populations. The Church is ever a place where those in need, regardless of their faith, can find care and professional assistance. There was an opportunity to visit the minor seminary and also to dialogue with the priests, religious women, and pastoral ministers at the Cathedral of Niamey. They had many questions about the ministry to the members of the Armed Forces and the Veterans, as well as, about the Church in the United States. continued on page 10
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Catholic Relief Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 That evening I celebrated Mass in the Cathedral of Niamey. There was a good congregation composed of many different African nationalities. The Bishops of Niger are very proud of the fact that the Church is very African and no longer completely manned by European missionaries. My last day in Niamey also included a visit to the U.S. Ambassador and his Deputy. There was a good interchange there about the local situation. After some days in Washington and Baltimore, where I was elected Secretary of the U.S. Bishops Conference (there is a Bishop Secretary and a priest who serves as Secretary General), it was time to celebrate Thanksgiving in Cleveland. Then, on so-called “Black Friday� I flew to Rome for the start of the Ad Limina visit with the Bishops of Region IV. Every five years diocesan bishops are required to prepare a report on the status of their dioceses and then visit the Congregations of the Holy See, the four major Basiliche, and especially, the Bishop of Rome, Francis. Thanks to the North American College, the U.S. national seminary in Rome, everything went very smoothly. The Pope spent two and a half hours in conversation with the Bishops of Regions IV and V. It was a broad vision of our concerns and his guidance. He made an impassioned appeal for the continuation of Catholic schools, spoke about the importance of encouraging and accompanying young people in their growth in the faith, and urged us to solicit the collaboration of the laity in the formation and evaluation of candidates for priestly ministry. The Ad Limina visit ended with a lovely celebration of the Eucharist in the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of the Divine Savior and St. John in Laterano, over which Bishop Herbert Bevard, the Bishop of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands presided. Madison Hayes, a co-sponsored seminarian from Anchorage, Alaska, and I left the Cathedral for the train station en route to Assisi, where
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CENTER L: ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, ARCHBISHOP FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA STANDING NEXT TO ARCHBISHOP DOMENICO SORRENTINO, THE BISHOP OF ASSISI, ALONG WITH MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT ATTENDEES.
eighteen couples gathered with Mark Moitoza for a marriage enrichment retreat. The couples enjoyed their time in dialogue and also the Saturday afternoon visit to the city of St. Francis. Archbishop Sorrentino, the Bishop of Assisi, welcomed us and gave us a tour of his residence where St. Francis stripped himself and declared that only God was his Father. New to me was the fact that the Bishop of Assisi sheltered and saved 300 Jewish people who were about to be captured in the last months of World War II. Now it is time to think about and prepare for one more Christmas in the Middle East. V CHRISTMAS 2019
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ROAD
TRIPS!
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BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
oad Trips in the Spencer family during my youth were always a highlight for weekends and summer vacations. The excitement of travels and exploring new locations and places of historic interest remains a joy for me. Recently I was invited by one of our young adult groups to join them for a “road trip” to explore the history of “The Tuskegee Airmen”, who trained not far from Fort Rucker, AL. The airfield and campus are now a museum park. The first African American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps were the public face of the Tuskegee Airmen. They made extraordinary contributions to the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. Along with our experience of walking the grounds of this historic Army Air Corps airfield, our group talked about the advancements made in our American culture to become a more inclusive military community and how we, today in 2019, must protect those rights and privileges achieved in our Country over the past generations. The conversations also reminded us that there remains more work to be done in order to have a balanced society in which each member’s value is recognized and his or her contribution accepted. Another “road trip” for me this past fall season was to the U.S. Navy “Brig” (confinement facility) in Charleston, SC. There I found that the insiders had formed a vibrant Catholic community under the supervision of a local military RCIA team from the U.S.A.F. and from the U.S.N. chapels. After two and half years of religious training and preparations, Edward James Lin was received into full communion with the Catholic
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Church while over 40 of his insider mates were present to support his initiation. Newly confirmed, Lin choose the following quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King as a mantra contributing to his conversion: “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” We encourage Lin and his fellow inmates to keep taking those steps forward that will facilitate their transition back into society and so that they can make positive contributions for the good of all. There were even more unique “road trips” beyond the usual confirmation Masses these past months that brought me to significant events to help spread the Good News of Catholicism. I was invited to two scouting events. First was the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Eagle Scout Edward Cook at Fort Bragg. I was privileged to witness his ceremony and also to deliver the benediction for the event. Then in late October there was another major Catholic scouting event, the Scouting Fall Camporee for Catholic Scouts continued on page 14
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from the Southeast Region of the AMS which was held at Camp Rock Enon, in Gore, VA, under the Catholic adult leadership of Ryan Owens of the United States Coast Guard. Several other fall road trips included the pastoral visits and confirmation Masses. Of particular note was the October confirmation Mass at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, where the entire Catholic chapel of 146 members attended the confirmation retreat along with the confirmandi in order to express their support to these young adults about to complete their Christian initiation.
All of these “road trips� and many more events are just another glimpse of the broad and diverse involvements of this global Archdiocese for the Military Services. We, the AMS, go and can be found anywhere that our Catholics are involved as they joyfully embrace and live our Catholic faith! V
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The Evergreen Visit BY BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
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BISHOP BUCKON (FRONT CENTER), FATHER BERNAS (REAR CENTER), WITH SAILORS AND MARINES AT BANGOR CHAPEL
t is always a joy and an honor for me to visit the Catholic Communities situated in the Evergreen State. “Evergreen” is the nickname ascribed to the State of Washington; and I visit the bases around the Puget Sound every October. I used to begin my visit with Everett Naval Station, Smokey Point Naval Support Activity, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Unfortunately, the U.S. Navy is no longer assigning Catholic Chaplains to Navy Bases in the Northwest
Region; and not one priest in the U.S.A., bid on the contract for these bases when the position for a Catholic contract priest was placed on the Federal Jobs website. Although the Catholic program for these three bases closed on 1 December 2018, I returned to the chapel on Whidbey Island on Columbus Day Weekend of 2019 to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for nine Candidates continued on page 16 CHRISTMAS 2019
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The Evergreen Visit that matriculated into the Confirmation Class in September, 2018. Although the Catholic program was closed for nearly 11 months, 130 former members of the Catholic community returned to the base chapel for the celebration of a Sunday Mass and the sacrament of Confirmation. During the reception that followed the Mass, many people expressed their disappointment with the closing of the Catholic program and their sadness caused by the dissolution of their close-knit community. They also expressed their hope that the Catholic program for these three Naval bases would one day be restored. My next stop was Naval Base Kitsap (NBK). NBK is the third largest U.S. Navy installation in the United States. It is a conglomerate of Bremerton, Bangor, Jackson Park, and Keyport. CH CPT Anthony “Gigi” Bernas, USAR is the contract priest and he is situated in the Bangor chapel. Father Bernas is busy reorganizing the CCD program for his 73 students. Due to a lengthy suspension of the Religious Education program, there were
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no candidates for Confirmation. Despite formidable obstacles and challenges, Father Bernas and the Catholic community of NBK remain grounded in the faith, nurtured in God’s love, and looking to the future with hope. I celebrated three daily Masses, Tuesday through Thursday. All of the Masses were well attended by active-duty Service Members and their Families. My final Evergreen stop was Joint Base Lewis – McChord (JBLM). Father Jason Hesseling (Madison) planned my visit and he included visits on Friday to Madigan Army Medical Center and the Northwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility in my itinerary. Father Joseph W. Reffner (Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter) drove me to Madigan where Father Alex Ramos met me at the door of the hospital; and within moments we were in the chapel celebrating Mass on the Feast Day of Saint Luke. We offered the prayer of the Mass for Health Care Professionals and also asked St. Luke, their patron, for his intercession. We next took lunch in the hospital’s cafeteria before going to visit the patients in their rooms
on various floors. All patients were receptive to having visitors, praying, and receiving Holy Communion. As Father Ramos rushed off in response to an emergency in one of the hospital’s wards, I was driven to the prison where I linked up with Ch Capt Pedro Jimenez Barros, USAFR. Father Pedro is contracted
by the Army for Catholic-specific ministry at JBLM. This ministry includes a Mass every week for the grateful inmates in the chapel of the Correctional Facility. It was a joy to celebrate Mass with Father Pedro, inmates I met on previous visits, and new inmates. I spoke about the importance of having a vision, and continued on page 18
L-R: FATHER RAMOS, FATHER VILLANUEVA, DEACON JEFF GREER, BISHOP BUCKON, FATHER JIMENEZ-BARROS, DEACON JOHN ELSHAW, AND FATHER HESSELING
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The Evergreen Visit told them that the vision that Jesus gave us, the Kingdom of God, is the vision that will give us light, life, and meaning. I exhorted them to hold on to this vision, and to live it! On Saturday evening, I celebrated the anticipated Sunday Mass with Father Jason Hesseling and Father Thomas Kelly (Venice) at the chapel at McChord Airfield. After the Mass Father Kelley drove me to the home of LTC Gregory and Mrs. Elizabeth Tomlin for a clergy dinner. Mrs. Tomlin is the General Counsel for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. The Catholic program at JBLM is very large and there were six priests and two permanent deacons with their spouses attending the dinner. The food was delectable and the company convivial. On Sunday, during the noon Mass, I conferred the sacrament of Confirmation on 34 well-prepared and enthusiastic candidates at JBLM’s Main Post Chapel. This celebration was unique for me because I had served with the grandfather of one of the candidates.
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In 1976, I was a rifle platoon leader in A Company, 1st Battalion 46th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. The unit was located at Ferris Barracks, Erlangen, Germany. Don Meno was the Battalion’s Signal Officer at that time. He and his wife, Mary Beth, were in Erlangen with two young sons. Colonel Brandon Meno, one of the boys, is now commanding the 2nd Infantry Division DIVARTY (Division Artillery, a brigade headquarters). I confirmed his daughter, Taylor Elizabeth. To my knowledge, this is the first time that I conferred the sacrament of Confirmation upon one the grandchildren of those that I befriended while serving in the Army. Don, Mary Beth, and I enjoyed sharing our stories of the “Professionals’ of Ferris Barracks. Father Edgar Villanueva is a Brigade Chaplain for 2nd ID DIVARTY and he concelebrated the Mass! Green is a liturgical color for the Latin Catholic Church. It is used during the Season of Ordinary Time. Green symbolizes hope, everlasting life, and fidelity. “Evergreen” may be the nickname for the State of
Washington, but it also describes the virtues and vision of the service members, their families, and the Catholic communities of the
various Department of Defense Installations located on and around the Puget Sound. I cannot wait to return! V
BISHOP BUCKON, CENTER, AND THE MENO FAMILY. UPPER LEFT COL DON MENO, USA-RET: UPPER RIGHT COL BRANDON MENO, USA
CORRECTION TO FALL ISSUE OF SALUTE Page 23, first column: It should have been: Father John Gwudz, CAPT, USN(ret.) is contracted to assist in the Catholic ministry that takes place at the chapel (Weapons and Field Training Battalion at Edson Range). Page 23, 24, 25: correction to the spelling of Father’s name: Father John Gwudz
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going to the
MARGINS
BY BISHOP BILL MUHM
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hen Christ was born at Bethlehem, he literally went to the margins of the civilized world. Geographically speaking, Bethlehem was at the remote margins of the Roman Empire, very far from Rome. On 24 October 2016, Pope Francis said to the Society of Jesus: “…the Church needs you, relies on you and
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continues to turn to you with trust, particularly to reach those physical and spiritual places which others do not reach or have difficulty in reaching… to walk together — free and obedient — moving toward the margins of society where no one else reaches.” Many thousands of our service members, family members, and
BISHOP MUHM TALKS WITH AIRMEN FROM FLORIDA AIR NATIONAL GUARD AT NAVAL STATION ROTA.
overseas civilians are stationed in remote areas, very far from the Vatican, very far from the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C., and very far from the Pentagon. They live and serve at the margins of the world. As Episcopal Vicar for U.S. forces in Europe and Asia, I spent late Advent and Christmas this year in Okinawa celebrating Mass with those at the margins. It was fantastic! Thank you for your prayers. One important mission of AMS is to go out the margins and proclaim “Emmanuel—God is with us.” Our VA priest chaplains minister to God’s people in medical centers in remote areas—at the margins—of the U.S.A.
the Church in a spiritual sense, by introducing the faith to many of our AMS children who receive very little or no faith formation at home. Many of those attending Mass feel at the margins. We know this because they sit in the back pews. Yet the Lord Jesus comes Eucharistically in a special way for those in the back pews, who are at the margins. Another very important mission of AMS is to go after those at the margins of our worshiping community: our young, single Catholic service-members — too continued on page 22
Our uniformed priests go to the margins as they deploy to remote places with the troops. Our courageous Lay Leaders and Catholic Representatives go even further to the margins—to places where priests cannot be assigned long term.
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many of whom do not regularly attend Mass. We at AMS are always trying to come up with new, creative ways to go after our single service-members — who are a very important segment of our Catholic population, yet most of them live at the margins. Please pray for us as we do our best to connect with them. May our newborn King bless and strengthen our Salute readers and all of us at AMS as we go out to the margins. Happy New Year, and God bless you. V
BISHOP MUHM TALK WITH SAILORS AT NAVAL STATION ROTA.
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Rome
– New Bishops Course BY BISHOP JOSEPH L. COFFEY
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ishop Bill Muhm and I were blessed to be able to attend the new bishops course in Rome from 4 – 12 September 2019. For the past 20 years the newly ordained Catholic bishops from all over the world have gathered in Rome for what is affectionately called, “the Baby Bishops Course”. continued on next page CHRISTMAS 2019
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We were hosted by the Legionaries of Christ at their seminary in Rome with rooms usually filled with the seminarians who were on vacation. The college seminarians could not have been more helpful to more than 100 bishops attending the course. The days were full with morning Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, and several lectures each day by Church officials and lay people on a wide range of topics including finances, pastoral care of the family, the relationship between a bishop and his priests, interreligious dialogue, and evangelizing through digital media. Shortly after Bishop Muhm and I were ordained on 25 March 2019 in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with the participation of many of our friends and AMS supporters, Cardinal Marc Ouellet from Canada, the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, sent us our official invitations. The lectures were given in a variety of languages but it was like being at the UN, because we wore headsets and could listen in one of five different languages, English, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese. The meal times were particularly enjoyable due to not only the delicious food but the opportunity to practice the different languages many of us have learned over the years. It was polyglot heaven, and a great reminder that the word Catholic means universal. Bishop Muhm and I were also able to visit the North American College to encourage our cosponsored seminarians in their studies. They are Timothy Mergen from Madison, WI; Patrick Costello from Green Bay, WI; Madison Hayes from Anchorage, AK; Bradley Easterbooks from San Diego, CA; Peter Ludwig from Lansing, MI; and Michael Nugent from Arlington, VA. They are all doing really well and enjoying the great opportunity to study Theology in Rome. The highlight of the week was the great joy we had in a beautiful Mass concelebrated with all the new Bishops at the majestic and awe inspiring St. Peter’s in the Vatican.
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We then had the great honor of a personal meeting with His Holiness, Pope Francis. In his talk to us, he said that new bishops need to prepare for a life filled with God's surprises with daily plans that change at the last minute and especially for a life dedicated to spending time with God and with His people. No matter what else is going on in our lives and ministries we must spend time in prayer. Pope Francis also urged us to be especially close to our priests who need to be loved, accompanied, and encouraged. We then got to meet individually with him. Shaking the hand and looking into the face of the Vicar of Christ on Earth and hearing him say to me, "Please pray for me" was something I will treasure and never forget. V
BISHOP COFFEY MEETING WITH POPE FRANCIS DURING THE AD LIMA VISIT.
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Holy Mass atop Mount Suribachi
BY FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, O.C.S.O.
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ather Charles Suver, SJ, was born in Ellensburg and educated at Seattle College, now Seattle University, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1924 and was ordained a priest in 1937. As a 39-year-old Navy Chaplain he was with the Marines on Iwo Jima, the bloodiest battle of the Pacific Theater, lasting from February 19, to March 26, 1945, with more than 22,000 Marines and Sailors killed or wounded. War correspondent Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph of the raising the flag on Mount Suribachi, February 23, 1945, by five United States Marines and a Navy Hospital Corpsmen was first published in newspapers the following Sunday and since then it has been a powerful symbol of all that is it means to be a Marine. Father Suver was there and played a little known but profound part. He had just finished supper and one of the Marine officers declared he was sure he could get an American flag to hoist on top of Mount Suribachi. Another officer said he was sure that his Marines could get the flag to the top.
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MASS ON MOUNT SURIBACHI WITH FATHER SUVER AND MARINES
To this Father Suver replied, "You get it up there and I'll say Mass under it." On the fifth day of the battle the Marines secured the mountain. Shortly after the historic flag-raising was captured on film Father Suver, true to his word, climbed to the top of Mount Suribachi and celebrated Mass with twenty exhausted Marines gathered around him. In later life, Father Suver constantly discounted the celebrity status he achieved with his mountaintop Mass. For him the most extraordinary thing about Iwo Jima was being with his men, watching their heroism under fire and seeing their care for each another. To his parents, John and Josephine Suver in Seattle, he wrote: "Don't worry about me: I am where I want to be and doing the things that I want to do." After the war, Father Suver returned to Washington State where became well known as a preacher at parish missions and retreats and a leader in the Marriage Encounter Movement. A brother Jesuit described him as having an incredible wit and sense of humor combined with the crusty exterior of an old military man. "Chuck genuinely loved being a priest - caring for people, especially people who were hurt, FATHER CHARLES SUVER who were in spiritual pain. He was this crusty old grandfather figure who at the first sign of pain would wrap his arms around you and comfort you." Among the many remarkable images of Catholic Chaplains in World War II this photograph of Holy Mass on Mount Suribachi is particularly poignant. The utter devastation of the island, the exhaustion of the Marines kneeling in prayer and shielding the priest and altar from the wind, the juxtaposition of death and life in both the setting and the Holy Sacrifice tells us all there is to know about being priest chaplain in and with our Armed Forces Perhaps God is calling you to follow in Father Suver’s footsteps. Go to www.milarch.org/vocations to learn more. V CHRISTMAS 2019
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A Co-Sponsored Seminarian’s Summer Experience at the Navy Chaplain School BY BRADLEY EASTERBROOKS
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s a co-sponsored seminarian with the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) and the Diocese of San Diego, I am currently in my second year of theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Prior to entering seminary, I served on active-duty in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. As a Co-Sponsored Seminarian, I am able to continue my time in service as a Chaplain Candidate Probationary Officer (CCPO), a Navy program which allows me to retain a commission as an officer and train during summers. This summer, I was privileged to attend the U.S. Navy’s Chaplain Candidate Orientation Course (known as “CCOC”), a twoweek training held for Navy Chaplain Candidates between 28 July and 9 August 2019, at Naval Station Newport, RI. The course was attended by 24 chaplain
candidates from various religious backgrounds, including six Catholics (three seminarians and three recently ordained priests). A primary focus of the course was to prepare us to serve God as a priest and minister to sailors while succeeding as U.S. Naval officers and leaders. The course’s curriculum included a taste of much of what a chaplain might encounter over a career. We were trained by experienced Naval chaplains who provided information on the unique life of chaplaincy as well as the challenges faced in our twenty-first century world. Because Navy chaplains serve the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S. Merchant Marines, we received practical training on ministry across the services. Towards that end, CCOC students continued on page 30
L TO R: SEMINARIAN DAVID CAMPO, ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON, ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY, BRIGHTON, MA; SEMINARIAN EASTERBROOKS, DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO, NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE, VATICAN CITY STATE; FATHER RENE PELLESSIER, DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE, LA; SEMINARIAN PAUL COLLINS, ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES, ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY, CAMARILLO, CA; FATHER BEN PITRE, DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE, LA; FATHER MICHAEL PLONA, DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE. NY
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Summer Experience
visited the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for a training with the Academy’s command chaplain as well as lunch and a tour of the campus. We were also privileged to make a visit to the Submarine Force Museum, where we boarded the USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Continuing our study of Naval history, our class also visited Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard with the World War II-era destroyer USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. One of the motivating aspects of the training involved our physical training (“PT”) opportunities. Each day of PT, we would rise early and muster at 0445 to commence our group exercises at 0500. This aspect of the training was designed to keep us in shape for the Navy’s Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). We were led by a Gunnery Sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps, who ensured
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that this training both challenged us and continued our advancement in physical readiness. With three Catholic priests and seminarians attending the course, we were able to form a tight-knit fraternity for daily celebration of Mass and community prayer. During evenings, we would pray the Liturgy of the Hours together prior to eating a meal at the Officer’s Club. In prayer and fellowship, we found that God had used this time of fraternity to continue to form us into men after His own heart in preparation for Naval chaplaincy. V
Committed to “Serving those who Serve”. N
Save the Dates Spring Discernment Retreat 12 - 15 March 2020 St. Patrick’s Seminary Menlo Park | California
Chrism Mass
31 March 2020, 6:00 p.m Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave NE | Washington, D.C. 20017
Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist
25th Annual Memorial Mass
31 May 2020, 4:30 p.m. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Avenue NE | Washington, D.C. 20017 Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist
Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, Servant of God 3 September 2020, 6:30 p.m Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave NE | Washington, D.C. 20017
Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist
12th Annual Benefit 21 November 2020
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THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
Name: Davi
nthony
Campo
(ARCH)DIOCESE / RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY: Boston dA ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Navy RANK: Chaplain Candidate/LTJG COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): Boston College (BC), Chestnut Hill, MA; St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Boston College High School, Boston, MA HOBBIES: Running, sports, reading, cooking, and just being outdoors with friends and solo. TEAM SPORTS: Cross Country, Track, Baseball
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? Thoughts became more of a reality late into my junior year when a priest asked me. I was right out of the confessional, praying a novena to St. Jude, when I least expected it! But the peace and joy which came with that invitation remained, even after witnessing some of the challenges priests faced, then and now. God has a way of giving us a mission, a purpose to live and die for, when we least feel worthy. He also gives us the right people, in heaven and in our daily life, to make our wills joined to His. The Navy Chaplaincy did not cross my mind until exactly a year later when my youngest brother got accepted into the Naval Academy, on the feast day of the brothers Cyril and Methodius. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Spiritual retreats, visiting the Naval Academy to see my hard-working brother Stephen, and without question the witness of faith-filled priests. Monsignor John McLaughlin and Father Bill Devine continue to motivate me to configure myself to Christ.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? The passage late in St. John’s Gospel as Jesus was being crucified: “When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother ‘Woman, Behold your Son!” Then he said to the disciple “Behold your Mother!” And from that hour forward the disciple took her to his own home” (Jn 19:26-27). From His side every grace will be found, every prayer answered, every hope for mercy fulfilled. There’s so much packed into that one passage that it never ceases to amaze me how much God loves us. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? Personal prayer with Him in Adoration, praying with the Bible and Rosary, and encountering Him in the poor, “the least ones of His”. WHAT SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Saints Padre Pio, John Vianney, John Paul II, Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, and Servant of God Vincent Capodanno have all been outstanding witnesses of the priesthood, “the love of the heart of Jesus” (John Vianney). Saints Therese, Faustina, and Rafqa for their generous fiat to God’s Will. WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND/OR ACADEMIC AND/ OR MILITARY BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN APPLICANT? After graduating, I worked full-time as an energy consultant, and part-time in catering. Both taught valuable lessons for which I am grateful. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? Split between True Devotion to Mary and He Leadeth Me. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? Those men and women who make sacrifices daily to love Jesus and bring others to Him in their state of life. I especially admire the men and women who have served this great country and strive to build it up in a time of much discouragement. Finally, my family, mentors, and parishioners who give me strength to keep running the race.
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New! AMS Private-Label Donor Advised Fund and AMS Charitable Gift Annuity BY MARY LAVIN
On 12 November 2019, Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund (KCCF), in collaboration with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), launched the first-ever KCCF diocesan private-label donor-advised fund (DAF), the first for both organizations.
A DAF is a philanthropic vehicle established at a public charity and allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund over time. Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing segment of charitable giving vehicles and make it easy to donate assets that might otherwise not be contributed to charity. They also make it easy to distribute funds in a thoughtful and impactful manner. KCCF’s private-label donor-advised fund is a turnkey solution that provides a customized platform for the AMS, without significant financial, legal and administrative costs often associated with building and maintaining a proprietary program. Other public charities like Vanguard, Fidelity Charitable, or Schwab Charitable, require a minimum contribution to establish a DAF; there is no minimum amount to establish an AMS DAF, making it available to all who may be interested. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., expressed his appreciation for being the first archdiocese to partner with the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund in its new private-label donor advised fund initiative. Archbishop Broglio said, “The new AMS Donor Advised Fund will provide an important new philanthropic giving vehicle to benefit the global mission and ministry of this Archdiocese, and other organizations whose missions are in line with Catholic teachings. I am deeply grateful to the Knights, who have been a steadfast supporter
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of the AMS for many years, for introducing yet another way for the faithful to support pastoral care for the Catholic men and women who serve our nation in uniform, and their families.” A few days following the launch of the new AMS DAF, the Archdiocese also established a new partnership with National Catholic Community Foundation (NCCF) to provide Charitable Gift Annuities. A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a philanthropic vehicle by which those who wish to support the AMS - while providing themselves a guaranteed income for life – can do so, usually at above-market rates based on a donor’s age and guidelines established by the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA). CGAs are easy to create and may be funded with a gift of $10,000 or more. By offering Charitable Gift Annuities that will be issued, administered, and pooled with National Catholic Community Foundation annuities, the new Charitable Gift Annuity Program will benefit the AMS for years to come. For more information about Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund, visit www.knightscharitable.org. To establish a DAF with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, please visit: www.milarch.org/new-donor-advised-fund, or contact the Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors at (833) 877-0728 or charitablefund@kofc.org. For more information about National Catholic Community Foundation, visit www.nccfcommunity.org. To establish a Charitable Gift Annuity, please visit www.milarch.org/catholicgift-annuity or contact Mary Lavin, Executive Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at mlavin@milarch.org or (440) 223-6482. V CHRISTMAS 2019
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Co-Sponsored Seminarians Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Nation’s Capital BY TAYLOR HENRY
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hirty-eight prospective Catholic military chaplains gathered in the nation’s capital over the Labor Day weekend for a three-day celebration of prayer, reflection, and fraternity sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The group comprised seminarians from all over the United States participating in the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program (CSP), a vocations partnership between the AMS and cooperating dioceses and religious communities. The chaplain candidates took part in a full weekend schedule, including a Friday night riverboat dinner cruise along the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, Saturday and Sunday morning Masses celebrated by his Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, and a Saturday afternoon barbeque served by the Knights of Columbus (K of C) James Cardinal Hickey Assembly #2534 at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center, the AMS’s home base.
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FATHER AIDAN LOGAN (CENTER) ADDRESS THE CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS DURING A BREAKOUT SESSION.
For the seminarians—all in various stages of preparation to become chaplains, many of them with previous military experience—it was an opportunity to get to know each other better and learn more about the vocation within a vocation they share: “serving those who serve” the nation in uniform. The AMS is counting on the co-sponsored seminarians to help fill a desperate shortage of Catholic priests on active-duty. The shortage comes as more and more priests reach military retirement faster than they can be replaced. Thanks in large part to a proactive AMS Vocations Office, along with the support of U.S. bishops and religious superiors and increased awareness and discernment opportunities for prospective chaplains, the number of co-sponsored seminarians has risen from 7 in 2008 to 47 this year. They come from 27 U.S. dioceses and one religious community and are enrolled in 18 seminaries. continued on page 38 CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS ATTENDING MASS IN THE CRYPT CHURCH OF THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHIRE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
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Co-Sponsored Seminarians CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
In 2019, five co-sponsored seminarians were ordained priests, nine were ordained transitional deacons on track for priestly ordination in 2020, and two more are scheduled to be ordained transitional deacons in October. Six priests went on active-duty in 2019. Several more priests are set to transition to active-duty over the next three years. Meanwhile, the AMS Vocations office is processing the applications of more prospective co-sponsored seminarians. For more information on the CSP, visit milarch.org/co-sponsoredseminarian-program/. Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to “serve those who serve” in the U.S. military, can find more information at www.milarch.org/vocations, or may contact Vocations Director Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O., by email: amsvocations@milarch.org . V FATHER CHRIS ARMSTRONG, AMS JUDICIAL VICAR, TALKS TO AMS CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS AS THEY ENJOY AN EVENING RIVERBOAT CRUISE ALONG THE ANACOSTIA AND POTOMAC RIVERS.
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The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
Pathway of Honor Show your support for service members, veterans, chaplains, military families, and all who have served or continue to serve by reserving a commemorative brick today. Your brick will join hundreds of others lining the pathways of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C. A suggested donation of $150 will ensure that your loved one’s brick will be placed on the Pathway of Honor. To order a brick please visit
https://www.milarch.org/bricks/
You can donate online or print a donation form.
Please contact the Advancement Office, (202)719-3622 or support@milarch.org if you have any questions.
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U.S. Military Personnel Invited to Apply for Warriors to Lourdes Spiritual Journey BY TAYLOR HENRY
U.S. Military personnel, including the wounded, ill, and injured, are invited to apply for an all-expenses-paid, round-trip journey to the Marian grotto and spring baths at Lourdes, France, during the 62nd annual Pèlerinage Militaire International (PMI)—or “International Military Pilgrimage.” The PMI will be held next year from 12 to 19 May 2020, drawing thousands of troops, veterans, and others from around the world to the famous site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The “Warriors to Lourdes” excursion amounts to a week-long retreat in which pilgrims take part in an opening ceremony, special Masses, visits to the baths at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, and a candlelight vigil. U.S. servicemen or women currently on active-duty, recently retired, or honorably discharged—including those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), moral injury, or illness—are encouraged to submit an application to the Knights of Columbus (K of C), which co-sponsors Warriors to Lourdes along with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).
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All pilgrims will arrive at Lourdes in time for the Warriors to Lourdes Opening Mass on Thursday, 14 May, at 2:30 p.m. (local time). Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., will cover expenses for approved non-wounded, wounded, ill, or injured warriors, and their designated caregivers. Preference will be given to post-9/11 era warriors. Acceptance and full coverage for pre-9/11 era wounded, ill, or injured veterans will be determined on a caseby-case basis. Companions and volunteers are invited to apply at specially priced rates. Each pilgrim package includes lodging, meals, PMI credentials, and roundtrip fare from Washington, DC; Atlanta; Raleigh-Durham, NC; New York City; Houston, TX; Seattle-Tacoma, WA; or Los Angele, CA; or bus service from Ramstein-Miesenbach Air Base in Germany. The K of C will book flights from the nearest local airport to the seven departure cities for all pilgrims starting their journey from outside those areas. Barring exceptions, pilgrims will be responsible for transportation to and from the originating airport or bus terminal. Since all pilgrims will lodge in a hotel, the wounded, continued on page 42
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disabled, or sick warriors must be able to perform their “activities of daily living” either alone or with the assistance of their designated caregivers. The PMI traces its historical roots back to World War II. During the War, members of the French military visited the site of St. Bernadette’s apparitions, offering prayers for peace. In December of 1944, U.S. military personnel joined British, Belgian, French, and Russian military representatives for a Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. After the War, French soldiers and their chaplains invited German soldiers and their chaplains to gather to pray together. To apply for the 2020 Warriors to Lourdes journey, and for more information, visit: warriorstoloudes.com.
BISHOP COFFEY (FIRST BEHIND COLOR GUARD) PARTICIPATING WITH THE U.S.A. PILGRIMS AT THE PMI.
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Photo Courtesy of: Sister Michael Bochnowski, Belvoir Eagle
Belvoir’s Priest Answers Call to Service BY PAUL LARA, BELVOIR EAGLE
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lec Scott’s family came to Fort Belvoir when he was in the 4th grade, and Belvoir’s community of faith had a lasting effect on him. Father Scott celebrated a final Mass at Belvoir Chapel, Sunday, before reporting to Chaplain School at Fort Jackson, S.C. “We moved to Belvoir in 1996 when I was 10 years old,” said Father Scott. “I attended school at Barden Elementary (which is now Barden Education Center) and was in its first graduating class.”
So much has changed on post since then: the elementary school was moved to North Post, what used to be the old South Nine Golf Course where he would play as a child is now the imposing structure of the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, and a lot of new housing has been developed on post. What hasn’t changed is his childhood home in Belvoir Village, and the strength of community and faith. “I’ll drive back to my old house in Belvoir Village – that stretch of the village by the woods has not continued on page 44 CHRISTMAS 2019
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Belvoir’s Priest CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 changed, and I find that comforting,” said Father Scott. “I have a lot of gratitude for Fort Belvoir – you move around the military your whole life, but no place ever feels as much like home as does Belvoir.” The power of community As soon as they arrived, Alec said his family were warmly embraced by the Catholic community. “Faith has always been a big part of my life, even before I was aware of God’s presence. The environment I was in let me explore those questions, and I was blessed with wonderful priests, including Father John Mudd,” he said. “They showed me how large an impact a person can have on your life. They were joyful, happy, normal in all the right ways, and I was attracted in what they were doing. From that grew a seed of interest, but it was not until college that I got serious.” One fixture of Father Scott’s life, going back to grade school, was
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Sister Michael Bochnowski, who had just arrived here as Director of Religious education – a post she still holds. “I have known Sister Michael since I was 10. She was a big part of my life. She is my longeststanding faith relationship. She has been a rock at Fort Belvoir and where I received all my Catholic upbringing and religious education. In spite of myself, she has been my biggest cheerleader, and I cannot express how much she has meant to me. Sister Michael is an institution,” he said. Sister Michael was equally effusive of Father Scott, saying his passion and persistence was evident from the beginning. “One of the things I feel happy about is seeing people growing up, and becoming generals and sergeants major, and for them to do the good that they do with the people,” she said. “He is a great example of the good we can do here.”
Sense of responsibility. Father Scott said his journey of faith was strengthened by his upbringing as a military child. “My familiarity with the military was definitely a big part of it. There is a sense of the culture – the people I met and the embraces from the community, but there’s a parallel sense, a feeling of responsibility what the military has given to me. It was invaluable toward becoming a priest. Growing up in a military environment, it would make me feel ungrateful if I did not return something and offer back to the communities that made me what I am,” said Father. And, this week marks his next transition, from priest to Army chaplain; something he looks forward to. “The types of ministry will be different – doing more work with non-Catholic communities, and
that’ll be new to me. I’ll have a broader range of responsibilities to be not only a faith leader but also counselor, and I’ll wear a lot of different hats,” he said. “There are many different jobs, but all are under the job of parish priest. The excitement, and challenge, ahead is that I bring my faith and my priesthood to all that I do. I want to be living my faith, but I want to do everything I can to serve the military in whatever they need me to do,” said Father. After two years as priest in Washington, D.C., Father said it is interesting to celebrate his final Mass on Fort Belvoir. “There’s this element of closing one chapter as I open the next chapter. The locus is poetically perfect,” Father Scott said. V
"I want to do everything I can to serve the military in whatever they need me to do.” CHRISTMAS 2019
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Vice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley, USN (Ret.), Named Board Chairman of Father Vincent Capodanno Guild BY TAYLOR HENRY
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ice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley, USN (Ret.), has been appointed Chairman of the governing board of the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild. The Guild is a private Catholic Church association and not-forprofit corporation established in 2013 to promote the Cause for Canonization of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., Servant of God. Father Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain lieutenant, was killed in action during the Vietnam War while anointing and aiding U.S. Marines in combat against the North Vietnamese army. The Maryknoll priest from Staten Island, NY, posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. The Holy See’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints is now considering his Cause. Should the Congregation deem Father Capodanno’s Cause worthy to proceed with canonization, he will next be beatified and then declared a saint. Vice Admiral Stanley was appointed by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA. He replaces Captain George J. Phillips, USMC (Ret.), who stepped down in September after six years of
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service. Both Vice Admiral Stanley and Captain Phillips have served on the seven-member board since Archbishop Broglio announced formation of the body at the annual Memorial Mass for Father Capodanno on 2 September 2013. His Excellency announced Captain Phillips’ retirement at this year’s Memorial Mass on 4 September, the 52nd anniversary of Father Capodanno’s death at the age of 38—unarmed—in a volley of enemy gunfire in Vietnam’s Quế Sơn Valley. During Captain Phillips’ term as Chairman, the Tribunal established by the Archdiocese conducted an exhaustive inquiry into Father Capodanno’s life and death while the Guild compiled reports of favors received following intercessory prayers to the slain priest. The Catholic Church ordinarily requires at least two miracles attributed to the intercession of a sainthood candidate for the candidate’s Cause to go forward. In the most recent case, medical tests in 2017 showed the unexplained healing of a Florida woman’s multiple sclerosis following her prayers to Father Capodanno. Originally from Doylestown, OH, Vice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. During his 37-year Navy career he served as a submariner on USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN 619G), Submarine NR-1, USS William H Bates (SSN 680), USS Richard B Russell (SSN 687), Submarine Development Squadron Five and Submarine Group Eight. His shore assignments included time as a financial manager in the Pentagon where he served on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense. Following his retirement from the Navy, Vice Admiral Stanley transitioned to the Northrop Grumman Corporation where he served as the Vice President of Cyber and C4 Government Relations until retirement. Vice Admiral Stanley is married to the former Jean Marie Steiner, also from Doylestown, OH. The couple has four daughters and twelve grandchildren. V
For more information about the Father Vincent R. Capodanno Guild visit: www.capodannoguild.org
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48 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOMD PERMIT #1169
“Invoking abundant blessings from the Christ Child upon all of you, I wish you and all your loved ones the joy and peace proclaimed by the Angels at Bethlehem and longed for by all men and women of good will!” – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA
