FALL 2018
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
BISHOP FRANCIS X. ROQUE 90th Birthday & 65Vietnam’s Years a Priest Quế Sơn Battlefield FALL 2018
|
1
Dear Friends of the Archdiocese,
M
ost of us are still disconcerted by the publicity around the scandalous actions of priests and bishops in the last century. Still overwhelmed by shame, I certainly have recommitted myself to the Dallas Charter for the Protection of Young People and whatever else will come forward as safeguards for the young and dependent adults and as assurances for the accountability of all bishops. In offering you a new issue of Salute, I join you in thanking Almighty God for the sixty-five years of priestly ministry and the ninety years of life given by and to retired Auxiliary Bishop Francis Roque. Grateful for his commitment, please remember this generous servant in your prayers. In addition to the usual features about the pastoral travel of the Auxiliary Bishops and me, you will hear about the Reverend Mr. Christopher Yakkel’s vocation, learn about the recent AMS marriage, family, and recruitment retreats, meet the Bethlehem University student who served as an intern at the AMS this summer, hear some details about the up-coming General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, and read about AMS participation in the young adult welcome to the World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon. The AMS rejoices in the annual meeting of VA chaplains, which took place in New Orleans in mid-October. That is always an important time of gathering and renewal for these good priests. The overwhelming results of the national collection in 2016 makes me hopeful for the collection next year. The generous response of so many donors has allowed the AMS to assure an ever more solid foundation for the ministry to those entrusted to the pastoral care of the archdiocese. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The AMS, Archdiocese of Baltimore, and the Knights of Columbus will join forces for a celebration at the Saint John Paul II Shrine on Sunday, 11 November! I hope that you enjoy the following pages and I wish you pleasant autumn days and a blessed Thanksgiving. Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
2
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
VOLUME 12 NUMBER 3 FALL 2018
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 Deadlines Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 10 Take, Bless, Break, and Share Bishop F. Richard Spencer 12 New VA Medical Center, Aurora Colorado Bishop Richard B. Higgins 15 Triennial National Collection for the AMS Mary Lavin 16 Veterans of Religious Education Bishop Neal J. Buckon 21 Remarkable Milestones Taylor Henry 28 Damien Grad “Ecstatic” About Call to the Priesthood, Air Force Chaplaincy Ana Weaver, Hawaii Catholic Herald 32 Best Gift Mary Lavin 34 Overseas-Based Military Families Explore Faith in Recent Gatherings Taylor Henry 36 Synod of Young People, The Faith, and Vocational Discernment Dr Mark Moitoza 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.
FALL 2018
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
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
Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469
Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org COVER PHOTO: Chaplain Francis X. Roque and Chaplain Jim Cotton after a Field Mass in Vietnam.
FALL 2018
BISHOP FRANCIS X. ROQUE 90th Birthday & 65Vietnam’s Years a Priest Quế Sơn Battlefield FALL 2018
|
|
1
3
BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
DEADLINES
ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO, HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL LEOPOLDO BRENES, ARCHBISHOP OF MANAGUA, AND MR. CHRISTOPHER S. LJUNGQUIST, USCCB
P
robably most of us are governed by deadlines. Students know all about them: a test, a paper, or a presentation all require preparation. In the military preparedness is usually a constant (how else could we depend on them in an emergency or in time of war), but there are also the deadlines of an inspection or a visit.
4
One of my quarterly deadlines is the article for Salute, but there are many others that usually involve a pastoral visit somewhere or letters to be signed or the preparation of a homily or talk. As I write these lines the clock is ticking. These past few months have provided some very happy occasions. I baptized a grandnephew in Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross. We also managed to witness a baseball game at Fenway Park. Time with my family is always precious and I was with them again in June. The AMS rejoiced in the ordinations of six priests this summer. I only missed one priestly ordination, but Bishop Higgins represented the Archdiocese in Lafayette, Louisiana. Three of the new priests, former Anglican chaplains, augmented the number of Catholics in the chaplaincy at once. We will have to wait at least three years to see the other three in uniforms of the Army and Navy! (continued on page 6)
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO CELEBRATING MASS WITH PRIESTS OF THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE IN COLUMBIA.
(continued on page 6) FALL 2018
|
5
DEADLINES...
continued from page 5
From 17 to 23 June I joined Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver and Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City for a visit to Lebanon. Bishops Gregory Mansour and Elias Zaidan, the Eparchs of the two Maronite Dioceses in the USA, guided us on visits to all of the Patriarchs (both those in communion with the Bishop of Rome and the “Orthodox”), the President of the Republic, and the sites of this biblical land. The great work that both Catholic Relief Services and Caritas do in service to the poor and the huge refugee community was in evidence. You could not fail to be moved by the plight of a family with a daughter and two handicapped sons. The wife and daughter work outside the home while the father cares for the sons. His health does not permit him a permanent job. We saw other examples of the outreach in the country, including a home for ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO AND THE MOST REVEREND FABIO refugee women, but the visit SUESCÚN MUTIS, BISHOP OF THE to the family will ever remain MILITARY ORDINARIATE OF COLUMBIA. etched in my memory. I returned to Washington in time to welcome the seven priests participating in the “For God and Country” experience where priests are introduced to the chaplaincy in the hope that exposure to the different service branches might assist their discernment of a vocation within a vocation. Then a group of the discerners to the priesthood were invited to take a “step closer” while on retreat not far from Washington.
6
In the midst of the retreat I returned to the city to celebrate Mass at the Washington VA and bless the new chasubles and vessels for use at Catholic celebrations at the Medical Center. The D.C. Knights of Columbus made the donation and animated the celebration. The annual Mass for the arriving class of Plebes at Annapolis always energizes the beginning of summer. So many attended the Catholic hour after Mass that we had to use the Synagogue to accommodate the group. Despite their new sheared look, they appeared to be surviving the rigors of Plebe Summer! After a few weeks of much needed rest and relaxation, I flew to Nicaragua on a solidarity visit to the Catholic community there. Great unrest plagues the country, and the Catholic Church is moderating a national dialogue. Persecution from the Sandanistas makes life very difficult for anyone in the opposition. However, the bishops are valiant and determined to give voice to those who have no voice. Cardinal Brenes, the Archbishop of Managua, graciously invited me to celebrate Mass in his cathedral on Sunday. I was also able to visit his elderly mother later in the day. She is quite alert, despite more than four score and ten years of life. The visit to Nicaragua was also very interesting because I had been its desk officer in the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See for some eleven years in the 1990’s. It was moving to celebrate in the relatively new Cathedral of Managua and to hold the Cardinal’s beautiful wooden crosier in my hands. I might add that the liturgy was very carefully prepared and celebrated. People gathered around the sanctuary at the end of the Mass for a greeting or a blessing. I returned in time to participate in the opening Mass of the Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Baltimore. After the Mass during Carl Anderson’s report as the Supreme Knight, I learned that the Knights will continue the generous support for the co-sponsored seminarian program and the Warriors to Lourdes. Both programs make an extraordinary contribution to the ministry of this world-wide Archdiocese. (continued on page 8)
FALL 2018
|
7
DEADLINES...
continued from page 7
Weddings provided special moments this summer. Two newly graduated officers from West Point asked me to bless their commitment in Plano, Texas. Their faith and the warmth of their families enhanced the solemn moments of their celebration. I had known the groom for many years. We first met in the Middle East where his father was stationed several years ago. At the end of the second week of August I flew out to Sacramento to witness another matrimony: this time it was of a young Air Force pilot and his beautiful bride. Surrounded by pilots, the couple began their new life with the prayers of the Church and the beautiful music of a splendid choir. Even the altar servers were men that I had known as cadets at the Air Force Academy. There are so many signs of hope in our midst. Some three or four days allowed me to catch up with the mail and attend to some appointments in Washington before meeting the next deadline: a flight to Germany for an AMS family retreat at the beautiful shrine of Schönstatt. Almost one hundred faithful of various ages participated in this opportunity organized by the AMS Office for Evangelization and Life Teen. Many opportunities were offered so that the families could gather together, according to their ages or their roles (mothers and fathers). The testimonies moved all of the participants. It was my first gathering with a large group of AMS faithful since the shameful news about the former Archbishop of Washington, Theodore McCarrick, had been published. I expressed my sorrow and invited all present to pray both for the victims and for a peaceful solution to this dreadful time in the life of the Church. We continue to seek responses, to pray for the victims, and to say never again. The family retreat ended with Sunday Mass. Can you guess the venue for the next day? Dr. Mark Moitoza and his son Luke dropped me off at the Frankfurt airport for the journey back to Washington so that I could catch a flight the next day to Bogotá, Columbia. There I was to make a solidarity visit to the Bishops of that country and participate in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Medellín
8
Conference. In addition to the visits and the work of the gathering, it was a joy to see many old friends from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Less than twenty-four hours after my return from Bogotå, I boarded a plane for Portland, Oregon. Having touched that soil, I can now say that I have visited all fifty states! The prayerful atmosphere of Mount Angel Abbey combined with the warm welcome from the monastic community provided a backdrop for some lovely days in the Pacific Northwest. It was also an occasion to witness the commissioning of the newest Navy Catholic chaplain and to speak to the seminarians about the importance of ministering to the men and women in the military and their families. I visited the Portland VA where I took Holy Communion to a couple of patients in ICU, heard a confession, and learned about the pastoral care of Catholics there. The staff was very accommodating and the view of the city from the top floor of the Medical Center is overwhelming. The part-time Catholic priest there also made sure that I had an occasion to visit Father Martin Luther King, a retired Air Force chaplain. In addition, Archbishop Alexander Sample was a great host and showed me enough of Portland so that I hope that my first visit will not be my last. Over Labor Day most of the co-sponsored seminarians were able to visit Washington. The time with them is a source of encouragement and consolation. They are fine men. As they listen to the voice of God, it can be hoped that they will grow into holy priests and worthy ministers of word and sacrament to the people of their respective dioceses and the AMS. Finally, the second weekend in September allowed me the opportunity to visit Bishop Roque in the facility so ably run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. The spirit and charism of Saint Jeanne Jugan permeate the walls of the home in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. On Sunday I offered Mass at the naval center in Newport. It is a beautiful spot and it will be a delight when the Chaplains’ Schoolhouse returns there. There is more to tell, but the deadline is already past, a bag must be packed, and the plane will not wait. V FALL 2018
|
9
MEMORIAL DAY IN KOREA, 2018
TAKE, BLESS, BREAK,
and
SHARE.
The Eucharist in Action BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
D
uring the past spring and summer months, I continued to visit our military Chapels in Eurasia. In addition to the pastoral visits and celebrating confirmation Masses, it was also a banner time for multiple speaking engagements such as National Prayer Breakfast and National Prayer Luncheon.
10
One of the prayer breakfast gatherings was held at U.S. Naval Base Naples, Italy, hosted by Navy Chaplain, Father Celsius Offor. A large number of people attended the breakfast including Rear Admiral Thomas E. Ishee, Director of Operations (N3), Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and the Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet/Commander, Submarine Group 8. This event also included a gathering of our beloved Knights of Columbus, who all added great joy by their presence, under the leadership of Grand Knight Dana Eberlin. V ATTENDEES AT THE WALKER VOLUNTEER BANQUET, LEFT TO RIGHT: FATHER EDGAR VILLANUEVA, LTC RIZALDO SALVADOR, SGM ERIC CANTRELL, MS. KRISTY CANTRELL, MS. HEATHER SALVADOR, SISTER THERESA KIM, MS. LILLIAN KAVISHE, MS. ANN WOLF, AND BISHOP RICHARD SPENCER ATTENDEES AT THE U.S. NAVAL BASE NAPLES PRAYER BREAKFAST - LEFT TO RIGHT - NEIL HIGGINS, FATHER OFFOR, SEAN MAXWELL, BISHOP SPENCER, WILLIAM (BILL) SHERER, DOMINICK ALBANO, PAUL LOPEZ, JOHNNY PEREZ AND DANA EBERLIN.
FALL 2018
|
11
New Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center JOB WELL DONE! BY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS
T
he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates 153 Medical Centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam. While the director of each Medical Center is responsible for providing comprehensive spiritual and pastoral care to the military veterans served by his/her facility, this archdiocese is the sole entity authorized to endorse and grant ecclesiastical faculties to every Catholic priest employed as a chaplain by the VA. Unlike active-duty, reserve and National Guard chaplains, VA chaplains are not members of the armed forces, do not wear military uniforms, and are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. They are civil servants, and their chain of supervision varies from facility to facility. The Archdiocese requires the wearing of clerical dress while on duty, clearly identifying them as Catholic priests. It has been my privilege to work with, and support over 210 of these dedicated and selfless servants of the Lord since my arrival at the AMS in October 2004. An essential element of this support is a periodic visit
12
to their workplaces and thus in late July I embarked on a 3,000 mile road trip to visit VA priest-chaplains in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. Due to limitations of space I would like to focus on the visit to the new VA Medical Center in Aurora (Denver), Colorado. With a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony the massive, state-of-the-art Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center opened its doors on 21 July. Mired in controversy, the Medical Center contains 12 interconnected buildings and occupies 31 acres on the grounds of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. Taking 14 years to complete and originally projected to cost $328 million, the final tally is closer to $1.73 billion. Among its many special treatment facilities the complex contains a spinal cord injury unit and will eventually include a dedicated PTSD unit. While one should not ignore the controversies surrounding the project, to quote a disabled Army veteran “This is the facility that we need and that we deserve, so we are going to make the best of it‌.â€? Father Jose Mena (Diocese of Leon, Nicaragua) is the new full-time Catholic chaplain here. Recently arrived from his previous assignment as the contract chaplain at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, he had arranged a personal tour of the facility hosted by Mr. Keith Harmon, the Nurse Executive. A devout Catholic, Knight of Columbus, and installed acolyte in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Mr. Harmon is extremely proud of
Crucifix to be dontated by the Archdiocese for the Military Services to the Chapel in the Aurora, Colorado VA Medical Center.
(continued on page 14) FALL 2018
|
13
JOB WELL DONE!
(continued from page 13)
the Medical Center, its equipment and facilities, including two chapels, a Blessed Sacrament Room and an all-faiths meditation room, each configured to accommodate veterans with disabilities. The chapels still require some “finishing touches” but BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS (CENTER) WITH the basics have been MR. KEITH HARMON (LEFT) AND FATHER JOSÉ provided and are first rate. MENA WITH THE NEW ALTAR AT AURORA VAMC. Archbishop Broglio has agreed to donate a surplus crucifix from the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center, and as I write this, we are arranging crating and shipping of the cross. While the ribbon-cutting had taken place 21 July, much of the Medical Center was undergoing a “shakedown” and technicians were everywhere tweaking equipment. The only area “up and running” was the research laboratory. Staff and patients will migrate from the downtown Medical Center over the next few months, and full functionality should be attained by mid 2019. Father Mena was anxious to begin celebrating Mass in the new Catholic chapel, and during my visit I blessed the chapel. and the altar. The first Mass was scheduled for Sunday, 5 August, much to the delight of Father Mena, Mr. Harmon, and a variety of staff members. Prior to my departure to visit the Hot Springs and Rapid City (Sturgis) VA facilities, I spent some time with Father Mena offering assistance in the selection of paraments, furnishings, and sacred symbols to complete the outfitting of the new worship spaces. I am confident that veterans receiving care at this extraordinary facility will be the beneficiaries of the very best technology available. The VA and Army Corps of Engineers deserve credit for a fine job here. V
14
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
Triennial National Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA BY MARY LAVIN
The next scheduled collection is the weekend of 10 November 2019. Funds received from the 2013 and 2016 National Collections have provided the means necessary for the AMS to continue to assure pastoral care and services to the almost 1.8 million AMS faithful spread across the globe who face constant transition and uncertainty, to implement several new and important initiatives, including the first-ever Catholic marriage enrichment retreat and widespread certification of catechists at their installations, to begin to build an endowment with a long-term goal of assuring a self-sustaining source of funding, and to continue to underwrite the Co-Sponsored seminarian program. To learn more about how you can support the National Collection for the AMS, and to see a working list of participating dioceses, go to www.milarch.org/ nationalcollection.
In Memory The Reverend John W. Schuetze, 54 (Ch, Capt, USAF) died in Middleton Stoney, Oxfordshire, England, on 27 August 2018. Father Schuetze, was a native of Green Bay, Wis., serving as an active-duty chaplain with the U.S. Air Force at RAF Croughton.
Date of Birth: April 16, 1964 Ordination to the Priesthood: May 17, 1997 Date of Death: August 27, 2018 FALL 2018
|
15
Veterans
of Religious Education
BY BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
16
MRS. LEILANI PIERCE AT THE 32ND STREET CHAPEL, SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
T
he numerous pastoral visits that the Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS), USA conduct throughout the year provide us with the honor of serving the veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Every day we enjoy meaningful, Spirit-led encounters with veterans and their families. I especially enjoy working with the many veterans and the spouses of veterans who serve as Coordinators of Religious Education (CRE’s) or as catechists in our AMS-wide religious education program, “Forming Missionary Disciples for the New Evangelization”. Religious Education (RE) is essential for every Catholic faith community on a military installation. RE includes the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) that prepares catechumens for entry into the Church through the sacraments of initiation; preparatory instruction for sacraments such as baptism, penance, First Communion, confirmation, and matrimony; and assisting parents, the first teachers of the faith, by providing a first-rate school of religion (Pre K – 8th Grade) in or near the installation’s chapel.
For many years the Federal Government has recognized RE as essential for comprehensive religious support for service members and their families, and has been funded RE with Title X money (appropriated funds). However, with the increasing secularization of our Country and its military, and the military’s dramatic budget cuts the past six years, our RE programs at chapels on all military installations have seen a gross reduction in the amount of Title X money. The money has evaporated and our CRE’s and volunteer catechists have been challenged this past decade. Some CRE’s have had their contracts reduced or eliminated. Some RE programs are not allocated the funds needed to purchase RE teaching materials and supplies for a school year. I salute the zeal, tenacity, and resourcefulness of our veterans and spouses of veterans who worked with Mr. José Amaya, the AMS Director of Faith Formation, to certify the catechists, implement the new curriculum, orient and register the Catholic military family for RE assessment and on-line faith formation, and (continued on page 18) FALL 2018
|
17
Veterans... continue to raise the standard of RE in the AMS! They work very hard to have a proper Sunday School! Raising the standards of RE in the AMS during the past few years has required a herculean effort. Two heroines, Mrs. Leilani Pierce and Mrs. Susan Portillo are representative of the AMS’s contractors and volunteers. They are dedicated and astute CRE’s and they are married to veterans. The Navy’s Southwest Region has contracted Mrs. Pierce for the past 11 years, and Mrs. Portillo for the last 21 years. On 23 May 2018 the Navy Southwest Region emailed all of the CRE’s in the Region, to include Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Portillo, informing them that due to funding constraints all CRE contracts in the Region would be terminated on 30 September 2018. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2019, all Catholic CRE’s will be volunteers. Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Portillo were asked to continue as volunteers. Mrs. Leilani Pierce is married to Curtis O. Pierce. He is a veteran of the Army and the Navy. Leilani and Curtis married in 1980 and have three children. They enjoyed being a Navy Family until Curtis retired in 1997. The following year Leilani began
18
continued from page 17
teaching as an assistant teacher of the Naval Base San Diego confirmation class. In 2001 she became a certified catechist; and in 2007 she was contracted to be the CRE for Naval Base San Diego’s RE program at the 32nd Street Chapel. Eight years later, in 2015, the CRE contracted to run the RE program for the Catholic Faith Community at the Murphy Canyon Chapel had her contract terminated and Mrs. Pierce had the scope of her work multiplied as she assumed RE responsibilities at the Murphy Canyon Chapel. Mrs. Pierce is running two RE programs for 195 children. There are 150 students attending classes at the 32nd Street Chapel, and 45 students enrolled at the Murphy Canyon Chapel. She has recruited and trained nine certified teachers and 18 assistant teachers at the 32nd Street Chapel, and there are five certified teachers and 10 assistants at the Murphy Canyon Chapel. There were six catechumens in RCIA. Leilani says that she is motivated to pass on the Catholic faith to the youth and she wants to give young people a positive experience of the Church. She says that the spirit and the joy of the children are her reward. But, she is not willing to
MRS. SUSAN PORTILLO AT THE NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CHAPEL, CORONADO
continue to run the program as a volunteer. The Navy Southwest Region is also terminating the contract for a priest at the Murphy Canyon Chapel. Fr. Phillip Sessions (Lansing) celebrated his final Mass on 3 August and will not be replaced. Navy families living in the housing area of Murphy Canyon are already registering in nearby parishes of the Diocese of San Diego. The Most Reverend Robert McElroy, the Bishop of San Diego, informed me that his pastors are ready to matriculate the children of our Catholic service members into their parish Schools of religion. Mrs. Pierce is originally from Guam and the preponderance of her students and teachers are of Asian
and Pacific Island (API) descent. She said that many of the children are sad because the dissolution of their School of Religion is like the breaking up of a family. Leilani said that once her contract ends she is willing to help the new volunteer CRE at the 32nd Street Chapel. Mrs. Susan Portillo is the spouse of a Navy veteran, Allan Portillo. Susan met her husband in Annapolis, Md., as her husband was preparing to graduate from the Naval Academy in 1980. This Navy couple with three children became involved with RE in 1989 in Misawa, Japan. Susan later became (continued on page 20) FALL 2018
|
19
Veterans ... the CRE for the Amphibious Base of Naval Base Coronado in 1997 and has served in this capacity for 21 years. In 2015, the CRE at Naval Air Station Coronado North Island (NASNI) had her contract terminated, and Susan had her scope of work expanded to include the responsibility for the formation of students at the NASNI chapel. Susan said that in 1997 there were about 200 students in the RE program, but now there are only 60. She said that this is due to a growing indifference of young parents towards religion and an increase of sports for youth on Sunday mornings. However, she did go on to say that religious education in the military chapels provides a much needed sense of community and well-being for military families that are constantly moving and being separated. She said that the RE program is for the good of the Navy, and opined that the Navy is being short-sighted with their termination of CRE contracts. The local church cannot replicate what a military chapel program offers. Susan starts serving as the volunteer CRE on 1 October 2018. The AMS is indebted to the veterans and spouses of veterans who have either been contracted
20
continued from page 19
or volunteered for the RE and the faith formation that take place in the Catholic communities of our military chapels. It is a joy for me to work with these men and women who love God, love their Country, and love the Military Service with which they are associated. Mrs. Leilani Pierce and Mrs. Susan Portillo are wonderful examples of these great Catholic Americans. They have thus far dedicated a combined total of forty-one (41) years helping Navy chaplains, contract priests, and religious program specialists minister to and provide comprehensive religious support for the sailors, aviators, SEALs, and their families assigned to bases on or near San Diego Bay. Yes, of course they are a tremendous blessing for the AMS; but, they have made a valuable contribution to making and sustaining healthy family life in the United States Navy and they will continue to do so. Like all parents, they enjoy “watching the kids learn.” They find immense satisfaction in helping children grow in their knowledge and love of God. Perhaps, when all is said and done we will overhear Jesus say to them, “Well done good and faithful servants!” V
FATHER FRANCIS X. ROQUE, ARMY CHAPLAIN, CELEBRATING A FIELD MASS IN VIETNAM. SHORTLY AFTER THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN THE LOCATION CAME UNDER FIRE.
Remarkable Milestones BY TAYLOR HENRY
C
ongratulations and prayers of thanksgiving are in order for the Most Revered Francis X. Roque, D.D., CH, COL, USA, (Ret.), AMS Auxiliary Bishop for Veterans Affairs. On 19 September, at the Jeanne Jugan Residence in Pawtucket, RI, an assisted care home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, where the retired prelate now resides, Bishop Roque celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, and on 9 October, his 90th birthday. Two remarkable milestones, one in ministry, the other in sheer physical longevity; either way, Bishop Roque, a priest of the Diocese of Providence who served as a U.S. Army chaplain from 1961 to 1983, has as much reason to celebrate as be celebrated. In ministry, he is respected as “a priest’s priest.” His late brother Bishop Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., (1927-2017) described him as “the holiest man I know.” In his large extended natural family, Bishop Roque is “the spiritual (continued on page 22)
FATHER ROQUE, WITH GREAT NIECE MARTHA PALANK (CAPT), USA, RET. AND A CHAPLAIN IN VIETNAM AT AN KHE, VIETNAM, 1968. FALL 2018
|
21
Remarkable Milestones...continued from page 21 NIECE MARY JUSTINA ROQUE WITH BISHOP ROQUE, JEANNE JUGAN RESIDENCE, MAY 2018
pillar,” according to one of his nieces, Ms. Mary Roque of Boston, MA. Great niece Lynda Mitchell of Northborough, MA, remarks, “[h]e has a way of making everyone feel that they are special to him.” That includes his former co-laborers in the vineyard. Ms. Jo Ann Redmond, longtime AMS Director of Administration and Editor of SALUTE, recalls how the bishop, a tall man, would stand and walk with his shoulders slightly slumped so as not to seem overbearing to subordinates. “He was a very kind, gentle, and humble man,” Ms. Redmond says. “He lived what he preached and ALWAYS had a smile.” Ms. Patti Hutchison, another longtime AMS staffer and Secretary to the Judicial Vicar, recalls “His kindness and smile always made you feel welcome and appreciated for the work you would do, no matter how small the task.” Before a pair of strokes impaired him in 2017, Bishop Roque was known for roaming the skilled nursing floors of the Little Sisters Community, leading fellow residents in song. FATHER ROQUE AFTER CELEBRATING Even now, he is a much beloved figure there. MASS AT AN ORPHANAGE HE HELPED “If you bring him into that dining room,” CREATE DURING THE WAR IN PLEIKU, niece Barbara Mitchell of Northborough, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS. VIETNAM 1968 MA, says, “it’s like bringing in a celebrity. Everyone comes running up, they leave their meals, and say, ‘Oh Bishop, it’s wonderful to see you!’” On a recent Friday afternoon, asked how he felt about reaching his 65th anniversary as a priest, Bishop Roque said, “I certainly feel wonderful.” As for making his 90th
22
birthday, he reflected, “I’m grateful to the good Lord.” Pressed for a clue to the secret of his longevity, he hinted, “A life of prayer is the secret to success.” Born in 1928 to a devout Catholic couple in Providence, RI, the future bishop grew up the sixth in a closeknit family of seven children—a family that has since grown to include five direct in-laws, 22 nieces and nephews, 63 grandnieces and nephews, and 41 great grandnieces and nephews. Young Francis began to discover his vocation in the sixth grade when a Maryknoll priest visited Saint Paul’s School in Cranston to talk about the priesthood and missionary service. The moment of realization struck when he accompanied his dad, a postal worker, to a Tenebrae service. On 19 September 1953, Father Roque was ordained by Bishop Russell J. McVinney. Father Roque spent nearly the entire first decade of his priesthood in Rhode Island (continued on page 24) PHOTOS TOP-BOTTOM: IN 2006 BISHOP ROQUE RETURNED TO VIETNAM. HERE HE VISITS KONTOM, WHERE HE WAS ASSIGNED TO DURING THE WAR. BISHOP ROQUE WITH POPE JOHN PAUL II DURING AN AD LIMINA VISIT IN ROME. BISHOP ROQUE VISITS WITH HIS BROTHER WARREN ROQUE AT WINGATE EAST SIDE, AUGUST 2018 FALL 2018
|
23
Remarkable Milestones...continued from page 23 parishes, but the young priest was drawn to military service in part by the examples of his three older brothers, John, Robert, and Warren, all of whom had served in World War II. He requested and received permission from Bishop McVinney to become a chaplain and entered the Army on 9 October 1961, his 33rd birthday. FATHER ROQUE WITH HIS BROTHER IN LAW, RICHARD
After chaplain school at Fort GUERTIN COL USA, (RET.), ED.D VIETNAM, 1968 Slocum, NY, Chaplain Roque was assigned to Fort Gordon, GA, and later to Fort Campbell, KY, where he joined the 101st Airborne Division—the “Screaming Eagles.” At Fort Benning, GA, Father Roque went to jump school and severely broke his right ankle falling from a rope climb, an injury that left him with a slight limp. Even so, his life as a military chaplain flourished. In 1965, he was stationed in Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It was in Korea that Chaplain Roque learned of Korean War hero Father Emil J. Kapaun, CH, CAPT, USA. Chaplain Kapaun, taken prisoner by Chinese soldiers, died in 1951 after seven months in a POW camp where he repeatedly risked his life to save fellow prisoners. Many years after his deployment to Korea, “Auxiliary Bishop” Roque and Archbishop Joseph T. Dimino (19232014) brought Father Kapaun’s story to the attention of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints during an Ad Limina visit to the Holy See. BISHOP ROQUE WITH HIS CAT, MATILDA AND HIS MOTHER,
24
MARY L. ROQUE AT HIS HOME IN CARLISLE BARRACKS, PA 1983.
In 1968, Chaplain Roque deployed to Vietnam. By happenstance, his tour overlapped that of his niece and Goddaughter, Ms. Martha Palank, CAPT, USA, (Ret.), now of Naples, FL, who served as a battlefield nurse; and a brotherin-law, J.A. Richard Guertin COL, USA, (Ret.) Chaplain Roque and Capt. Palank were both stationed in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. “He would often run out to the field and give anointing of the sick to a lot of people and was very involved with that,” Capt. Palank says. Although his work was dangerous, she recalls, her uncle “relished” being of service. Chaplain Roque went above and beyond the call of duty to help establish an orphanage for homeless Vietnamese children. Nephew Richard Guertin of Miramar, FL, says that “many, many years later he went back to visit the orphanage BISHOP ROQUE WITH HIS TWO SISTERS, and it was still there. He really took great L TO R: BARBARA ROQUE MS AND MARY delight in that,” he added. For his service in ROQUE GUERTIN, ED.D` Vietnam, Chaplain Roque was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He would later receive two Meritorious Service Medals and the Distinguished Service Medal. Years after his Vietnam deployment, both Capt. Palank’s family and the Guertin family found themselves based again in the same foreign country as their uncle—this time in West Germany. They recall that one day during his 1976-78 assignment, Chaplain Roque visited them in a flashy sports car, uncharacteristic of the plain models he habitually drove. “I’ll never forget him showing up at my parents’ house in a Torino,” Mr. Guertin says, “and I thought it was the neatest thing.” He says his father later explained the chaplain had traded his paid-for Chevy Impala for the Torino, which belonged to a soldier who came to him for counseling on marital problems including a car (continued on page 26) FALL 2018
|
25
Remarkable Milestones...continued from page 25 note he and his wife couldn’t afford. According to Ms. Mitchell, her uncle told the soldier, “‘I just bought this new Impala, but I’m not in love with it. What do you say we switch?’ And he said, ‘I’ll take your old car and you can take mine.’” For a while after that, Chaplain Roque, who assumed payments for the Torino, struck the image of a road baron at the wheel of a hot rod on the autobahn, but with only one destination in mind: to help the Army couple overcome their financial worries. “He was embarrassed to have that car since he was so humble” Mr. Guertin recalls. “He would give the shirt off his back to help people.” “[A]nd he did this by allowing the soldier involved to retain his pride,” Ms. Mitchell adds. In spite of his globetrotting with the Army, Chaplain Roque visited his family in Rhode Island as often as possible. He was dedicated to his mother, a widower who ultimately became Rhode Island’s mother of the year - and his sister, Barbara. The three shared a house in Warwick, RI, and often vacationed together. CELEBRATING HIS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS He was attentive to his ORDINATION, BISHOP ROQUE WITH HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY. extended family as well. Ms. Mary Roque recalls the time “Uncle Francis” took her and another niece, Ms. Anne Roque Smith, on a surprise trip to an amusement park on Narragansett Bay. “We were probably 10 years old, and he said ‘you two, come with me, I’m going to take you on a special ride.’ We went on a special ride to Rocky Point,” Ms. Roque says. “He did it just to develop a special bond with us.” “He showed us how to live,” Ms. Smith says. “He helped me develop my deep faith.”
26
After Germany, Chaplain Roque returned to the U.S. At Carlisle Barracks, PA, in 1983, with his next assignment on the horizon, Father Roque received a call from Archbishop Joseph T. Ryan of the military ordinariate, then part of the Archdiocese of New York. Archbishop Ryan told Father Roque NIECE MARY ROQUE FLAMINIO PLAYS that Terence Cardinal Cooke wanted WITH HER UNCLE, FATHER ROQUE AT to talk to him. When Chaplain Roque THE FAMILY HOME ON HARDING AVE, reached the Cardinal, His Eminence PROVIDENCE RI 1953. said the Holy Father—Pope John Paul II—wanted him to become a bishop in the soon-to-be erected AMS, which would function independently from the New York Archdiocese. According to Mr. Guertin, “Cardinal Cooke said, ‘Look, you know, Frank, His Holiness would like you to become a bishop and work for the Military Archdiocese that we’re forming.’” But Father Roque initially declined, according to Mr. Guertin. “Cardinal Cooke said, ‘Listen, it’s up to you, Frank, but we would really like you to serve and this is what we think God is calling you to do.’ A friend of his who was in the seminary with him called up and jokingly said, ‘Frank, you don’t turn down the Pope.’” And so, Chaplain Roque retired from the Army. Cardinal Cooke ordained “Bishop” Roque on 10 May 1983 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Because of his devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary, Bishop Roque chose, as his episcopal motto, “Queen of Peace.” The military ordinariate was moved from New York to Washington, D.C., and officially became an independent archdiocese on 21 July 1986. Bishop Roque thus found his place in the first group of auxiliary bishops to serve the new archdiocese under Archbishop Ryan. As the Episcopal Vicar for Veterans Affairs, Bishop Roque oversaw the endorsement of VA chaplains and supported their ministry in 153 VA Medical Centers nationwide. Well over 200 full and part-time chaplains (continued on page 49) FALL 2018
|
27
Damien grad ‘ecstatic’ ABOU T CALL TO P R I E S T H O O D, A I R F O R C E C HA P L A I N C Y BY ANNA WEAVER
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION - HAWAII CATHOLIC HERALD
A 2007 Damien Memorial High School graduate with less than a year until his ordination to the priesthood has aspirations to become an Air Force chaplain. Chris Yakkel was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Columbus in Ohio on May 4. Presiding at the ordination was Columbus’ Bishop Frederick F. Campbell, with Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, the head of the Archdiocese for Military Services, concelebrating.
28
DAMIEN MEMORIAL ALUMNUS CHRIS YAKKEL GREETS POPE FRANCIS AFTER SERVING AT MASS WITH HIM AT ST. PETER’S BASILICA AT THE VATICAN ON JAN. 1, THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD. (PHOTO COURTESY/MARLO DOWDY - MDOWDY@LIFETEEN.COM)`
“R
egardless of whether I’m serving as a chaplain or as a parish priest here in Columbus, I’m ecstatic to be able to serve wherever God wants me to,” Yakkel said in a phone interview with the Hawaii Catholic Herald.
Yakkel, who was born in North Carolina, grew up in a practicing Catholic family. His father, retired Air Force colonel Ron Yakkel, moved his family with him on Air Force assignments to Washington, Illinois, Oklahoma, England and Hawaii. While in Hawaii, the Yakkel family mostly attended Mass at base chapels and occasionally at St. Elizabeth Parish in Aiea. Chris and his brother, Stevie, went to Damien Memorial High School in Kalihi. Chris spent his junior and senior years at Damien and made many good friends there. While he was not thinking about being a priest at the time, he said that in retrospect, the all-boys environment of Damien prepared him for the seminary. “It was my initial taste of what brotherhood is,” he said. “Just the whole motto of Viriliter Age, act manfully.” Yakkel had many teachers at Damien that were influential on his faith life. Also making a big impact was going on an Encounter retreat both of his years at Damien. It got him excited to keep practicing his Catholic faith at college, he said. Yakkel next went to the Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, getting involved with Catholic campus ministry, going on retreats, and graduating with a degree in health and sports studies. (continued on page 30)
FALL 2018
|
29
Damien grad...
continued from page 29
It was at college where Yakkel said he first seriously considered becoming a priest, thanks to getting even more involved in his faith on campus. After his graduation in 2011, he applied to NET Ministries, which enlists young adult Catholics in youth ministry. As the Yakkel family was still living in Hawaii at the time, Chris asked Bishop Larry Silva if the Diocese of Honolulu would sponsor him during NET. It did. “Even though I’m not studying for the Diocese of Honolulu, I’m really grateful for Bishop Silva’s support,” he said. Yakkel did two years of missionary work with NET. Those two years helped him establish a daily, personal prayer life and solidified his decision to enter seminary. “Having that constant communication with the Lord, and spending time with him every day in prayer and also having a life soaked in the sacraments,” really made an impact, he said. “It had gotten to the point where I was thinking about priesthood every single day.”
A PRIEST IN THE MILITARY
The idea of being a military chaplain seemed to arise naturally alongside Chris’ realization that God was calling him to be a priest. Not only was his father in the Air Force, but several other family members also served in the military. It was a familiar environment. There’s also a great need for Catholic priests in the military. According to the Archdiocese of Military Services, 25 percent of U.S. service members are Catholic, but only 6 percent of military chaplains are Catholic priests. Priest chaplain numbers have been dropping steadily since September 11.
30
The Air Force currently has 59 priests to serve 80,000 Catholic Air Force personnel, or 1 in every 1,350, not including families of those service members. “There are priests going overseas who are running into service men and women who haven’t seen a priest in months,” Yakkel said. “If God is calling me to be a priest, I’d love to be a vessel to bring the sacraments to those Catholics who are serving in the military and their families as well.” After finishing a two-year commitment with NET Ministries, Yakkel entered the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, where he is entering his fourth year of theology studies. He hopes to graduate with his master’s in divinity in May 2019 and be ordained shortly thereafter. He will do three years of pastoral work for the Diocese of Columbus before going on loan to the Archdiocese of Military Services as a chaplain. However, he’s already started his military training. He’s currently an Air Force reservist and spent this summer serving as a second lieutenant at Misawa Air Base in Japan. Yakkel says he’d love it if he got stationed in Hawaii as an Air Force chaplain someday. “It would be a dream of mine to be able to go back and celebrate a school Mass at Damien down the road,” he said. He wants people to know “how thrilled I am to be ordained a priest.” “I feel so blessed and honored that God called me to this great vocation and this big responsibility,” Yakkel said. “And I just ask people to pray for me that I would fulfill that vocation faithfully.” V
FALL 2018
|
31
The Best Gift BY MARY LAVIN
I am often asked about the best way to make a gift to the AMS. Because philanthropy is personal, the best way to make a gift is ultimately determined by the benefactor. That said, a direct gift to the AMS eliminates unnecessary additional fees of a third party vendor. With a direct gift, the AMS receives and benefits from a larger percentage of each dollar donated. Checks, online donations (one-time or monthly recurring), and ACH payments (direct debit), from a checking or savings account are a few examples of direct gifts that can be made in response to an appeal or to support a specific AMS initiative. In recent years, the AMS has seen an increase in response to annual appeals, while gifts received from Federal civilian, postal, and military benefactors who participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) have declined, likely due to increasing awareness about the percentage of fees associated with each pledge. The fees are paid for by the AMS regardless if full payment is received. One option for benefactors who still want to participate in the 2018 Campaign, and support the AMS as an approved charity, is to make one gift through the CFC and the balance of their intended donation with a direct gift to the AMS. Many companies offer matching gift programs that potentially double a direct donation and its impact. Please visit www.milarch.org/employeematching-gifts to learn if a recent or future gift could be matched by your
32
employer. For those 70-1/2 years of age or older, direct gifts can be made from an IRA that has a required minimum distribution. For benefactors of all ages, the AMS can be listed as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or a bequest in a will. A new way to give directly to the AMS this year will be on #GivingTuesday, 27 November 2018. The AMS will participate for the first time through #iGiveCatholic, a one-day online giving day created to rally the Catholic community on what has become a global day of giving. In addition to donations to be received, #iGiveCatholic will provide a significant opportunity to increase broader awareness about the AMS. There are still many Catholics who do not know that the AMS is a separate archdiocese, the only diocese responsible for the spiritual care of AMS faithful who hail from 50 states and U.S. territories, and 196 U.S. dioceses. More information about #iGiveCatholic will be provided on the AMS web site and included in upcoming issues of e-TTENTION, the monthly AMS electronic newsletter. Please tell those who may be interested in #iGiveCatholic, especially those not already connected to the AMS, about this new opportunity to, “Serve Those Who Serve.� No matter how you choose to make a gift to the AMS, please make it the best gift you can. A direct gift is a personal gift that makes it possible for AMS priests and deacons to provide pastoral care, and to support the spiritual resiliency of Catholic veterans and military families who continue to sacrifice so much in service to our Country. For more information about all ways to give to the AMS, visit http://www. milarch.org/ways-to-support. For questions about scholarships, bequests, or Annual Benefit sponsorships, contact Mary Lavin at mlavin@milarch.org or (440) 223-6482. V
FALL 2018
|
33
Overseas-Based Military Families Explore Faith in Recent Gatherings BY TAYLOR HENRY
H
ow best to keep the practice of Catholic faith alive within the bonds of marriage and family while on constant move between duty stations? In South Korea and Europe, American Catholic military personnel and their spouses and families contemplated that question in recent gatherings held with the support of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). On 4 April, Vice-Chancellor of Evangelization Mark Moitoza, Th.D., D. Min., facilitated a marriage enrichment session for more than a half-dozen couples at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Yongsan, Seoul. The Wednesday evening session in the garrison’s Memorial Chapel came just two days before Dr. Moitoza facilitated a 6-8 April Catholic Family Retreat at the Yongmun Youth Camp, a nearby Catholic retreat center. The AMS later sponsored a similar Catholic Family Retreat 17-19 August at the Schönstatt Retreat Center in Vallendar, Germany. In all, more than 40 U.S. Military families and nearly 300 individuals took part in the three events meant to inspire and
34
support the living out of Catholic faith in the home on foreign soil. The marriage enrichment session began with dinner, followed by review of a discussion guide called “Marriage as a Process.” The guide is based upon the REFOCCUS marriage enrichment inventory resource for couples who have been married at least two years. REFOCCUS stands for “Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study.” It is a product of FOCCUS Inc., USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building, promoting, and enhancing healthy relationships through research-based resources and training. The three-day Catholic Family Retreat in South Korea attracted more than 180 participants from 22 families, including 30 teens, from all four major U.S. Military installations across the Korean peninsula. Dr. Moitoza served as a facilitator and opened the weekend retreat with an exercise for military families to unpack their journey of faith through a “mapping” and reflection exercise.
In Europe, 19 families from Germany and Italy —104 participants in all—participated in the Catholic Family Retreat. Archbishop Timothy Broglio took an active part, extending pastoral care to all of the families by his presence, prayerful leadership, and teaching throughout the weekend. Dr. Moitoza said the interactive sessions gave families insight into the role of God in their transient family lives. “On Saturday morning,” he said, “small groups gathered after a short keynote session on the joys and challenges of military life. A dad’s group shared about the tension of being a leader in the military and a leader of their family, too. A mom’s group shared the challenges of extending tender care while constantly trying to make everyone feel at home and dealing with a new place and structures.”
In small groups, Dr. Moitoza said, the families considered two important constants in a life of transition: family and faith. At one point, he said, “the families gathered for thirty minutes to share their small group experiences. Afterwards, each dad led his family in prayer—giving thanks, presenting family needs, and seeking God’s guidance. As each family concluded, they received a blessing from Archbishop Broglio.”
Dr. Moitoza said teens and children were as involved in the retreat activities as their parents. “Teens gathered to explore how hard it is to share their story with their civilian peers,” he said. “Younger children talked about the difficulties of making new friends and walking into new schools every two to three years.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Moitoza said generous AMS donors have expressed support for another Catholic marriage enrichment retreat, now planned for 7-9 December 2018 at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Alhambra, CA. To register, visit www.milarch.org/ ams-marriage-enrichment-retreat/.
FALL 2018
|
35
Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment BY MARK MOITOZA, TH.D.
T
he faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA are invited to learn about and pray for the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops taking place in Rome 3-28 October 2018. Suggestions related to the pastoral needs of young people deserve particular attention in this non-territorial global Archdiocese, which includes a majority of young people, especially between the ages of 18-29. Preparations for the Synod began with an announcement by the Holy Father on 6 October 2016. Since that time young people have participated in surveys, gathered for discussions, and shared insights related to a Questionnaire included in a Preparatory Document published on 13 January 2017. That input, collated and then sent through Bishops’ Conferences from around the world, informed the Pre-synodal meeting held in Rome, 19-24 March 2018, with about three hundred young people from five continents. The meeting included those engaged in Church, those who left, as well as those
36
who are unaffiliated serving as a model of the Church’s desire to listen to all young people. The listening session generated a summary document with a wealth of constructive comments. The call for a more relational approach warrants specific attention to encourage the Church to meet young people in various places where she currently has little or no presence. That call includes the need to encounter the young where they socialize and in less accessible places such as the military, the workplace, and rural areas (Pre-Synod Summary Document, no. 13).
In July the working document, Instrumentum Laboris, was made available on the Vatican website, http://www.synod2018.va. It has three parts, each with chapters for clarification. Part I. Recognizing: The Church Listens to Reality Part II. Interpreting: Faith and Vocation Discernment Part III. Choosing: Paths of Pastoral and Missionary Conversion
The headings and subheadings alone offer perspective into the unique experiences of young people today. They include phrases such as: Facing Globalization, Young People in the Life of the Church, The Digital Continent, Various Forms of Discrimination, Body, Affectivity and Sexuality, the Search for Truth, Decision-making Paralysis, Wishing for an Authentic Church, A “More Relational” Church, Christ, “a Young Man Among Young People,” (continued on page 38) FALL 2018
|
37
Synod... continued from page 37
Uncertainty, Fear, and Hope, the Need for Listening, the Vocation to follow Jesus, Vocational Discernment, the Art of Accompanying, God’s People in a Fragmented World, A Family Experience of the Church, an Open and Welcoming Community to name just a few. Pope Francis, as he met with young people at the beginning of the PM [Presynodal meeting], declared that the Synod is “also a call to the Church, to rediscover a renewed youthful dynamism. […] In the Church too we must learn new forms of presence and closeness” (Address to the Pre-synodal Meeting, 3). Very clearly, one BC [Bishops’ Conference] argued that “young people are asking the Church for a monumental change of attitude, direction and practice”. Another BC [Bishops’ Conference], considering the paths of renewal that are at work in its own territory, wrote: “The true question behind these attempts relates more in general to the shape of the Church that we are seeking and want to present: the expression ‘outgoing Church’ appropriately identifies the general problem, but we are still looking for useful operational indications on how to do this.” This requires “a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform” (EG 30 [Evangelii Gaudium]) and to honestly and deeply listen to young people who are fully entitled to participate in the sensus fidei fidelium. (Instrumentum Laboris, no. 138) As the Synod explores these calls for accompaniment, mentors, and authentic relationship, the faithful may support these ongoing reflections in three important ways. First, read through the above-mentioned documents and prayerful reflect upon the insights offered by young people. Second, listen to young people in your area. While it might be tempting to want to correct statements, the challenge is to listen well without judging, giving advice, or blaming. Finally, it is vital to pray for young people and the Synod itself. A good starting point is found in the Prayer for the Synod and the ritual prayer of the liturgical life. May the Holy Spirit inspire those who have contributed, those who will participate, as well as all young people whose gifts are greatly needed to contribute toward building the Kingdom of God. V
38
Prayer for the Synod Lord Jesus, in journeying towards the Synod, your Church turns her attention to all the young people in the world. We pray that they might boldly take charge of their lives, aim for the most beautiful and profound things of life and always keep their hearts unencumbered. Accompanied by wise and generous guides, help them respond to the call you make to each of them, to realize a proper plan of life and achieve happiness. Keep their hearts open to dreaming great dreams and make them concerned for the good of others. Like the Beloved Disciple, may they stand at the foot of the Cross, to receive your Mother as a gift from You. May they be witnesses to your Resurrection and be aware that you are at their side as they joyously proclaim you as Lord. Amen. (Pope Francis) FALL 2018
|
39
The AMS Hosts Student from University in the Holy Land
M
eet Nicola Darwish. Nicola is a senior at Bethlehem University in the Holy Land, who interned with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) this summer. Bethlehem University is a Catholic co-educational university in Bethlehem, Palestine, with an undergraduate enrollment of just over 3000 students. Nicola is studying English Literature with a minor in translation. As an intern at the AMS, Nicola assisted AMS staff in the Department of Sacramental Records. He provided much needed support to the very busy office and responded to numerous requests for copies of sacramental records, which is no small task during the summer wedding season. About his work at the AMS, Nicola remarked, “The people I work with are very fun and nice to me, which has made this a good internship and an amazing experience. I learned about stuff that I would have never thought about before.” As a Catholic in a part of the world where less than two percent of the population is Christian, Nicola shared that he was glad to
40
work at the AMS in Washington, D.C. this summer, and to travel to New York to meet with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He said this experience gave him “the opportunity to have our voices heard; not many people know the reality of what is happening in Palestine. I am proud to tell my story and share all that Bethlehem University has done for me.” During his time at the AMS, Nicola shared experiences of everyday life in Palestine. One example that stuck with me was his description of passing through up to three checkpoints just to do simple tasks like visiting his sick grandfather. Nicola remarked that if he could drive directly to visit his grandfather the trip would have only taken an hour, but with the security checkpoints, making the visit is a full-day affair. Nicola is Catholic in a mostly Muslim area of the world. He shared a beautiful picture of interreligious dialogue in his university environment that is a hopeful model for the entire region. Nicola told me that “Many of the students, before arriving at the University, had never actually met people from different
Bethlehem
BY ELIZABETH TOMLIN
faiths before. But at Bethlehem University, whether you are Muslim or Christian, you belong. We do not distinguish ourselves as Christians or Muslims, but as Palestinians.” While Nicola generously shared about his culture and life in Palestine with the AMS, the AMS staff shared with Nicola the vibrancy of America through touring and food. Nicola remarked that his favorite site in D.C. was the Holocaust museum because “of everything it stands for” – particularly being Palestinian. On a lighter note, the AMS staff introduced Nicola to “soul food” in our Brookland, D.C. neighborhood. We also introduced him to our, perhaps less-thanhealthy habit of bringing in donuts in the morning – good for morale; bad for the belly. Having been introduced to some of our heavier American foods, Nicola encouraged the staff to adopt the Palestinian practice of taking a nap after lunch. He says the pairing of food with D.C. summer heat makes naptime appropriate. Rest assured, reader, the AMS staff returns to work after lunch. Looking beyond college at Bethlehem University, Nicola
NICOLA DARWISH
shared that his dream job is to become a translator. However, he remarked, “The future is unpredictable back home due to all the restrictions and obstacles that are put upon us by the occupation. Therefore, I will try to take advantage of every opportunity I have, and I hope that whatever I end up doing will not only help me as a person, but would also contribute to my country, Palestine.” The AMS staff is better for having met and worked with Nicola. We wish him all the best in his senior year and anticipate partnering with another intern from Bethlehem University next summer. V
FALL 2018
|
41
The
WYD
42
Cross and Marian Icon March through the USA BY CASEY BUSTAMANTE
“Dear young people, proclaiming the Word of God is not the responsibility of priests or religious alone, but it is yours too. You must have the courage to speak about Christ in your families and in places where you study, work, or recreate, inspired with the same fervor the Apostles had when they said: ‘We cannot help speaking of what we have heard and seen.’” – Saint Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day 1992
L
ate this summer, the young people of the United States of America (U.S.A.) had the opportunity to witness to Jesus Christ in preparation for the upcoming 34th World Youth Day (WYD) 2019 taking place in Panama. Thousands of young people prayed with the official WYD Cross and Icon as both symbols made their way across the USA, 17 – 26 August 2018. The next host of WYD, Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A., metropolitan Archbishop of Panama, invited the U.S.A. along with several Latin American countries to carry the WYD Cross and Icon through their cities. The WYD Cross and Icon both share unique histories. The wooden cross, which today is called the World Youth Day Cross. was made to celebrate (continued on page 44) MILITARY YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS HOLD UP THE WYD CROSS AT THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE, CASEY BUSTAMANTE (LEFT), LT ALEXANDRA GLORIA (BACK), KIRSTEN STURGILL, CASSANDRA STRUGILL, SAMANTHA LITTLE, ELIJAH LUGO (BACK), ALEXANDER STURGILL, LT CHRISTOPHER JOZWIAK (BACK), TSGT JOEY LEE (BACK), JADE GALLIGAN, AND SPC CHISOM OLAJIDE. FALL 2018
|
43
WYD continued from page 43 the Year of the Jubilee of the Redemption (1983). It remained in St. Peter’s Basilica to be present during all celebrations and to accompany pilgrims throughout the year. At the end of the jubilee, the youth asked the Pope to give them the cross and he obliged. It remained at the San Lorenzo Center, the youth center founded by Saint John Paul II in the Vatican. Following World Youth Day the Cross traveled through several European countries and then made its way to Argentina for the second World Youth Day in 1987. The Icon, properly known as the Icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani, is the most venerated image of the Virgin Mary in Italy. A replica of this icon was placed on the Papal altar in Tor Vergata L-R - LT. ALEXANDRA GLORIA, MAJ. CASEY BUSTAMANTE during World Youth Day AND YOUTH FROM THE FORT BELVOIR CATHOLIC FAITH 2000. St. John Paul II gave COMMUNITY, ALEXANDER STURGILL, SAMANTHA LITTLE, this replica of the Icon to KIRSTEN STURGILL, AND MRS. STURGILL. the youth so that it could accompany the Cross, symbolizing the intimate connection between the Blessed Mother and her Son. In August 2018, the WYD Cross and Icon touched down in Chicago, Miami, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. All five locations held
44
celebrations including Veneration of the Cross, Mass, and multicultural events. A few of the locations held processions through the cities with the Cross and Icon. In Washington, D.C., the St. John Paul II Shrine was invited to host with PILGRIMS JOIN IN PRAYER AT THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, its unique connection JR. MEMORIAL TO PRAY FOR AN END TO RACISM, REFUGEES to the saint and pope AROUND THE WORLD, AND THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR who commissioned the LIVES DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY. WYD Cross and Icon. The Shrine organized a procession through some of the national monuments that are significant both to our country and to our faith as American Catholics. It was a moment which re-invigorated the Catholic young people to be unafraid of sharing what they have heard and seen living a life in Jesus Christ. V Are you looking to prepare for a WYD Panama pilgrimage? The Archdiocese is hoping to meet U.S. military pilgrims from around the world at this special event. For more information, please visit the WYD page on the AMS Website: https://www.milarch.org/evangelization/world-youth-day-2019/. Specifically, if you know a military young adult (18-30 years old) who is interested in traveling with other pilgrims, encourage them to connect with me by phone: (202) 719-3653 or at YoungAdultMinistry@milarch.org.
FALL 2018
|
45
CIVILIAN PRIESTS GATHER TO DISCERN POSSIBLE MILITARY VOCATIONS
S
BY TAYLOR HENRY
even civilian Catholic priests from around the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., in June for a five-day discernment retreat aimed at helping them decide if they are called to the “vocation within a vocation” to serve as U.S. Military chaplains. The all-expenses-paid retreat, “For God and Country: a Call to Serve Those Who Serve,” was the fourth of its kind sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), since 2015. The retreats are meant to inspire priests who are already ordained and engaged in ministry to consider military service. The hope is that more will PRIESTS OBSERVE HAND TO HAND COMBAT TRAINING. AFTERWARDS, THEY WERE CHALLENGED WITH AN INSPIRED LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE FROM LT COLONEL JOE SHUSKO, DIRECTOR OF MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING FOR YOUNG LIEUTENANTS AT MARINE BASE, QUANTICO, VA.
46
come forward to volunteer and thereby relieve a chronic shortage of Catholic chaplains on active duty. The shortage, which has been growing for decades, is due mainly to attrition: aging priests are reaching military retirement faster than they can be replaced. Currently, fewer than 200 are on active duty, less than half the count serving at the time of 9/11, and far short of the number needed to provide full pastoral service to the more than 320-thousand active-duty Catholics in uniform and their families. While 25 percent of the Military is Catholic, Catholic priests make up only six percent of the chaplain corps. Archbishop Timothy Broglio has called the situation “desperate.” During the 25-29 June retreat, Archbishop Broglio celebrated Mass and talked to the seven at length about his expectations of priests in CATHOLIC PRIESTS FROM AROUND THE NATION JOIN service to the AMS, what ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO (LEFT) IN OPENING PROCESSION OF MASS TO BEGIN THE “FOR GOD AND military chaplains do, and COUNTRY” RETREAT FOR PROSPECTIVE NEW U.S. MILITARY how to become one. The CHAPLAINS ON JUNE 26, 2018, IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AMS Chancellor, Father Robert R. Cannon, Ch, Col, USAF (Ret.), led the priests on field trips giving them a first-hand look at military operations in real time. Staying at the Theological College in Northeast Washington, the priests gathered daily for prayer and the Eucharist. They visited Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer, Andrews Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Base Quantico. In those actual settings, they received official briefings and (continued on page 48) FALL 2018
|
47
CIVILIAN PRIESTS...continued from page 47 chatted with officers, enlisted personnel, and chaplains about their interest in military service. At the Pentagon Memorial Chapel on the 9/11 crash site, they concelebrated Mass. Father Cannon said the For God and Country Retreat “is an excellent brief exposure to the various service branches of the military for priests discerning whether to become a Catholic chaplain. The priests who have attended the retreat have found it very helpful,” he added. Not just any priest can serve. To qualify for consideration: The priest must have a minimum of two years of ordained ministry in a parish; The priest must be a citizen or have a Green Card; priests with only a visa cannot be considered; Preference is given to those priests who can enter active duty before their 42nd birthday; The priest must be able to meet the military’s stringent physical fitness requirements.
A total of 34 priests have participated in the For God and Country retreat so far since the first was held 5-9 October 2015. Of those, at least 11 have been released by their bishops for service to the Military, promising some measure of relief to the chaplain shortage. But with active-duty priests currently serving at a ratio of only one for every 1,700 Catholics in uniform, not counting their families. The AMS is looking for more than just a “few” good men. For priests interested in “Serving Those Who Serve,” contact the AMS Chancellor at Chancellor@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600. To apply, go to https://www.milarch.org/for-god-and-country/application/ V
48
Remarkable Milestones...continued from page 27 answered to the new bishop, who spent much of his time on pastoral visits to the medical centers. Mr. Guertin, whose family was also stationed in D.C. at that time, recalls, “He had a huge map in his office of all the VA hospitals in the United States. His goal was to visit every VA hospital.” On 15 September 2004, His Excellency retired and returned to the Diocese of Providence to support his family. By then, his sister Barbara had suffered a severe head injury in an automobile accident, and she was living in a skilled nursing home. He visited her daily. Mr. Warren Roque, the bishop’s older brother and only surviving sibling, fondly remembers him celebrating Mass for him and his wife, Betty, on their golden wedding anniversary. “He is such a holy man,” Mr. Roque said, “a wonderful example for the rest of us.” As long as his health permitted, he assisted the AMS with confirmations, visits to local military installations, and wise counsel. Bishop Emeritus Roque remained active in the Church and among veterans. Appointed Bishop Protector of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV), he received the organization’s most prestigious award, the Saint Sebastian Medal. Mr. Jim Cafferky, a Navy veteran and parishioner of Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church in Warwick, RI, recalls how the bishop rekindled his spirituality as the two men became close friends. “When I met him I was not very connected to my faith – despite my wife’s attempts,” Mr. Cafferky says. “As I began to spend more time with him, I obtained a deeper understanding of my faith and grew spiritually. I ultimately (continued on page 50)
BISHOP ROQUE CELEBRATES THE MILITARY RESIDENTS AT JEANNE JUGAN RESIDENCE, 19 APRIL 2018. FALL 2018
|
49
Remarkable Milestones...continued from page 49 became the assistant to the bishop, supporting him during Mass.” Mr. Cafferky, a widower, chuckled, “My devout wife would be amused to see my life is now dedicated to the church as a result of supporting the bishop.” Mr. Cafferky isn’t the only one indebted to Bishop Roque for one reason or another. Niece Mary Roque says, “I have tons of letters from people who heard that he’s sick and reached out to tell me stories about how he helped them.” Ms. Roque herself recalls that when her Dad died, the bishop flew all the way back from Vietnam to officiate at his funeral. “He was always present,” she says. He still is. At the assisted living facility he now calls home, between visits from his many relatives, Bishop Roque attends daily Mass, says the rosary, and prays the Liturgy of Hours. Far from the war-torn rice paddies of Vietnam, in the peace and quiet of his room, the “priest’s priest” hums to a playlist of hymns, still very much a “spiritual pillar.” V
Save the Dates
10th Annual Benefit for the AMS
50
17 November 2018, Saturday Evening begins with Mass at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Saint John Paul II National Shrine 3900 Harewood Road Northeast | Washington, D.C. 20017
Chrism Mass
12 March 2019, Monday | 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Saint John Paul II National Shrine 3900 Harewood Road Northeast | Washington, D.C. 2001
25th Annual Memorial Mass
19 May 2019, Sunday | 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Upper Church 400 Michigan Avenue Northeast | Washington, D.C. 20017 Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
Tour of Duty Brick Campaign Share your message of support for service members, veterans, chaplains, military families, and all who have served or continue to serve by reserving a commemorative brick today. Your commemorative brick will join hundreds of others lining the pathways of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C.
Tour of Duty Brick up to 2 lines 18 characters per line $250 Donation
Memorial Brick
up to 4 lines 18 characters per line $300 Donation
To order a brick please visit
www.milarch.org/tour-of-duty-brick-campaign You can donate online or print a donation form.
Bricks are installed every spring and fall. Questions? Please contact the Advancement Office, (202) 719-3622 or support@milarch.org.
FALL 2018
|
51
52 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOMD PERMIT #1169
“Join me in thanking Almighty God for the sixty-five years of priestly ministry and the ninety years of life given by and to retired Auxiliary Bishop Francis Roque. Grateful for his commitment, please remember this generous servant in your prayers.” – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA