SPRING 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
"I have seen the Lord"
JOHN 20:18
Spring 2019
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Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,
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ou can well imagine that during the last months
there was a flurry of activity in the Archdiocese surrounding the preparations for and celebration of the ordination of two new Auxiliary Bishops, the Most Reverend William Muhm and the Most Reverend Joseph Coffey. They have brought to their new roles in ministry extensive service, important priestly qualities, and the willingness to serve. I am grateful to Almighty God, to the Bishop of Rome, and to them!
You will have a chance to become better acquainted with these fine churchmen both in this issue of Salute and in their initial weeks of ministry to the global flock assigned to the pastoral care of this archdiocese.
Already spring has taken hold of Washington, DC, and, I hope, in your area, as well.
Activity abounds in the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center. In addition to the ordination preparations, the National Collection is drawing near, the first efforts at surfacing a team for the Army 10 Miler, and a host of new pastoral initiatives keep the zealous AMS staff at work. These tireless servants really do make an earnest effort to animate and support the mission of this global archdiocese. The number of co-sponsored seminarians whose ordination dates approach gladden the hearts of all of us. The harvest is abundant and the need for able workers continues to grow. Please do not cease your prayers to the Master for more laborers. We are in the midst of the Easter Season. This important time of the year reminds us of the abundance of divine love for us and the dignity that we share with all humanity. This issue of Salute will offer some of the highlights of my Christmas travels, the January March for life, more news about the ordinations of the new Auxiliary Bishops, an introduction of another co-sponsored seminarian and, as always, continues to tell the story of the chaplains and their activities. While I am never eager to add more travel to my schedule, by the time you read these lines, I will have been to Rome, Colorado, Wyoming, San Francisco, Washington State, South Dakota, Tennessee, Kansas, and Puerto Rico. Some travel is also the result of my chairmanship of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the USCCB.
I hope that you will enjoy these pages. Thanking you for your continued support, I wish you abundant blessings. 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 1 SPRING 2019
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 The Long Quarter Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 14 Angel of Peace Bishop William J. Muhm 16 Seek nothing, refuse nothing Bishop Joseph L. Coffey 18 Quite a Ride! Bishop Richard B. Higgins 22 Core Elements Bishop Neal J. Buckon 28 The Harvest Continues Meet Seminarian Paul Collins 32 Triennial National Collection Mary Lavin 35 Encountering Christ in Harmony Mark Moitoza, TH.D., D.Min. 38 Life Teen Mark Moitoza, TH.D., D.Min. 42 AMS Pilgrims Participate in World Youth Days Bishop Neal J. Buckon and Casey Bustamante COVER: APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE AFTER THE RESURRECTION, ALEXANDER IVANOV (1834 - 1836)
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.
SPRING 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
"I have seen the Lord"
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
JOHN 20:18
Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469
Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org
Spring 2019
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THE LONG QUARTER BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
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n 6 December, I set out for the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. The only pontifical seminary in the U.S. was once again hosting the autumn discernment retreat. With only a few day-long intervals in the office I would be away from Washington until 23 January! Of course, those intervals made it seem shorter than my forty days and forty nights in Iraq and Europe in 2009!
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ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO HEARING ABOUT A WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE PROJECT SPONSORED BY CRS IN A MUSLIM VILLAGE IN MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES.
The second marriage retreat at the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Alhambra, California (Los Angeles) obliged me to leave the retreat early as the discerners watched the Army-Navy Football Game! The couples enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the FOCCUS (Facilitating Open, Caring Communication, Understanding and Study) program, to pray together, and to enjoy the gracious hospitality of the Sisters who also entertained us with song. Of course, I realized when I arrived at the retreat house that I had forgotten a few important items such as a converter for electronic devices in Asia. Experienced travelers are not supposed to do things like that. However, a free Sunday afternoon and a nearby shopping mall remedied that problem. That excursion also allowed me to see the nearby Mission San Gabriel. Monday morning I drove back to the Los Angeles Airport to board my flight to Japan and continue from there on to Manila. The flights seemed interminable. I read and slept and did some work, but the hands on my watch did not move fast enough! It was Tuesday night when I reached the hotel (within walking distance of the airport) in Manila. The cozy room did not offer much space, but the air conditioning worked. After celebrating Mass I was very happy to retire for the evening. On Wednesday morning I met Ginny Farris from the USCCB and we headed back to the airport (the domestic terminal was some distance away and so we went by car) to fly down to Davao. There we visited a number of peacebuilding and development initiatives sponsored by Catholic Relief (continued on page 6) Spring 2019
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THE LONG QUARTER
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Services (CRS). Impressive was the friendly interaction with Muslims. The poverty struck me. It took me back to the rural areas of West Africa where I began my service to the Holy See. That evening we met Archbishop Romulo G. Valles of Davao and I concelebrated evening Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe in his cathedral. He asked me to preach. Given that Tagalog is not among my languages, I tried to speak slowly, deliberately, and briefly. No doubt the faithful especially appreciated the last quality! The next day began with an Indy 500-style drive to Cotabato. The driver passed on curves, tried to maintain a rather fast speed (despite the road conditions), and made me happy that I had chosen the rear seat! All that was lacking was “Nearer my God to Thee” on the radio! However, the visits were interesting. A very formal ARCHBISHOP ROMULO VALLES, PRESIDENT, CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND program was planned at the ARCHBISHOP OF DAVAO IS STANDING IN WHITE SHIRT school we visited. It centered NEXT TO ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO. THE OTHER on efforts to promote dialogue TWO MEN ARE PRIESTS AT SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL. MS. VIRGINIA FARIS OF THE USCCB AND MS. ALEXANDRA and understanding, helped us MEDINA CRS DAVAO IS IN THE WHITE DRESS. to understand the ramifications of the referendum to offer some measure of autonomy for the region, and to see how well the charity of U.S. Catholics is utilized by CRS to promote peace and development.
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Cardinal Orlando B. Quevedo, the Archbishop-emeritus of Cotabato invited us to stay in his mission center and offered us an abundant dinner. The next day we again visited other CRS projects and spoke to the people served by them. The impact is important and the steps to encourage dialogue must continue. Certainly the church bombings in late January reminded us that peace-building is still a priority. We made our way back to the airport and several delays later coupled with a mega-traffic jam around the Manila airport brought me finally to the Nunciature. The weekend there was restful. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia and I had worked together in the Secretariat of State. His two co-workers from the Holy See diplomatic service could not have been more hospitable. The time there offered a unique experience. We went to Balangiga and witnessed the return of the bells to the Church of San Lorenzo from which they were taken in 1901. Curiously enough I write these lines as I journey to F.E. Warren Air Force Base which, until recently had the bells! The local population was overwhelmed with joy. The very unusual President of the Republic Manuel Duterte arrived two hours late, but I did manage to shake his hand. We had to leave before the Mass of Thanksgiving began, but it was good to see the bells returned to their owners, the faithful of that parish. The next morning provided the opportunity to celebrate Mass for Gaudete Sunday in the Cathedral of Manila, which was filled. It is an impressive structure and has survived not a few earthquakes. However, it was bombed during the re-taking of the island in World War II. The rest of the time in Manila involved meetings with CRS, the U.S. Ambassador, and additional time in the Nunciature. (continued on page 8)
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THE LONG QUARTER
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Where was the next stop? At least it was familiar to me. The Maryknoll House in Seoul, Korea was the next destination. Highlights of this stop included long conversations with Father Gerald Hammond, who for decades has been a missionary in Korea and has been able to treat tuberculous victims in North Korea for quite some time. His knowledge coupled with genuine priestly virtue make conversation with him a joyful learning experience. The Koreans also taught me about their hopes for eventual reunification on the peninsula, humanitarian needs in the north, and the ravages of isolation, atheism, and dictatorship in North Korea. The mission ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P BROGLIO (FRONT LEFT) GINNY FARIS OF THE USCCB (FRONT RIGHT) AT CRS PROJECT SITE TO REBUILD BRIDGE LINKING MUSLIM VILLAGES WITH MAIN ROAD SO CHILDREN CAN GET TO SCHOOL AND PRODUCE CAN GET TO MARKET MORE EASILY MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES.
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was useful for my role as Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace. The rest of the Asian trip concentrated on the AMS and her responsibilities. I was able to celebrate Mass at Yongsan on Friday evening and enjoy an abundant holiday meal with that evershrinking community. It is hard to imagine that by June the installation will be reduced to a few buildings.
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO WITH BISHOP FRANCIS YU SOO IL KOREAN BISHOPS’ MILITARY ORDINARIATE AND KOREAN-AMERICAN CHAPLAIN COL SAMUEL LEE, COMMAND CHAPLAIN UNC/CFC/USFK.
Saturday was dedicated to Osan Air Base where I had a delightful lunch with the U.S. Catholic chaplains and several local priests. There was time for an interview with the base television station, office calls, and then the celebration of the Sunday liturgy with the faithful there. Of course, a reception followed. There was also a celebratory glass of wine with the two priests stationed at Osan, Fathers Timothy Hirten (Brooklyn) and Joseph Idomele (Kano, Nigeria). Sunday morning Father Paul Halladay (Mobile) met me and drove me to the ever-expanding Camp Humphreys. There was some time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the brand-new chapel complex before Mass. Needless to say, Mass was followed by an ample reception. (continued on page 10) Spring 2019
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THE LONG QUARTER
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Father Joseph Campbell (Erie) invited us to his apartment and regaled us with tales from his days at the North American College. An interesting feature of this pastoral visit was the fact that three of the priests visited also studied at the College (obviously after I did, but Father Halladay was a seminarian when I worked in the Secretariat of State). On Christmas Eve, Father Halladay drove me to the airport where I discovered that Delta has a wonderful check-in area for those who spend a certain amount of time on their planes (a frequent-flier perk!). The four hour flight to Guam found me seated next to a Japanese couple with a very well-behaved baby. A small welcoming party met me at the airport: Archbishop Michael Byrnes with representatives from both military installations. Mass at Anderson Air Force Base was wellattended. Somehow the altar servers and I managed to open the Christmas Season with a dignified Mass. The Catholic Chaplain, Father Ruben Covos (San Angelo) had gone with my blessing to Diego Garcia to assure Catholic worship there. After a festive meal in a local hotel, I closed my eyes in the easy chair in Archbishop Byrnes’ house until he awakened me to go with him the short distance to his Cathedral for Midnight Mass (celebrated at midnight!!). The joyful celebration was animated by a wonderful and enthusiastic choir.
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P BROGLIO (CENTER), FATHER WILLIAM BRUNNER (RIGHT OF THE ARCHBISHOP), WITH THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY AT THE NAVAL STATION ON GUAM.
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The next morning found me at the Naval Station for the second Christmas Mass with Father William Brunner (Green Bay) followed by yet another reception. That evening one of the families invited both of us to dinner. The scenery on the island is beautiful and the memorials from World War II are impressive. However, on 27 December I was happy to board a plane for the interminable trip back to the U.S.A. There would be much more to say about this “quarter” of the year: time with my sister and brother-in-law and their family, a retreat at Mundelein, and “Seek” in Indianapolis. However, allow me to close with a note about the visit to Bahrain and the Holy Land.
ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO AND FATHER HIRTEN MEET WITH THE CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP AT OSAN AFB.
Bahrain was particularly important this year. The protocol visits were interesting. The new Commander of the Fifth Fleet is an enthusiastic Catholic. The time with the families was precious. However, it was especially important to spend some time with the great men and women of the Coast Guard. Three ships hosted me. The Government was shut down and so these young men and women were working for our safety for free. You might respond that, at least, they have a roof over their heads and three meals a day. However, if you have a mortgage or car payments and no check on payday, the going might be a bit rough. It was good to be in a position to thank them and encourage them. (continued on page 12)
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THE LONG QUARTER
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After Friday’s confirmation there I began my journey to Tel Aviv. Of course, the machine in the airport gave me two boarding passes—one to Amman and the second with a flight number and a time. Nothing else. When I presented my passport and was asked my destination, I had the good sense to say Amman: a true statement as any good Jesuit would agree. Arriving in Amman I was issued another boarding pass that looked like those you and I normally see! It clearly said that I was flying to Tel Aviv. The time in the Holy Land was occasioned by an annual pilgrimage of the Bishops’ Holy Land Coordination, a group of bishops from Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, and the U.S. While I did manage to pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden of Olives, and Bethlehem, the primary focus of the pilgrimage was the “living stones”, Christians who still live in the Holy Land. We celebrated Sunday Mass on the West Bank and visited a refugee camp. Those at the parish church celebrated the Baptism of the Lord with great fervor. The refugees, particularly the young girls at the school, demonstrated the will to continue and to better their lot. The reduction in U.S. aid has adversely affected the school’s ability to further its mission. I can only praise their resilience. The other days of the visit allowed us an opportunity to interact with the different groups in Israel, especially in the area around Haifa. We also visited different works sponsored by the Church in service to the poor. The number of Catholic migrants from the Philippines, India, and elsewhere continue to strive to better their situations and to send resources back home for their families. Many miles have been traveled in this long quarter, but the combination of travels for the AMS and for the USCCB has made things interesting and, I hope, productive. While spring will be a bit more domestic, it still involves a few trips across the Atlantic. V
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Save the Dates Warriors to Lourdes Spiritual Journey 14-21 May 2019 Lourdes, France
25th Annual Memorial Mass
19 May 2019, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. 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
For God and Country RetreatÂ
24-28 June 2019 Washington, D.C. For priests ordained two or more years and interested in military chaplaincy Priests interested in participating may contact Chancellor@milarch.org
Catholic War Veterans 2019 National Convention 11-19 August 2019 Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX
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“ANGEL OF PEACE”
By Bishop William J. Muhm
I am writing in mid-February from Fatima. Several months ago, before I knew about being named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, I committed to making a pilgrimage here with some priests from the Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal Dolan, who is with us, and all of us priests are grateful to have had this opportunity to stand on holy ground here in Fatima to pray for ourselves, for the people we serve, and for the world. Everyone knows that Our Lady appeared to three children here in 1917. But not everyone knows that the “Angel of Peace” appeared three times to the children in a remote area one year earlier, in 1916. These apparitions prepared the children for the 1917 apparitions of Our Lady. The angel taught them prayers of reparation for unbelievers and sinners. The angel also showed them the Holy Eucharist in a chalice and a host, led the children in adoration, and gave them Holy Communion. Strengthened by the Blessed Sacrament, and encouraged by the witness and teachings of the angel, those children would proceed with courage to do the work the Lord and Our Lady would ask them to do— and they had a profound influence on the world during the twentieth century and beyond. Today in 2019, our courageous priest-chaplains continue the work that the “Angel of Peace” did in 1916. They go out to remote areas of land and sea in search of young people who have no idea how important they are in God’s plan for the redemption of the world. When they find them, our priest-chaplains teach them to repent of their sins, to pray, and to adore the Blessed Sacrament. Our priests also give young Catholics Holy Communion. Our priests in uniform and serving in VA Medical Centers play an indispensable part in preparing young service members and veterans to do the work that Our Lord and Our Lady will ask them to do in the future. And their work will in turn contribute to the eternal salvation of people for many years into the future... Our Lady of Fatima, pray for our AMS priests! V Spring 2019
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“Seek nothing,
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n 22 January of this year, besides being a National Day of prayer for the unborn, at 12 noon in Rome it was announced that Father Bill Muhm, a recently retired Navy Chaplain, and I were being named as Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA. It was 6 am on the East Coast where my 8 siblings live and 3 am where I live in San Diego, Calif. where I am stationed as the Command Chaplain at MCRD Marine Corps Recruit Depot (Boot Camp.) I had received the phone call from Archbishop Pierre, the Papal Nuncio to the U.S.A, only 8 days before with this amazing news from the Holy Father which stunned and humbled me. I was asked three times if I would accept. I was stumbling for words and trying to stall as my head was spinning. I thought back to the words
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I had read as a young priest, newly ordained 23 years before, from St. Francis de Sales who wrote, “Seek nothing, refuse nothing.” I took a deep breath and said in a halting voice, “I accept.” I then sat down and wondered if that had just happened. A few hours later Archbishop Pierre’s secretary called for my address to send the official letter and informed me that I could inform no one until 22 January at 12 noon Rome time, 3 am for me. It was the longest week of my life, the waiting to tell my family. I did a lot of praying that week. I did not want my 8 siblings to hear this incredible news from anyone but me. I knew that with the internet and social media that news travels fast. If it was to come from me I had to make that first call at 3 am San Diego time. I started with my oldest brother Bill. He is a traveler himself and knows full well that 3 am on the West Coast is 6 am in Greenville, S.C., where he lives. I said, “Bill, are you awake? He said, “I am now.” I could tell from his voice he thought maybe bad news, why else the 3 am call. I told him the news and then called each sibling from oldest to youngest mainly so I
refuse nothing� would not forget anyone. They may have been more stunned than I had been. Within just a few hours I got calls, texts, and emails from cousins, friends, Navy Chaplains, teachers, etc. It was amazing. A call came from Kergystan where a grade school friend is living as a volunteer in the Peace Corps. Within a few days my world had seemed like it turned upside down. I needed to get out of town. Thankfully and providentially, I had signed up to go on a pilgrimage to The Holy Land with my brother priests from Philadelphia six months ago. The timing could not possibly been better. We should never forget or doubt that God’s timing is not ours. To be able to pray in the holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and say Masses with my brother priests in the beautiful chapels and churches in the very footsteps where Jesus our Savior walked and prayed the same Psalms we pray, was a gift that I will never forget. I asked our Lord to give me the grace and strength to be a good and holy bishop.
By Bishop Joseph L. Coffey
It is back to work now at MCRD helping the Marine recruits make it through a very arduous boot camp experience. Every Sunday morning, Father Michael Booth, our contract priest, Father Larry Johnson, a retired Navy priest-chaplain living in the area, and I hear many confessions before the Sunday Mass in the base theater. There is no better place to be while in boot camp than in church with the chaplains. It could be compared to a little bit of heaven!! I looked forward to the ordination with Father Muhm on 25 March. Our families, friends, fellow chaplains and civilian priests have been very supportive and assure us of their prayers. I will always be grateful to God for calling me to the priesthood, to the Holy Father for asking me to be an auxiliary bishop, and for Archbishop Broglio, the auxiliary bishops, and all the priests of the AMS for walking this journey of faith with me in service to our men and women in uniform and our faithful veterans. Semper Fidelis. V Spring 2019
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Quite the Ride! BY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS
It was July 2004 and as I recall the exchange, it went something like this….“Dick, I want you to take care of the Air Force side of things, assume responsibility for the priests in the VA, purchase and renovate the Divine Word building, oversee our $8 million Archdiocesan Capital Campaign and take over the role of Bishop Protector of the Catholic War Veterans of America. Oh, and there may be a few unforeseen obligations as well.” Any questions? I almost asked the good (then) Archbishop O’Brien if he had a “How To” manual for any of the
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taskings! Welcome to the AMS fire hose! Fortunately, my predecessor, Bishop Frank Roque was just a phone call away and he was most gracious with his assistance. It is now February of 2019, and having reached the mandatory retirement age of 75, I have submitted my resignation to His Holiness Pope Francis as required by Canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law. I am stunned at how quickly the years have passed and, as I reflect on my ministry during those years I am truly grateful
for the sacrifices and generosity of the many benefactors of the archdiocese and the extraordinary support of the dedicated staff of the AMS. We joke around the office about writing a book; the staff is unanimous in the belief that no one would believe it! Space is limited, but sufficient to mention a few highlights. We bought and renovated the building, now known as the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center. We raised the $8 million. Supporting the Catholic War Veterans of America provided me a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with many of the Greatest Generation and innumerable veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I drove a lot. Went through four cars and racked up over 300,000 highway miles. Lost count of the airline trips and the middle seats back in coach! Visiting VA Medical Centers and providing support to over 200 priest-chaplains took me across the United States multiple times. Alternating pastoral visits throughout Europe and Asia with the late Bishop Joseph
Estabrook provided an element of adventure rarely experienced by a diocesan bishop. Perhaps the most memorable of the many road trips was the 75-day, 11,000 mile motorcycle trip throughout the Western Vicariate in 2005. A large road bike in the parking spot reserved for the bishop raised a few eyebrows but the young people thought it was “way cool.” As in any organization, the archdiocese is/was not immune to change. Archbishop Edwin O’Brien became Archbishop of Baltimore and, subsequently named the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and was elevated to Cardinal in February 2012. We lost Archbishop Joseph Dimino, Bishop Jack Kaising, Bishop Joseph Estabrook and Bishop Jose Madera. But we welcomed Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Bishop Rick Spencer, Bishop Neal Buckon and Bishop Rob Coyle (reassigned as an Auxiliary Bishop in Rockville Centre). Just recently, and with much rejoicing, we welcomed Bishop William Muhm and Bishop (continued on page 20)
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Quite the Ride!
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Joseph Coffey, both decorated veterans of the United States Navy. We also struggled with an unfortunate and unavoidable downsizing and reorganization. However, due to the diligence of Archbishop Broglio we’ve rebounded and are blessed with a bountiful harvest of co-sponsored seminarians, a comprehensive faith formation program, extensive young adult outreach ministry, and a stable financial foundation. With the arrival of Bishops Neal Buckon and Rick Spencer my focus returned to the VA Chaplaincy and its extraordinary mix of gifted priest-chaplains. The highly publicized and sometimes volatile controversies associated with the VA even extends to its Chaplain Service and from time to time I found myself reminding chaplains and senior leadership that our focus must be on the entitlements of the servicemen and women who have served this great nation. On occasion it has been necessary to stress that AMS priest-chaplains are endorsed to provide our veterans with comprehensive pastoral care centered on the Eucharist. This
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core belief of the Catholic faith is often overlooked or misunderstood by senior chaplains of other faith persuasions. Not infrequently it has been my responsibility to remind each chaplain, regardless of denomination of his/her responsibility to adhere to the Chaplain Code of Ethics developed by the National Conference of VA Chaplain Endorsers. It is entirely appropriate that my service with the AMS should conclude with a 40-day, 5700 mile road trip! Departing Washington D.C. on 5 January, I made pastoral visits to MCB Parris Island, S.C.; NAS Jacksonville, Fla.; Patrick AFB, Fla.; Lake Nona VAMC, Fla.; Miami VAMC, Fla.; Naples, Fla.; Bay Pines VAMC, Fla.; Tampa VAMC, Fla.; Gainesville VAMC, Fla.; Hurlburt AFB, Fla.; NAS Pensacola, Fla.; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; Atlanta VAMC, Ga.; Fort Rucker, AL; Fort Benning, Ga; Fort Gordon, Ga; Fort Stewart, Ga; Fort Jackson, S.C.; Fort Bragg, N.C., and a final stop for Confirmation at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., 19 February. Sadly, the circuit was interrupted by a quick trip to San Antonio,
Texas for the funeral of Father Jim Barlow, a dear friend and retired Air Force chaplain. “Father Jim” was a gem and his funeral was a fitting testimonial to his lifelong witness to the gospel and his exemplary devotion to God’s people. You might ask “what was the most memorable event in your years?” There are too many but I would like to highlight just two that are burned into my memory. The first has to be a terrible day at Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany when I was asked if I would visit and pray for a comatose Army specialist whose life support system was being removed. His family had been flown over from the States and they were gathered at his bedside. The specialist’s wife had given birth to a son a few weeks earlier. The nurse laid the infant son on his father’s chest for a few minutes before the life support was removed. The 210 lb Special Forces soldier died shortly afterwards. The second has to be the many celebrations of the sacrament of Confirmation. I have lost count, but it has been hundreds of ceremonies, with as few as two candidates at a remote military installation to 120 at a suburban Washington/Arlington
parish. I simply could not pass on the opportunity to remind three generations (candidate, parents, grandparents) of the immeasurable love that Jesus has for each of us and the unique mission assigned to each. Using the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Saint John Paul II, and the teenage Virgin Mary, I hope to have been somewhat successful in reminding the faithful of the power of saying “yes” to the Holy Spirit. So, it is time to bid farewell. I have been associated with the Archdiocese for the Military Services for almost 45 years, 30 as an active-duty Air Force chaplain and the last 15 as an auxiliary bishop. I pray my ministry through the years was what Pope Saint John Paul II hoped for when he appointed me an auxiliary to Archbishop O’Brien back in May 2004. I know that whatever success I may have achieved is due to your prayerful and most generous support. May I ask you to continue to offer those in support of my successor? It’s been a great ride! God bless you all. V
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Core Elements BY BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
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very Catholic Chaplain, General Schedule (GS) Priest, and Contract Priest serving in the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS), USA, will on a regular basis visit the AMS website and consult the AMS Priest Manual and its Appendix. The “Core Elements” of a Catholic Program on any given military installation are spelled out on page 27 of the Appendix in a document entitled, “Minimum Requirements for the Pastoral Care of Catholic Personnel.” The “Core Elements” are:
• Sunday, Holy Day, and daily Mass • Comprehensive Religious Education and Sacramental preparation • Comprehensive Sacramental Ministry • R.C.I.A. • Young Adult Ministry • Spiritual Enrichment Programs • Pastoral Counseling 22
CLERGY L-R: BISHOP BUCKON, DEACON DRENNAN, AND FATHER ROLDAN WITH 29 PALMS CONGREGATION.
It is always a joy for me to conduct a pastoral visit to a military installation and find that the priest and the Catholic faithful have a program that exceeds the requirements. When all of the “Core Elements” are present it is an indication that the Installation Commander and his senior chaplain recognize the Constitutional rights of service members, and their families; and they will use their authority to guarantee the free exercise of religion. A comprehensive, robust Catholic program is also a clear sign that the Holy Spirit is at work in the life of the Catholic community. In recent months, I have visited multiple Department of Defense installations, local dioceses, and traveled to Panama to participate in various sacraments, events, and activities that comprise the “Core Elements”. On 15 December, I drove to St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Yucaipa, Calif., for the ordination of Ted P. Drennan to the Transitional Diaconate through the imposition hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by the Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes, Bishop of San Bernardino. Deacon Drennan served in “Communications” for the United States Marine Corps for 30 years and retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9). He is in his final year at St.
MONSIGNOR RONALD METHA (FAR LEFT), BISHOP NEAL BUCKON (CENTER), AND THE LUKE AFB CCD CLASSES.
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John’s Seminary in Camarillo; and is engaged in ministry on the weekend at the Marine Corps Air and Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms under the supervision of Father Jovy Roldan, the contract priest. There was a large contingent from the Catholic Chapel on 29 Palms present for the Mass in Yucaipa and many will also be present at the Cathedral in San Bernardino on 18 May 2019 for Ted’s ordination to the priesthood. Although Deacon Ted will be a priest of the Diocese of San Bernardino he said that whenever possible he would always be willing to celebrate Sunday and Holy Day Masses at Fort Irwin or 29 Palms. The weekend trip to Luke AFB, Ariz., in January always entails a stop at the Education Center to visit the CCD program. Monsignor Ronald Metha, the GS priest, escorted me to “Sunday School” after a wonderful celebration of the Eucharist, and a sumptuous community brunch in the fellowship hall. Mrs. Loida Lagang is the Coordinator of Religious Education. Loida and her husband Jesse, USAF (Ret), have been valuable members of the Catholic leadership team for many years. They endeavor to provide first-rate religious education with an emphasis on youth character formation. Jesse led me from one classroom to another with students in pre-kindergarten to grade 8. Each class had 2-3 teachers, and the students were seated with their lesson materials in front of them. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
CLERGY L-R: FATHER DAVID IVEY, BISHOP NEAL BUCKON, FATHER JAMES COINDREAU, WITH FATHER MANNY MARRUFO (SEATED) AND THE FORT BLISS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
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a few minutes in every classroom talking to the children. They enjoyed telling me what they were learning about God and the faith that has come to us from the apostles. Parents are the first teachers of the faith and it is wonderful to see so many active-duty parents volunteering every week to make comprehensive religious education a reality on the installation where they are currently assigned. I always look forward to visiting Fort Bliss, Texas. One reason is that the Knights of Columbus of Saint Michael Military Council #14584 hosts a Clergy Dinner at the Cattleman’s Steakhouse. I always enjoy being with “Brother Knights.” The dinner affords the Knights the opportunity to express their gratitude to the clergy that serve the Catholic Community on Fort Bliss. It is also a venue for them to recognize the Knight of the Quarter and the Family of the Year. A Knights of Columbus Council on a military base provides the Catholic men fraternity, faith formation, and spiritual growth. They are also an incomparable resource for the Catholic priest and the Catholic community. During the visit to Fort Bliss I met with Mrs. Kim Miller, the new President of the Military Council of Catholic Women – Worldwide (MCCWWorldwide). She is the spouse of an active-duty Army officer, LTC A. Geoff Miller (Air Defense Artillery), Battalion Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, First Armor Division. Mrs. Miller is also a member of the dynamic Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) at Fort Bliss. MCCW-Worldwide is a non-profit organization that works within the AMS to connect, unite, and inspire U.S. military-affiliated women to grow in their faith. MCCW-Worldwide works with the military chapels around the globe, and at nearly 220 military installations, to form women in spirituality, leadership, and service. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 MCCW-Worldwide helps the CWOC groups maximize their potential as a spiritual enrichment
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L-R : LTC A. GEOFF MILLER HOLDING ADELE (3), BISHOP BUCKON, MICHAELA (10), GRAYSON (7), AND MRS. KIM MILLER
program. Mrs. Miller briefed me on the retreats that were being planned in 2019 in the seven regions that comprise the MCCW-Worldwide. She also informed me that the next Worldwide Forum will take place in San Antonio, Texas, 23-26 April 2020! The “Core Elements” provide the framework for an effective Catholic program. It is through the “Core Elements” that our Catholic personnel experience love and grace and grow in their knowledge and love of God and of the Church. The Holy Spirit works through the “Core Elements” to keep our Catholic communities grounded in the faith, nurtured in God’s love, and looking towards the future in hope. V
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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.
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THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Paul Collins (ARCH)DIOCESE / RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY: Los Angeles ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Navy RANK: N/A COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): California State University, Northridge – BA in Psychology; St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo, California HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Home Educated HOBBIES: Piano, Organ, Surfing, Working out TEAM SPORTS: Swimming
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? I had thought about it from a young age and started taking it more seriously in my teens. I did my more serious discernment during a year I spent at age 20 with the Missionary Servants of the Poor in Cuzco, Peru. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Speakers from many different missionary groups inspired me from a young age to live to serve others. I became interested in the military because they are the most under-served diocese in the world, despite having in some ways the greatest spiritual needs. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? My favorite genres are country music and 80’s music.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? “Unless a grain of wheat fall to the ground and die, it remains alone; but if it should die, it will bear much fruit.” This passage has been a theme of my faith journey ever since it was first drawn to my attention by its use in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I was raised in a fairly traditional Catholic family. I was taught that to truly pray one must also learn to listen for God's voice, and I suppose that from then on I began the process of really getting to know Jesus Christ. WHAT SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? My discernment year with the Missionary Servants of the Poor of the Third World had a big impact on every part of my faith. WHAT SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine were fundamental to my understanding of my faith. St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI also affected me. WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN? I have studied Psychology and Liberal Arts and had a lot of different jobs, everything from bartender to Church Organist. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? St. Augustine’s Confessions. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? My parents. I have seen them sacrifice their own wishes to serve me and my seven siblings every day for twenty-six years. My other heroes include Father Salvatore and Father Mathias of the MSPTW, with whom I served in Peru. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? My spiritual director told me to pray whenever I felt pain, whenever I needed help, or whenever I had a question. He said "the soul breathes, and this is prayer.” V
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St. Michael the Archangel
DEFEND US IN BATTLE BY FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, O.C.S.O.
The 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C., was my first assignment as a Navy Chaplain. There I learned from Marines the basics of leadership and, perhaps surprisingly, chaplaincy. Not long after my arrival one of my brother monks sent the first of many packets of laminated holy cards with the image of, and prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. This proved to be the most sought after religious item in the battalion. In my daily rounds of the offices and work spaces St. Michael was everywhere, from the desks of the commanding and executive officers to the lance corporal’s bench in the machine shop. Knowing of St. Michael’s role in the mystery of salvation, none of this should have been a surprise. He appears four times in the Scriptures: In chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel, he comes to comfort the prophet after his visions and promises to be his helper in all things. Again in chapter 12, he is called “the great prince who stands for the children of your people” during the 70 years of Israel’s captivity in Babylon. In the New Testament the Letter of Jude (verse 9) St. Michael disputes with Satan over the body of Moses. (This is a reference to a popular book of the day, The Ascension of Moses.) And, finally, in chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation, St. Michael is the leader of the angelic armies who defeat Satan’s forces and drive them into Hell. Sacred tradition has called upon St. Michael as the Guardian Angel of the Church, and as the patron of Christian warriors and of the dying. The traditional Offertory Chant for Masses for the Dead implores: “…may the standard-bearer Saint Michael, lead them into the holy light which you once promised to Abraham and his seed.” The men and women of our Armed Forces and their families are confronted daily with the mysteries of life and death. Even off the (continued on page 34) Spring 2019
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NATIONAL COLLECTION 32
2019 Triennial National Collection By Mary Lavin
The next National Collection for the AMS, approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to be taken every three years, is scheduled for the weekend of 9-10 November 2019. The 2019 Triennial National Collection is a critically important opportunity to increase awareness about the AMS, the faithful it serves, and to seek financial support for the same. You know that the AMS is a separate U.S. diocese while many Catholics do not. The AMS continues to work diligently to make known that its mission is global and that it is responsible for the pastoral care of Catholic men and women – and their families - who hail from all U.S. dioceses while they serve, have served, or prepare to serve our country. Whether on a military installation, in a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, or on the campus of one of the four U.S. Military Academies, these men, women, and children are members of your own diocese or parish who would not otherwise have the opportunity to receive the sacraments, counsel from a priest, evangelization and catechesis, participate in young adult ministry programs, or simply receive a copy of a sacramental record. Funds received from the first two National Collections for the AMS in 2013 and 2016 made possible several new and important initiatives, including the widespread certification of catechists at military installations around the world. They also ensured that the AMS could continue to underwrite the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, the only vocations program in the U.S. that provides priests who will serve in their home diocese before and after their service as a Military Chaplain. AMS co-sponsored priests will likely serve
more years in their home diocese than they will on active-duty. Finally, the funds received enabled initial steps to be taken towards the building of an endowment with the goal of one day creating a self-sustaining source of funding. Ninety-five percent of all gifts received by the AMS are from individuals; no funding is received from the Government or the Military. After 18 years of war, with no end in sight, constant transition and increasing uncertainty for Catholic military families, please help spread awareness about the 2019 Triennial National Collection so that the AMS is not only able to continue its mission but is able to further its reach and impact. Visit www.milarch.org/nationalcollection to see the current list of participating dioceses and collection dates if other than the weekend of 9-10 November 2019. For example, the first collections will be taken in May by the Dioceses of Austin and Orlando, and the Archdioceses of Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C. have scheduled the collection in 2020. If your diocese is not listed, please contact the diocese’s Chancery directly. Dioceses will be added to the list when confirmation is received. In the event your diocese is not participating, gifts may be made directly to the AMS. Unlike a territorial diocese, it is forbidden that a percentage of the collections taken up in chapels on military installations be automatically given to the AMS; however, AMS faithful will also have the opportunity to participate by making individual gifts. V
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St. Michael the Archangel
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battlefield the military is an inherently dangerous occupation. For them war is not an abstraction or a news item but a daily reality mirroring the spiritual warfare that confronts every Christian. Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. But we are not alone in this warfare of the spirit: “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12 Seen in this light the invocation of St. Michael is not just another devotion to be taken up according to our religious taste and mood. It goes to the heart of God’s revelation to us in Christ. Every Christian has a place in the great drama of salvation. While we are confident of God’s ultimate victory, each day brings a new skirmish in the warfare of the spirit. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. V
Listen to Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, posted twice monthly at https://www.milarch.org/podcast
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Encountering Christ in Harmony BY MARK MOITOZA, TH.D.
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he United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issued a national pastoral response to assist diocesan and parish leaders and all the faithful in welcoming and integrating the fastest growing minority population in the United States. Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters, is available online as well as for purchase. It is well worth reading with others to consider ideas to implement at the local level.
Asian and Pacific Island Catholics represent a vast diversity of cultures yet stereotypes falsely lump them together. This often creates a feeling of being invisible, hidden, rejected, and marginalized in U.S. society and in the Church, as noted on page 17 of the pastoral letter. For many, however, being in the Church is being at home. There is a shared expression of homecoming and a shared ownership that contributes toward faith expressed and faith engaged. This diverse population brings many gifts to
Catholic communities that ought to be recognized and acknowledged. Of note, is the term ‘harmony’ articulated in the title of the pastoral response. Harmony does not seek a uniform, solitary, agreed way to collaborate. Rather, harmony recognizes diversity as a gift to be embraced and nurtured. It extends toward a communal approach that puts family and the community above the individual. The sense of being at home in Church and putting others before one’s individual pursuits offers profound spiritual insights to Catholic faith communities in the military. Learning about gestures of welcome, thanksgiving, gift-giving, food blessing, and mourning from various Asian and Pacific Island cultures uncovers a recognition of hidden gifts that are often in the midst of military chapel gatherings. When inviting Asian and Pacific Island Catholics to share gifts it is important to approach the whole family. The invitation ought to be (continued on page 36) Spring 2019
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Encountering Christ in Harmony continued on page 35
open enough to allow that family to discern together the gifts they have to share such as prayer traditions, cultural expressions, catechesis, small family groups, leadership, fostering vocations, and more. The pastoral letter proposes promoting intercultural competencies at all levels. This includes hosting intergenerational listening forums, expanding marriage preparation with interethnic and intercultural resources, celebrating liturgies that speak to the young, promoting service opportunities for young adults, and making time to share and reflect upon the diversity of faith practices, traditions, and spirituality from so many countries. Mary, and the tradition of annual Marian pilgrimages along with the growing list of saints and martyrs marks the faith life of Asian and Pacific Island Catholics. These rich traditions recognize important identity markers rooted in home. The USCCB Committee and Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church and the Subcommittee
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on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs lists training events, news items, and pastoral resources that support a local implementation of the pastoral letter. The goal is to make Asian and Pacific Island Catholics feel at home, both in the Church and the United States, while being able to preserve the richness of the spiritual and cultural backgrounds that they bring as contributing members of the Body of Christ.
Prayer for Encountering Christ in Harmony God of all harmony and source of our faith, loving Father who chose us to be your own and formed us together as one family in Christ, send forth your Spirit among us. May our encounters with Christ, your Son,` through the Scriptures and the breaking of the bread remind us of our identity in Christ amid the multitude of cultural heritages present in your Church today. May our encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary and with the communion of saints, strengthen us so that we may sustain and pass down the Catholic faith of our ancestors and elders from one generation to the next. May our encounters with one another, in our families and parishes, nurture more leaders among us, that they may answer your call more readily, and look to Christ, our Savior, as the example of humble service. Enliven our hearts this day and always, so that, going forth into the world, we may become better servants of your Word and bearers of your love for all to see. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, who strengthens us in faith, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who binds us together in love and harmony, one God, forever and ever. Amen. V Spring 2019
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LIFE TEEN – CHANGING LIVES BY MARK MOITOZA, TH.D., D.MIN.
Life Teen is leading teens closer to Christ, creating space for the discernment of vocations from both the youth and volunteers, and reviving families to live the Gospel weekly on 14 military installations and supporting 75 military communities. "As a mom and Youth Ministry Leader, it is inspiring to see how a simple fellowship over some silly games and a meal is enough to not only enthuse these teens in their faith but also build the sense of communion among each other. Life Teen has continued to provide these teens with their fundamentals on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I am also a coordinator for the group, and in our planning meetings with my fellow youth ministry core team members we have recognized how our teen attendance and involvement indirectly helps us to grow in Christ as well." – Reve Rucinski, Wiesbaden, Germany. Reve started two years ago with the Life Teen Summit resource, a simple small group resource focused on the upcoming Sunday readings and how it applies to our daily lives and building community with others, with a group of military youth. The simplicity of Summit allowed for the recruitment and training of volunteers and the group has now added monthly catechetical Life Nights to walk through Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization. WHY CONSIDER LIFE TEEN FOR YOUR CHAPEL COMMUNITY?
“Life Teen provides the best continuity for any chapel and our Archdiocese, as it offers catechesis for grades 6 through 12, a confirmation program, youth camps, and conferences both in the U.S. and in Europe. The curriculum provides a simple map to fulfill
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the Archbishop’s standards and indicators for full implementation of Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide.” - Erika, Ramstein AFB. Life Teen is not just curriculum, training, and staff support, but also summer camp and youth gatherings. An active duty Navy officer attended camp as a male chaperone and shared, “It was powerful and unexpected to have my own personal experience at camp. For me, it was a huge step in my faith and helped me grow in new and exciting ways. It was educational, motivational, and filled a lot of emotional and spiritual voids in my life. It helped heal and transform me in so many areas.” “WHERE TO START?”
Teens (and us adults, too!) are often slow to get out of our comfort zones sometimes. Camp rips you out of your comfort zone, from the muddy games to ziplining, to going to confession on a mountain top to sharing your faith journey in small group. I was overwhelmed by those that were willing to get out of their comfort zones and trust more in the amazing love of our Relentless Father.” (Christina Kieser, Coordinator of Religious Education & Youth Ministry, Langley Air Force Base) Consider the Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention by Life Teen, Scottsdale, AZ, June 9-12, 2019, https://lifeteen.com/events/ catholic-youth-ministry-convention/ V LEARN MORE: HTTP://WWW.MILARCH.ORG/LIFE-TEEN/ MARLO DOWDY: LIFE TEEN MILITARY COORDINATOR MDOWDY@LIFETEEN.COM Spring 2019
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Archdiocese Receives Christmas Gift in Honor of Marine Corps Plane Crash Victims BY TAYLOR HENRY
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he Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, (AMS), received an unexpected Christmas gift in December: a check for $18,800 donated in honor of 15 U.S. Marines and a Sailor killed in a 10 July 2017 plane crash in Mississippi. The AMS received the check from 206 TOURS of Hauppauge, NY, a Catholic tour company that specializes in pilgrimages to the Holy Land and other sacred destinations. The company sent the check on behalf of Father Przemyslaw J. Nowak, a native of Poland and a priest of Paterson, NJ, who also serves as a spiritual director on some of the company’s pilgrimages.
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FATHER NOWAK
In a letter to His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, 206 TOURS President Milanka Lachman explained that the donation was raised from the proceeds of a 26 December – 7 January pilgrimage led by Father Nowak to the Holy Land and Rome. The letter included a note from Father Nowak, asking that the donation be put toward the seminary formation of future priests and military chaplains. In an email to the AMS, Father Nowak explained: “When I read about 16 U.S. servicemen killed in the plane crash in Mississippi, I started to pray for their souls and their families! I had a sincere desire to do something to honor them and the ultimate sacrifices of their lives. I thought about raising funds from a pilgrimage with 206 TOURS. I asked Ms. Lachman, and we got permission from AMS. It is a blessing that we can donate this amount towards the formation of seminarians willing to be future chaplains in the U.S. Military, who will serve servicemen and women and their families. Thank God and the Blessed Mother that we can help AMS.” Right after the crash of the Lockheed KC-130T transport plane over a soybean field in the Mississippi Delta, Archbishop Broglio expressed “heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible accident.” After receiving the gift in their honor, Archbishop Broglio expressed his gratitude. “I am deeply grateful to Father Nowak and 206 TOURS,” he said, “for their generosity which will help the AMS provide priests for those who need them in circumstances such as disasters, but also in the more every-day situations. May Almighty God bless all of the pilgrims as they walk in the footsteps of our Lord.” According to published accounts, the 24-year-old KC-130T was on a crosscountry flight from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina to Naval Air Facility El Centro in southern California when a corroded propeller blade broke loose and struck the side of the aircraft, causing the plane to disintegrate at a cruising altitude of 20,000 feet. The crash was said to be the deadliest Marine aircraft incident in more than a decade. V Spring 2019
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AMS Pilgrims Participate in World Youth Day BY BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON AND CASEY BUSTAMANTE
Pilgrims of the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) traveled to Panama City, Panama to participate in World Youth Day (WYD). They traveled with the joy of their faith in Jesus Christ and encountered youthful and enthusiastic Catholics from around the world. The six-day long event was festive, religious, and cultural in nature; every pilgrim experienced the universality, diversity, and dynamism of the Church. During the week of WYD, all pilgrims were united in an encounter with the Vicar of Christ on Earth, the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. Every young joyful soul also had the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and give testimony to his message by promoting peace, unity, and solidarity among all peoples of the world. WYD officially began on Tuesday, 25 January 2019 with Holy Mass celebrated by His Excellency, Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama. Groups of pilgrims arrived
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BISHOP BUCKON AND AMS PILGRIMS FROM FORT KNOX.
waving flags of the countries from which they came. Catechesis, personal testimony, and Mass were on the agenda for the next three mornings. Organizers arranged for pilgrim groups to attend sessions based on their native language. The theme and motto for WYD-Panama was “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word� (Luke 1:38). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) staff coordinated the transportation of U.S. bishops to numerous catechetical sites where some taught in English and others in Spanish according to the theme. On Wednesday morning, Bishop Buckon met with a group of AMS pilgrims from Fort Knox, Kentucky. The encounter took place at San Francisco Church where Bishop Edward J. Burns, the Bishop of Dallas, was the catechist and the principal celebrant of the Mass. On Thursday, 24 January, the Ceremonial Welcoming of the Holy Father, the second of five principal gatherings, took place on Santa Maria La Antigua Field (Our Lady of Antigua is the Patroness of Panama). WYD pilgrims and Panamanian citizens were in place (continued on page 44) Spring 2019
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A Pilgrimage of Faith CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
along the route to welcome Pope Francis as he drove by in the Popemobile. The joy, the emotion, and the warmth of the crowd was clearly visible. It was at the Ceremonial Welcoming that pilgrims listened to the first address by the Holy Father and prayed with him. Some pilgrims tuned into WYD Radio to listen to a translation of the papal address. Translations of the main events were in five official languages. The Way of the Cross on Friday at Santa Maria La Antigua Field was the 3rd main event. All registered pilgrims were provided with a prayer book and a pilgrim guide printed in one of the five official languages of WYD. Pilgrims were thus able to enter into the meaningful reflections of each Station. Pope Francis began the Way of the Cross by telling the youth, “Walking with Jesus will always be a grace and a risk.” He concluded by saying, “Jesus endured everything for us and with us. He is the incarnate love of God who knows and redeems pain, who heals wounds with his own wounds.” The Vigil on Saturday, the 4th main event, took place at the Saint John Paul II Field. An AMS young adult group participated in the pilgrimage to the field. These pilgrims traveled from their host families’ homes in downtown Panama to the site and this trip included a six-mile walk. Pilgrims arrived with their sleeping bags and tents to spend the night in the field. At this point in the WYD pilgrimage, the young people have had long days filled with several miles of walking, many short nights of sleep; however, the Vigil brings a time of reflection. This is the perfect time where the focus is Eucharistic adoration presided by the Pope. During the Vigil, Pope Francis said that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the most
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influential woman in history and asked the young people of the world, “Are you willing to be an influencer like Mary? She dared to say, ‘Let it be done unto me according to your word.’ ... Only love makes us more human and fulfilled; everything else is a pleasant but useless placebo.” Sunday morning’s “Send Off” Mass on 27 January took place at the St. John Paul II Field. It was the final major event. In his homily, Pope Francis encouraged young Catholics, “We are on a journey, keep walking, keep living the faith, and sharing the faith. Do not forget that you are not the tomorrow, you are not the meantime; you are the now of God.” Jessica, one of the military young adult pilgrims from 29 Palms, California shared, “I think that this trip has (continued on page 46) MS. CASEY BUSTAMANTE (FAR RIGHT), BISHOP BUCKON (CENTER), THE USMC CONTINGENT, AND CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIAN JOSEPH KNEPPER.
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A Pilgrimage of Faith CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45
impacted my life by getting to experience all the hardships that we faced; getting to see a different way of life; and getting to be present in Panama for the events that we were able to experience.” As WYD came to a conclusion Pope Francis sent the 600,000 youth forth to a life-long commitment as “Servants of the Lord” in the world. The Holy Father also announced that the next WYD would take place in three years’ time in Portugal! This news was received with great excitement. AMS pilgrims from our military bases in Europe will make every effort to attend.V
Resources OFFICIAL WYD WEBSITE https://panama2019.pa/en/home/ WYD USA INTERNATIONAL PILGRIMAGE LEADERS GUIDE http://www.usccb.org/about/world-youth-day/upload/ wydusa-international-guide.pdf AMS WYD UPDATES https://www.milarch.org/evangelization/ world-youth-day-2019/ SALT AND LIGHT MEDIA LIVE COVERAGE http://saltandlighttv.org/wydcentral/blog?language=en
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For more information visit:
www.milarch.org/ATM or email:
advancement@milarch.org Spring 2019
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“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOMD PERMIT #1169
“We look forward to the Easter Season. That important time for which we prepare during Lent always fills us with joy and hope. We all long to experience the power of Christ over sin and death in our lives and in that of the Church. Thanking you for your continued support, I wish you a joy-filled Easter” – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
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