SUMMER 2015
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I T A R Y S E RV I C E S , U S A
21sstt Annual Memorial Mass Story on page 26
E AC L P s!
D r 3R Awa : S s e s e IN th re enc e” d
W in c P ell zin E holi l Exc aga T t ra M U Ca ne an
L e es 5 SA 201 “G Dioc
Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,
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ummer time evokes vacation plans, warm weather, baseball games, and a more relaxed pace. For the military it is frequently the moment for a move or a permanent change of station. In the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center it is a time to plan for the next pastoral year and for some very significant events, such as the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and the first Pastoral Visit of Pope Francis. I welcome the opportunity to send you another issue of Salute.
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n May 29th His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien marked his first half century of priestly ordination. We all join in congratulating him and in promising him our prayers, as we give thanks for the ministry he has shared with this global Archdiocese.
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n the months of May and June five fine young men from among the AMS co-sponsored seminarians were ordained priests. Another one was ordained a transitional deacon. These men offer great hope for the future of Catholic ministry in the military chaplaincy. Please continue to pray every day for vocations.
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his issue of the AMS quarterly publication will recount the pastoral activities of the Auxiliary Bishops and me over the Easter Season and afterwards. We will also evoke some memories of the annual Memorial Mass and our prayers for those who have fallen and those who still bear the weight of their service in body and spirit.
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ver the Labor Day weekend many of the seminarians will gather for the annual co-sponsored seminarian “get away”. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming these young candidates who will one day serve the men and women in uniform. It is good for them also to become acquainted with each other and with the staff of the AMS. I give thanks for the generous donors who make this annual event possible.
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njoy the following pages of Salute. May the beginnings that come with the late summer and early autumn be propitious for your path of faith. I hope that each day brings you an experience of the joy of the Gospel. Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
2 summer 2015 |
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 7. NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2015
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
4 What is the Next Step? Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
8 The Eucharist That Binds Us Together as AMS Family! Bishop F. Richard Spencer
10 How Far West? Bishop Neal J. Buckon
14 Annual Pilgrimage to the Sea Services Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine Emmitsburg, Maryland
Bishop Robert J. Coyle
18 Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno – A Saint? Monsignor Frank A. Pugliese
24 Legendary Chaplain Receives Medal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA Taylor Henry
28 Retirements and Anniversaries 40 Catholic War Veterans Post 386 Makes History James R. Formato
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.
SUMMER 2015
THE MA AG G A Z I N E O F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I T A R Y S E RV I C E S , U S A
ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address, and phone number to: support@milarch.org call: 202.719.3600 or write: Development Office, Archdiocese for
the Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C. 20017-0469 Feedback, letters to the editor, & advertising inquiries: editor@milarch.org Website: www.milarch.org evangeliz
COVER PHOTO: © CATHOLIC NEWS SERVCE
21sstt Annual Memorial Mass Story on page 26
THE KNIGHTS TOWER AT THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, WASHINGTON D.C.
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO President
MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER Editorial Director
JO ANN REDMOND Editor
ERIC NEUNER | RPISTUDIOS Design Director
© 2015 - A PUBLICATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA - SERVING CATHOLICS IN THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD,VA MEDICAL CENTERS, AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES OVERSEAS.
By ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
What is the
NEXT STEP?
CADETS CAVANAUGH AND FOTSCH WITH ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO DURING PASSTORAL VISIT AND CONFIRMATION AT THE U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, COLORADO SPRINGS, COL.
ometimes I ask myself that question and other times someone else asks me: “Where will your travels take you next? Where is your next big trip?”
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here are occasions when I am not certain of the answer. The trips are all planned, but I do not always remember the next ones on the agenda. It is not a question about being blasé about my responsibilities, but rather a policy of dedicating my energies to the project in which I am currently engaged. Then there will be time to look ahead.
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ast January after the annual retreat with the Bishops of Regions IV and XIV, there was an opportunity to make a brief pastoral visit to Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field where Fathers James Hamel (Newark) and David McGuire (Richmond) were ministering. It is always a joy to celebrate confirmation and to visit the congregations at Sunday Mass. An added dimension to this visit was a tour of the “gunship” aircraft. The airmen are certainly well-versed in what they do and eager to tell you all about it. The Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda was the destination for a number of visits. There was a confirmation in January, the annual Ash Wednesday Mass at the beginning of Lent, and a farewell visit to Father Gerald Onuoha. The last mentioned was an Army Reserve priest about to deploy to Afghanistan. A fast-moving cancer was discovered and he passed away shortly after Easter. The annual visit to the installations in Colorado Springs offered two novelties this year. The first consisted in several days of temperatures in the 70’s. My heavy winter coat remained in the closet for the duration of the visit. Secondly, a group of young officers gathered for breakfast and spoke about their initiatives to grow in their faith and contribute to the faith formation of others. Meeting them gave me great joy. They
sought me out and are so enthusiastic about their faith. One of them had been the Grand Knight at West Point. Father Joseph Piskura gave me a great excuse to spend a weekend in snowy Cleveland in February. The Combined Veterans Associations of Cuyahoga County had decided to honor the good Padre with their annual award. However, he agreed to accept it only if all chaplains past and present would be honored. It was a great day. Despite the heavy snows, everyone came to the luncheon and honored this priest along with his colleagues and the Chaplains’ Assistants. The AMS sponsored her first Rite of Election for catechumens from the Washington Military District on the First Sunday of Lent. The event was very positive and the participants almost filled the main chapel of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center. In addition to the confirmations and Sunday Masses during the pastoral visit to West Point, I also baptized a baby. I always enjoy the visits to the communities at the Academies. Stopping in during religious education classes is a special bonus. The spring discernment retreat at Menlo Park marked the first time since I have been the Archbishop for the Military Services that all of those who had reserved a place showed up. This fact is especially (continued on page 6) summer 2015 |
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What is the NEXT STEP? remarkable when you consider that the East Coast was blanketed in snow and other severe weather conditions made flying a complicated mission. Once again the gathering made manifest our hope for the future. Many fine men are listening carefully to the Lord’s voice. That sojourn in San Francisco concluded with pastoral visits to Fort Sill and Altus Air Force Base. These were new destinations for me and I was pleased to spend time with the faithful and the priests (Fathers Pawlikowski [Newark] and O’Neal [St. Augustine] at Fort Sill and Father Enoh [Owensboro] at Altus) at those thriving communities. The Oklahoma plains provided rustic beauty and a sparse landscape. It was an appropriate backdrop for Lenten meditations on water. Washington was again the backdrop for me to give the Provost Lecture at the School of Canon Law of the Catholic University of America. The talk fell on the 14th anniversary of my ordination as an Archbishop by Saint John Paul II. It was a great way to celebrate that event. A quick weekend visit to the Coast Guard Academy (Father Shuley, Corpus Christi) afforded me the opportunity to confirm a couple of the students there. I also visited the Submarine Base at Groton, whose Catholic community is thriving under the tutelage of Father Hoar, SSE. Holy Week began at Andrews Air Force Base, continued at West Point for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and concluded at the Naval Academy where I celebrated the Easter Vigil and the first Mass in the morning. After a delightful brunch it was back to Michigan Avenue and the Basilica
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of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Spanish Mass. The fifty days of Easter seemed a bit like the chapters in the Acts of the Apostles. Bahrain, the USS Carl Vinson, and Kuwait welcomed me for visits, confirmations, and many celebrations. For a second time I was able to minister to the U.S. Diplomatic Community by confirming one of their number in Kuwait. I wish that the AMS had the personnel to take better care of those civilians who serve our Nation outside our borders! Other destinations in the Easter Season included Fort Lauderdale for the St. Thomas More Society, Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Fort Belvoir, Chicago, four stops in Germany, a meeting of military ordinaries in Paris, Lourdes, and Puerto Rico. All were good occasions for Shepherd and flock to spend time together, to pray, and to assist each other on our pilgrimage of faith. There were a number of confirmations for the military and for the Diocese of Arlington. The Archdiocese of Baltimore also asked me to take one for one of their parishes. There have been a number of ordinations for the co-sponsored seminarians. Those are moments of great joy that fill me with hope. I count it a privilege to assist at some of them. Gathering for the Memorial Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension, I reflected on the Angels’ charge to the Apostles to stop looking heavenward and begin their mission. That is a charge for all of us, as well. We take time every year to pray for those who have fallen, those left behind, and those who still bear in body and spirit the wounds of war.
LEFT: ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO WITH FATHER CHRISTOPHER DORSEY, ORDINATION 23 MAY 2015 TOP RIGHT: 22 FEBRUARY 2015 RITE OF ELECTION, (L-R) ANTHONY PACHECO WITH GODPARENT MIKI SZABO, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P BROGLIO, KELSEY HASTINGS WITH GODPARENT VIRGINIA BRODIE BOTTOM RIGHT: ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO DISTRIBUTING COMMUNION TO CADET BOHENEK, U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, 8 FEBRUARY 2015
Ours is a cry for lasting peace in a troubled world and ours is a commitment to be instruments of peace. In my homily I used the image of the “black stone” known to missionaries in lands infested by snakes. The stone applied to a snake bite extracts the venom and heals the victim. On that occasion I also said: “Our daily conduct allows us to offer to the world the image of a Church conformed to the Father’s plan. The Incarnation of Christ reveals the magnificence of human potential and the variety of gifts. Insertion into Christ is always an invitation to realize the greatness of our vocation, despite the restrictions that others might place on our shoulders. Remember that Paul writes his Letter to the Ephesians from prison. The constraints of the civil authorities of his time cannot chain the Gospel. Nor will they be able to do so in ours. You and I must live in that hope and continue to preach Jesus Christ in and out of season. “Can we not draw strength from the Risen
Lord to recycle in love every disagreeable thing in everyday existence? “In the end, love is the miraculous black stone which can neutralize the lethal effects of certain negative wags and draw from wounds a source of grace. It is the ability to replace the venom of opposition, rampant secularism, and divisiveness with fidelity to the truth, a certain warmth and harmony. That same love responds to the smallness, attacks, and dirty tricks with magnanimity.” Now and again it is good to step back and look around to see where we are and where we are going. For me the exercise usually involves a map or an airport. However, we are constantly urged to be the instruments that facilitate the encounter of Christ with others. My travels to spend time with those entrusted to my pastoral care have that function. The essential mission of the AMS is indeed to be that instrument so often stressed by Pope Francis. In the end, we want to be able to say that the ultimate next stop is heaven. ✞ summer 2015 |
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By BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
THE EUCHARIST That Binds Us Together As AMS Family!
CONFIRMATION MASS, STUTTGART, GERMANY MARCH 2015
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riends of the AMS Family, it is a great joy to share with you, through these pages of SALUTE, some of the many highlights of the past six months!
8 summer 2015 |
LEFT: TWO NEW KOREAN KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCILS, APRIL 2015 MIDDLE: NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER LUNCHEON, LAJES FIELD, AZORES, PORTUGAL, APRIL 2015 RIGHT: EUROPE MCCW CONFERENCE, MAY 2015
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ince we last visited, I have had the pleasure of traveling to ten different countries both in Europe and Asia. My travels included, but were not limited to: 31 Confirmation Masses, guest speaker at five different National Prayer Breakfast/ Luncheons, participation in the historic chartering of the first two fully Korean Knights of Columbus Councils in the civilian sector of the Republic of South Korea.
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ou might ask, “Why is this significant?” A perfect example is the Philippines; where there are currently 360,000 living members of the Knights of Columbus and it all started at the U.S. Clark Air Base where the first Council was formed. Today in Korea, we hope to duplicate the same template from the Philippines as the U.S. Military Council in Korea continues to grow, developing additional civilian Councils throughout the Republic of South Korea. It was truly exciting to be a part of this evolving history!
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had the privilege of participating in the awesome and highly engaging Europe Military Council of Catholic Women Conference (MCCW-E), held at the Benedictine Monastery in Ettal, Germany. Our beloved MCCW-E, under the profound leadership of Ms. Jane Gottardi, who by the way was awarded the AMS Medal by Archbishop Broglio during this Spring MCCW-E Conference, May 2nd, has been a huge success. Attending the MCCW-E event were 126 participants representing 22 Chapels throughout Europe..
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e MCCW-E events were followed by the 57th Annual Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France! During the May 2015 Annual Pilgrimage the AMS Medal was awarded by Archbishop Broglio to Ed and Dolly Wilson for 31 consecutive years of coordinating the ground transportation events for our pilgrims in Europe attending the annual pilgrimages to Lourdes. You may ask what do all of these events have in common? It is the Eucharist! It binds all of these events to the one, holy, Apostolic, Catholic community of the Archdiocese for the Military Services! AND it will be this same Eucharist that sustains us in our evangelization for the years to follow! ✞ summer 2015 |
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By BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
How Far West?
BISHOP BUCKON AND THE ARMY'S 2015 CONFIRMATION CLASS AT SCHOFIELD BARRACKS.
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ften times when discussing the mission and ministry to the Catholic Faithful of the Western Vicariate of the Archdiocese for the Military Services I am asked, “How far west do you go?” The western boundary of this region can be traced from the Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard installations in Alaska to Hawaii where all of the Services of the U.S. Armed Forces are strategically positioned. The boundary of the Vicariate continues from Hawaii to the Army’s garrison on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and finally to the new Marine Corps training center in the Northern Territory of Australia. Bishop F. Richard Spencer, the Vicar for Europe and Asia, conducts pastoral visits to the U.S. bases located in the Far East from Singapore to Japan.
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ost of the time, the second question is, “Do you have to go to Hawaii?” With ‘tongue in cheek’ I respond, “Yes, somebody has to do it!” Actually, it is an honor and a privilege to conduct a pastoral visit to the Catholic Communities situated in our chapels on the island of Oahu every year. It is also a joy for me to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation with the well-prepared and enthusiastic young men and women of our Catholic Church. Finally, as a bishop it is necessary to meet with the Catholic chaplains and the contract priests to exchange information and discuss their vital ministry to our service members and their families.
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visited Hawaii in April of this year, and on Divine Mercy Sunday celebrated two Masses at the Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook Chapel located on Marine Corps Base, Hawaii (MCBH). Father Larry Fisher, a contract priest, greeted me as I entered the chapel prior to the 9 a.m. Mass. Father Fisher explained that he was filling in for Father Paul Smith, US Army – Retired, who was convalescing. Father Fisher usually works with the Army on the other side of the island. Volunteers worked with the Religious Program Specialists (RP’s) to prepare the chapel, and the Mass was celebrated with an abundance of Easter joy. Afterwards, members of the community stayed for the hospitality and fellowship that is usually shared over coffee and donuts. As I finished a cup of coffee and a conversation, Captain Richard Campbell, USN, invited me to sit in on a meeting with the Pastoral Advisory Council (PAC). Captain Campbell is the senior dentist on base, and he volunteered to serve as the President of the Council. The meeting provided me the opportunity to thank the members of the PAC for their effort towards having a comprehensive Catholic program on base. Members of the PAC then took me for lunch. Afterwards I drove to Father Smith’s apartment for a fraternal visit before returning to MCBH for the 5 p.m. Mass. Father Chris Keahi is contracted to celebrate
the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass. He belongs to the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the same religious order as Saint Damien of Molokai. The octave of Easter ended with the conclusion of the Mass. Next, I visited Tripler Army Medical Center. Father Louis (Hank) Albrecht is contracted to provide pastoral care to the patients of the hospital. He also celebrates Mass throughout the week which is regularly attended by health care providers, members of the hospital staff, and hospital volunteers. After celebrating Mass, Father Hank and I took lunch in the hospital cafeteria. We then set out to visit patients in the different wards of the hospital. As we walked from one medical section to another, numerous physicians, nurses, and employees of the hospital stopped me to tell me of their appreciation for Father Hank’s daily presence and ministry in their area of operation, and in their lives. Father Hank arrives to work well before dawn and usually heads home after the noon Mass. His hours allow him to be well integrated into two separate shifts. Then on to the Catholic Women of the Chapels (CWOC) to meet for Mass and a morning program at the Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR). Mrs. Michelle Nash, the Director of the Pacific Region of the Military Council of Catholic Women – (continued on page 12) summer 2015 |
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How Far West?
(continued from page 11)
BISHOP BUCKON AND THE CATHOLIC WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL (CWOC) GATHERED AT THE AMR CHAPEL
Worldwide (MCCW-Worldwide) invited me to celebrate the Mass and speak to approximately 60 women about vocations and the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program. Michelle also showed an artistically crafted video invitation that was produced by the MCCW-Worldwide Executive Board. The video invited the Catholic women of the Pacific Region to attend the Worldwide Conference in Crystal City, Va., 21 – 25 April 2016. The women belong to CWOC groups located at the military chapels on the island of Oahu and they gather to celebrate Mass, share their faith, and develop their roles as spiritual leaders in their families and as key & essential volunteers in their chapels. At Schofield Barracks, Fathers Leo Moras, Grant Gaskin, Larry Fisher, and Peter Pomposello concelebrated the Army’s Confirmation Mass. Father Moras is an Army Chaplain assigned to the Military Intelligence Brigade on Schofield Barracks. Father Gaskin is assigned to the Signal Battalion at Wheeler Army Airfield. Father Pomposello is assigned to a Calvary Squadron at Fort Richardson, AK and he was on the island for the Air Assault School. Father Larry Fisher is contracted to celebrate the daily Mass at the Soldiers’ Chapel. Father John
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Gabriel is an Army Chaplain assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks. Father Gabriel was unable to join us for the Confirmation Mass. However, we dined together with Bishop Larry Silva, the Bishop of Honolulu, at the Saint Peter Pastoral Center prior to Father Gabriel’s departure for India. He returned to his home in India for his nephew’s ordination to the priesthood. Over the weekend Father Peter Nguyen, and Father Chris Keahi (also contracted for Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam), concelebrated the Masses of the Third Sunday of Easter during which I conferred the sacrament of Confirmation upon the young men and women of the Air Force and Navy. The Saturday Vigil Mass was celebrated at Hickam Air Force Base’s chapel. The Sunday Mass was celebrated at the Navy’s chapel at Pearl Harbor. The few candidates for Confirmation from the MCBH joined us at Pearl Harbor. Father Peter Nguyen is the Air Force Chaplain providing the pastoral leadership for all Catholic Air Force and Navy personnel on Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam. After his fourth Sunday Mass he took me to one of his favorite Pho’s for delectable nourishment. Every Easter Season we hear from the (continued on page 41)
By DEACON MIKE YAKIR, CHANCELLOR
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have some exciting news that I hope you will share with a priest whom you think may be interested in becoming a military chaplain. This Fall the AMS will host its first discernment week, For God and Country, for priests discerning a call to serve as military chaplains. To participate, priests must be U.S. citizens, incardinated in a U.S. diocese or religious community, and ordained at least two years. The Archdiocese will provide a realistic presentation of what it is like to be a military chaplain by introducing the priests to officers and enlisted members of the military where they work. Tentative plans include visits to Andrews AFB, Fort Belvoir, the Naval Academy, and the Pentagon. Through meetings with Archbishop Broglio, military chaplains, and the AMS staff, the priests will learn what military chaplaincy entails as well as the requirements to become one. Every time I meet a priest for the first time I ask him if he has ever considered becoming a military chaplain. I have even waited in line after Mass to talk with a priest while I am on vacation. More often than not, he has considered it but just did not take the next step to learn more because he did not know where to begin. Through the AMS For God and Country gathering, priests will learn more about this vocation within a vocation. Please join me in calling a priest to serve those who serve by spending a week with us in Washington, D.C. Visit the AMS website www.milarch.org to learn more or call me directly at 202.719.3607. Deacon Mike Chancellor summer 2015 |
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By BISHOP ROBERT J. COYLE
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE SEA SERVICES Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine Emmitsburg, Maryland
BLESSING OF THE "PATRONESS OF THE SEA SERVICES" MEDALS, PRESENTED BY ADM AND MRS. WILLIAM FALLON, USN, RET. WHO CHAIR THE SEA SERVICES PILGRIMAGE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE. (PHOTO BY RAYMOND BUCHHEISTER)
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very fall, The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton hosts the Annual Pilgrimage of the Sea Services. This wonderful event is held in the majestic church under the patronal care of Mother Seton. I was very honored to participate in the annual Mass and pilgrimage at the shrine. Members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Public Health Service attended the Mass. Hundreds gathered to pray for all the armed services and especially ask for the intercession of the first American-born canonized saint.
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other Seton wrote, “Our least action when done for God is precious to Him.” In many ways everyone contributed to the success of this day. From grand planning efforts to welcoming pilgrims at the shrine’s doors, all gave a precious gift in return to Our Lord. I marvel at the dedication of the Shrine staff, volunteers, committee members and participants in the gathering. We are all very grateful for the Daughters and Sisters of Charity who continue the great work of their foundress. They were most welcoming hosts to us all. After the Mass we had the joy to gather at a buffet reception for all in attendance. I especially enjoyed meeting members of our armed services and their families along with veterans and faithful supporters of the shrine. Each of them was there to pray and honor a admirable saint. I encourage everyone to consider attending this annual pilgrimage that is held in October. Make a day of it at the beautiful shrine and historic buildings from the time of Mother Seton. Saint Elizabeth Ann gave her total self in service of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Certainly, her many actions must have been precious to Him. She asks that we serve Him now in our lives of service and devotion to the Church. Two of her sons served in the Navy. Mother Seton encouraged her sons in the faith. All of us continue to do so today at this Annual pilgrimage. May I close with the prayer that seeks the intersession of Mother Seton:
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Lord God, You blessed Elizabeth Ann Seton with gifts of grace; as wife and mother, educator and foundress, so that she might spend her life in service to your people. Through her example and prayers may we learn to express our love for you in love for our fellow men and women. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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Amen
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By THE REVEREND MONSIGNOR JOHN J. M. FOSTER, J.C.D.
“Come away by yourselves” AMS Priests Make Spiritual Retreat
BISHOP ROBERT COYLE AND CH (MAJ GEN) HOWARD STENDAHL, AIR FORCE CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS, GATHER AFTER MASS WITH THE AIR FORCE RETREATANTS AT BETHANY CENTER.
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he Gospel of Mark records that Jesus “summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” [Mk 6:7]. Upon returning from their mission, Jesus “said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’” [Mk 6:31].
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LEFT: FATHER FRANK MATERA LEADS A SESSION ON THE AMS PRIESTS’ RETREAT AT TECHNY RETREAT CENTER. RIGHT: TECHNY TOWERS RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, TECHNY, IL.
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ith this example of the Lord and his apostles, it is no surprise that the Code of Canon Law requires that priests make an annual spiritual retreat (c. 276 –2, 4°). Each year, the priests of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) fulfill this requirement by making a private retreat, a retreat in their home diocese or religious community, or a service retreat. Last October 20–24, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and retired priests gathered with Archbishop Timothy Broglio at Techny Towers Conference and Retreat Center in Techny, Ill. for the first biennial AMS Retreat for Priests. The Reverend Frank Matera, Ph.D, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury, Conn. and professor emeritus of biblical studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., served as the retreat master. Father Matera captivated the 23 participants in a series of presentations on the Pauline corpus that looked at St. Paul’s injunction to the Corinithians, “Be imitators of me.” In addition to the presentations, the retreatants celebrated the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours daily. Plenty of time was also given to rest and fellowship during the week. Active duty and retired Navy priests convened January 19–23, 2015 for the 20th annual Navy retreat, held this year at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm
Beach, Fla. The Most Reverend Michael W. Warfel, Bishop of Great Falls-Billings and an Army veteran, was the retreat master. The retreat theme was strengthening priestly ministry. In addition to briefings by AMS Auxiliary Bishop Richard B. Higgins and RADM Margaret Kibben, Chief of Navy Chaplains, the retreatants enjoyed liturgies and time together. This year saw the 25th anniversary of the Air Force retreat, which took place 4 – 8 May at Bethany Center in Lutz, Fla. The active duty, reserve, and Air National Guard priests listened attentively to presentations by the Reverend Robert Rivers, C.S.P. Father Rivers, who works with the Paulist New England Outreach in Boston, Mass. and is a former vice president of the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association, reflected on themes from his 2005 book From Maintenance to Mission: Evangelization and the Revitalization of the Parish. Additionally, AMS Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Coyle presided at the celebration of the Eucharist and provided an update on the AMS. The Air Force Chief of Chaplains, MAJ GEN Howard Stendahl, also offered inspiring words to the priests. With fewer priests serving U.S. military personnel and their families, these annual retreats take on even greater importance for these men who have been sent to proclaim the kingdom of God [Lk 9:1]. ✞ summer 2015 |
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By MONSIGNOR FRANK A. PUGLIESE
SERVANT OF GOD, Father Vincent Capodanno – A Saint?
PRAYING DURING AN EVENT HONORING FATHER CAPODANNO, FATHER LOUIS IASELLO (center) AND MSGR. JAMES DORNEY (right).
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he Catechism of the Catholic Church in the glossary defines a saint as “The holy one who leads a life in union with God through the grace of Christ and receives the reward of eternal life.” Father Capodanno died on a battlefield in Viet Nam because he chose to continue to minister to wounded and dying Marines at the risk of losing his own life. He literally gave up his life for his brothers that day – 4 September 1967 – over 47 years ago.
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have the privilege of serving as Archbishop Broglio’s delegate on the tribunal to determine whether the Servant of God, Father Vincent Capodanno, MM. should be beatified and canonized. Three of us, Monsignor Thomas Olszyk, Father John Kaul, and I, have heard incredible accounts of Father Capodanno’s actions of self-sacrifice and faith. We have heard this from those in his family, who knew him all of his life, from Maryknoll priests, who knew him as a seminarian and as a missioner in Taiwan, and from Marines who knew him as a Navy chaplain serving Marines in Viet Nam. All of them speak of his faith, his ability to inspire hope in the most difficult situations, and his obvious love of God and all whom he served during his priesthood. All of them believe that Father Capodanno is already in heaven in the joy of the Lord God. In other words, all of them believe he is already a saint. Should Father Capodanno be canonized a saint? The Catechism of the Catholic Church in the glossary defines canonization as “The solemn declaration by the Pope that a deceased member of the faithful may be proposed as a model and intercessor to the Christian faithful and venerated as a saint on the basis of the fact that the person lived a life of heroic virtue.” All of those interviewed attested to the heroically virtuous life of Father Capodanno. Some remember him as a missioner in Taiwan who struggled to learn the native language, but never failed to give hope to those whom he served. Some remember him in the Navy Chaplain Corps serving Marines where life was far from comfortable. In those places, he could touch people’s hearts by the quality of his words in sermons or in private conversations. Even in seemingly hopeless situations, Father Capodanno brought hope and consolation. Some remember him as a brother or brother-in-law who modeled for them a life of selfless servant leadership and service. The list goes on and on. Father Capodanno was a priest who lived a heroically virtuous life. This life can be a model not only for Maryknoll missioners, but also for military chaplains who need models, like Father Capodanno. I believe we have enough evidence to illustrate that the Servant of God, Father Vincent Capodanno lived a life of heroic virtue that can serve as a model for both missioners and military chaplains. Is he one who can intercede? Before a Servant of God can be beatified, one miracle is required. Another miracle is required for canonization. These are favors granted through the intercession of the Servant of God that have no scientific explanation. I invite you to participate in this undertaking. You can support the cause in three important ways. First, spread the story of Father Capodanno’s life and death. Second, encourage those who need special favors to ask through the intercession of Father Capodanno. Third, let us know of any favor or miracle granted of which you are aware. You can contact us and learn more about Father Capodanno and the cause for his beatification and canonization at the website for the Capodanno Guild, www.capodannoguild.org. You can also get prayer cards to use to seek a favor through his intercession. Since the Archdiocese for the Military Services is a global archdiocese and since witnesses for the process are all over the United States and in Asia, we need your financial help to complete our work. Please consider a monetary gift to the Guild through the website. I believe Father Capodanno is already a Saint. I am convinced he should be canonized because the way he lived and the way he died demonstrate virtues that can inspire everyone to emulate his example – especially military chaplains. With your help and your prayer, I hope that he will one day be beatified and canonized. ✞ summer 2015 |
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By FATHER JOHN KAUL
The Knights of Columbus Warriors to Lourdes Project Joins up with the 57th International Military Pilgrimage at Lourdes France
L-R: FATHERS JEFFREY LAIBLE, JOHN KAUL, KEVIN CUSICK, PAUL SHOVELAIN, STEVEN THOMLISON, SUPREME KNIGHT, MR. CARL ANDERSON, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER, SUPREME MASTER MR. DENNIS STODDARD, FATHERS MARK MASTIN, STEPHEN COTTER, COLONEL CHARLES GALLINA, USMC (RET), FATHER THOMAS FOSTER
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ith the sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus, 124 wounded warrior pilgrims and their caregivers, 45 volunteers, 14 chaplains and deacons, arrived in Lourdes 12 May to join in the week long American participation in the annual International Military Pilgrimage (in French, Pelerinage Militaire International, PMI).
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LEFT AND RIGHT: U.S. MILITARY PILGRIMS ATTENDING THE 57TH INTERNATIONAL MILITARY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
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he PMI began to develop toward the end of the World War II when members of the British, Belgian, French, German, and Russian armies came to pray for peace at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. In 1958, the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions, the first PMI took place. The theme of the PMI this year “What have you done with your brother?” is inspired by the sermon of Pope Francis, given last September, in the Italian cemetery of Redipuglia where some 110,000 soldiers who died during the First World War are buried. The Holy Father explained: “At the roots of evil lies the indifference which allowed Cain to say ‘What do I care? Am I my brother’s keeper?’ (Genesis 4,9). In fact, this attitude is the opposite of the message of Jesus, who teaches us that ‘he who takes care of the brother enters into the joy of the Lord”. He wanted to remind us that each person is called to be a peacemaker. The Warriors to Lourdes pilgrims were later joined by the Archbishop for the Military Services USA, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, who celebrated their opening PMI Mass and later offered a reflection on “Mary, the First Christian” at the second of the evening Faith and Fellowship sessions. Bishop F. Richard Spencer, AMS Vicar for Europe and Asia, also arrived by train from Germany to celebrate and concelebrate the succeeding liturgies with us. Bishop Michael Koltun, the Bishop of the Forces of Ukraine and 15 of their soldiers with two chaplains joined us at a reception sponsored by the Knights and hosted by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson (pictured on opposite page). Scheduled activities for the pilgrims included evening rosary and Eucharistic candlelight processions as well as daily Mass in the two basilicas, the Rosary Basilica built over the grotto of the apparitions and the huge underground Basilica of St Pius X where over 15,000 pilgrims from more than 30 nations gathered for Sunday Mass and the opening and closing ceremonies. A personal appeal from Archbishop Broglio enabled us to gather eight priests and five Protestant chaplains to facilitate group discussion at the evening Faith and Fellowship gatherings, as well as to offer the Sacrament of Penance throughout the pilgrimage. The Warriors to Lourdes Project of the Knights of Columbus doubled its participation from last year, which was its first at leading this worthy endeavor. May it so continue by the grace of God! ✞ summer 2015 |
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By FATHER AIDAN LOGAN
In All These Things We Are More Than Conquerors
A HORSE-DRAWN CAISSON SLOWLY ROLLING TOWARD A BURIAL SITE AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.
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atriotism is a virtue commended to us both by the Natural Law and the Word of God. St. John Paul II summed this up most admirably in his book Memory and Identity: Conversations at the Dawn of the Millenium.
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LEFT: TRADITIONAL BURIAL AT SEA. RIGHT: RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD STAINED GLASS WINDOW FROM THE SAINTE CHAPELLE (PARIS, FRANCE)
Patriotism is a love for everything to do with our native land: its history, its traditions, its language, its natural features. It is a love which extends also to the works of our compatriots and the fruits of their genius. Every danger that threatens the overall good of our native land becomes an occasion to demonstrate this love…I believe that the same could be said of every country and every nation in Europe and throughout the world.
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mericans are a patriotic people. The traditional ceremonies of a military funeral and Memorial Day, the flag draped coffin, taps, the twenty-one gun salute, the rows of headstones in our national cemeteries cannot but pull at our patriotic heartstrings. Those who have sacrificed their young lives, full of promise and hope, for our nation and our liberties fill us with a pride that could almost blunt our sorrow at their loss. For the families of the dead and those who have served with them and survived, these emotions are especially poignant. These are not abstract casualty figures or simply names on a headstone but men and women of flesh and blood whom we knew and loved. After the family there is nothing so intimate and life altering as the shared experience of deployment and combat. The oft used term “survivor’s guilt” hardly touches the depths of emotion involved. In all this, Catholics in our Armed Forces and their families share a common bond with all Americans. Yet, as Catholics our remembrance of the dead on Memorial Day and throughout the year is more profound than even the deepest wells of memory and patriotism. I believe in … the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting. Amen. These few words sum up our faith and our relationship with those who have gone before us. We do not simply remember the dead; but in Christ ours is a living bond with them. We pray for them knowing that God in his infinite mercy longs to forgive their sins and that the fire of his divine love extends beyond the grave, purifying the soul for the eternal vision of his glory. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:35 – 37) Victory in Christ bestows more honor and glory than any nation can bestow. Pray for our glorious dead. Pray for those in harm’s way today. Pray for vocations to the priesthood and for priest chaplains to arm them with the Sacraments and the Word. ✞ summer 2015 |
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By TAYLOR HENRY
Legendary Chaplain Receives Medal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
FATHER NORMAN R. OSWALD (LEFT), RECIPIENT OF THE MEDAL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, U.S.A. (AMS), WITH AUXILIARY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS, MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015, AT THE CLEMENT J. ZABLOCKI VA MEDICAL CENTER IN MILWAUKEE, WIS. PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN SLANE, ZABLOCKI VA MEDICAL CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
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ather Norman R. Oswald, the longtime Chief of the Chaplain Service at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wis., was honored 20 April with the Medal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The Most Reverend Richard B. Higgins, AMS Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar for Veterans Affairs, presented the Medal to Father “Norm” in a brief, emotional ceremony in the offices of the Director of the Medical Center, Mr. Robert H. Beller. The award was authorized by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, in recognition for Father Norm’s “long and outstanding service to veterans, their families, and the caregivers at the Zablocki Medical Center.”
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he presentation came on the occasion of Father Norm’s retirement, effective 30 April. Father Norm is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and he was endorsed by the AMS to provide for the spiritual needs of veterans receiving medical care at the massive Zablocki VA campus adjacent to Miller Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers. Following several parish assignments in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Father Norm began his VA career as a part-time chaplain in 1990. Given permission by his Archbishop to serve in a full-time position with VA, Father Norm quickly rose to become Chief of the Chaplain Service at the Zablocki Medical Center, a position he assumed in 1994. Describing Father Norm as the “perfect model of a Chief of Chaplain Service,” Mr. Beller praised the priest for his years of devoted service to veterans and their families. In addition to recognizing Father Norm’s ministry to the patients and caregivers at the Zablocki Medical Center, Mr. Beller hailed Father Norm for the leadership and guidance he has provided to senior staff at the Medical Center. Quoting from the citation that accompanied the medal, Bishop Higgins lauded Father Norm for his “fidelity to his priesthood, exemplary care of veterans, exceptional pastoral competence, and joyful ministry.” Father Norm said, “I was surprised and deeply honored to receive this medal and the citation – to serve the veterans, their families, and the staff that serve them has been extremely rewarding. To be recognized in this way reflects not just on me but on the fraternity of the priesthood that serves those who have served. “ Present at the ceremony were Bishop Higgins; Mr. Beller; Mr. James McLain, Deputy Director, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center; Chaplain (Father) John Perez; Chaplain (Father) Robert Barry, O.P.; Chaplain Dan Fitten; Mrs. Donna Babineau, Administrative Assistant to Father Oswald; and Benjamin Slane, VA Public Affairs Specialist. In his retirement Father Oswald has returned to senior ministry in his native Archdiocese of Milwaukee. ✞ summer 2015 |
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By TAYLOR HENRY
ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO CELEBRATES
MEMORIAL MASS ALL PHOTOS BY: Š JOHN WHITMAN PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO BLESSING THE CONGREGATION GATHERED FOR THE 21ST ANNUAL MEMORIAL MASS, 17 MAY 2015
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rchbishop Timothy P. Broglio led 2,000 faithful in prayer for U.S. servicemen and women, living and deceased, at the annual Memorial Mass on Sunday, 17 May, the Solemnity of the Ascension, in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Memorial Mass is sponsored each May by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and it is video-recorded by EWTN, which televises the Mass across North America on Memorial Day, falling this year on Monday, 25 May.
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he stained glass windows of the Great Upper Church gleamed in the spring afternoon sunlight as the 4:30 p.m. Mass commenced with great fanfare. The organist blasted the opening tones of the processional hymn as the choir of the Basilica fell in with raised voices. A Knights of FORT LEE REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING MASS. Columbus honor guard led the opening procession up the center aisle. More than two dozen priests, all vested in white, followed close behind. Archbishop Broglio, wearing a miter and bearing the crosier of Patrick Cardinal Hayes, first Military Vicar of the USA, and concluded the procession with the incensing of the altar. A uniformed color guard marched to the fore and posted the colors. The allpews-filled congregation, including some of the U.S. Military’s highest ranking members (officer and enlisted), joined in singing the National Anthem before the opening greeting. Among those concelebrating the Mass with Archbishop Broglio were Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Coyle; Monsignor John J.M. Foster, AMS Vicar General; Father Christopher Armstrong, AMS Judicial Vicar; and Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica. Deacons Michael Yakir and Joseph Pak assisted at the altar. Among the congregation were General and Mrs. Joseph F. Dunford, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps; U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and Mrs. Christopher F. Burne; Admiral and Mrs. William J. Fallon, USN (Ret); and Admiral and Mrs. Thomas J. Lopez, USN (Ret). Also present were a contingent of American Gold Star Mothers and Wives who have lost sons, daughters, or husbands to combat, many other servicemen and women representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, members of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV) of the United States of America, and significant numbers of Knights and Dames of Malta and of the Holy Sepulchre. In his homily, Archbishop Broglio called on the faithful to remember the sacrifice of Christ even as they remember the sacrifice of those who died in battle to keep our nation free: “To the extent that we die with Christ, we ascend and become liberated from the slavery to sin and, thus, more human. The wait for the glorious Christ can seem long, painful, and tedious when we limit our gaze to the sad pages of history or contemporary society. We must cultivate, like the early Christians the sense of immanence.That tension exists between losing sight and knowing how to gather our brothers and sisters in their need, filling their emptiness. That is why we pray for those who died on battlefields, those veterans who have passed from this life since last Memorial Day, those who mourn and suffer the emptiness that comes from losing a loved one, and those who carry with them the burdens of their service. As an Archdiocese we also pray for all of those who serve our country abroad in diplomatic and other missions. As a community of faith we cannot fail to lift those petitions up to a loving Father in this perfect prayer. I also include all of those intentions that have been sent to the Archdiocese for this celebration and will be carried to the altar in the offertory procession.” After the Mass, Archbishop Broglio hosted a reception for those who attended in the Pryzbyla Center at the Catholic University of America. ✞ summer 2015 |
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Retirements & Anniversaries 2014 Retirements Branch of Service
Name
Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force
Rev. Redmond M. Raux** Rev. Robert A. Bruno, OFM Rev. Kenneth R. Beale Rev. David M. Fitz-Patrick Rev. Thomas R. Kadera Rev. Peter M. McGuine Rev. William Bartoul* Rev. Max B.T. Omana Rev. Stephen Voyt
Yrs of Service
Diocese/Rel. Order
35 34 26 24 24 23 22 20 18
Eparchy of St. Maron, Brooklyn Diocese of Balanga, Philippines Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
25
Diocese of Paterson
31 29 16
Our Lady of the Angels Province
Army Army
Rev. Michael J. Travaglione, OFM Conv Rev. David A. Kenehan, OSFS Rev. Donald Van Alstyne, MIC
Army Army
Rev. Gary M. Fukes* Rev. Patrick J. Van Durme
12 6
Diocese of Syracuse Diocese of Rochester, NY
Navy
Rev. Mark R. Reilly
11
Diocese of Ogdensburg
40 31 30 29 15 12 12 9 7
Diocese of Lafayette, IN Diocese of Nashville Diocese of Green Bay Diocese of Alleppey, India Province of St. Augustine Diocese of Columbus Diocese of Wilmington Archdiocese of Seattle
Air National Guard – Rev. Alphonse Stephenson Army
VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA
Rev. Joseph W. Grace Rev. James Norman Miller Rev. William F. Vander Heyden +Rev. Augustine Koilparampil Rev. Robert N. Craig, OFM Cap Rev. Vio Joseph Rev. William B. Kauffman Rev. Richard J. Gallagher Rev. Alfonso E. Erestain
Archdiocese of Boston St. John the Baptist Province Archdiocese of Newark Archdiocese of Washington Diocese of Cheyenne Diocese of San Diego
Toledo/Detroit Province Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA
Diocese of Sorsozon, Philippines
* Currently VA Chaplain ** GS Chaplain
2015 Anniversaries 10 YEARS VA VA Navy Navy Air Force Air Force Air Force Army Army Contract
Reverend Robert F. Higgins Reverend John B. Ugobueze Reverend Donelson Thevenin Reverend Curtiss P. Dwyer Reverend Michael J. Morris Reverend Edwin Gomez Reverend Thienan Tran Reverend Pawel Zemczak Reverend Tyson J. Wood Reverend Jude O. Okeke, SMMM
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23-Jul-05 19-Sep-05 04-Jun-05 03-Dec-05 21-May-05 04-Jun-05 04-Jun-05 21-May-05 25-Jun-05 23-Jul-05 (continued on page 42)
Save the Dates Annual Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, Servant of God 03 SEPTEMBER 2015 at 6:30 pm | crypt church Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C. ———————————––––––––––——————————————————
Marine Corps Marathon 25 OCTOBER 2015 ———————————––––––––––——————————————————
7th Annual Benefit 12 NOVEMBER 2015 at 7:00 pm Saint John Paul II National Shrine | Washington, D.C. ———————————––––––––––——————————————————
2015 Pilgrimage to Rome 03-11 DECEMBER 2015 For more information: Call: Faith Journeys at 800.732.4845, Option 1 email: info@myfaithjourneys.com (More information can be found on pages 32 and 33.) ———————————––––––––––——————————————————
22nd Memorial Mass 15 MAY 2016 at 12:00 pm | upper church Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C. summer 2015 |
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The Blessings Garrett Braun DIOCESE: Evansville, Indiana RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: Cadet - Air Force HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Castle High School, Newburgh, Indiana; St. John Neumann High School, Naples, Florida COLLEGE ATTENDED: University of Florida – 1 year United States Air Force Academy: B.S. in Operations Research HOBBIES: Camping, fishing, snowboarding, hiking WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? I first thought of it while in grade school and periodically throughout my childhood but I got serious about answering this calling while at the Air Force Academy. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Discernment dinners at the Air Force Academy opened my eyes to this calling. I have had a few instances of overwhelming peace while thinking about the priesthood. I have been in touch with a seminarian named Andy Smith who served in the Air Force before going to seminary. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? JOHN 12:24 – “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? This verse taught me the importance of keeping my perspective. The ultimate objective of this life is my journey back to heaven and bringing others with me. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? The greatest blessing I have had at the Air Force Academy has been the vibrant Catholic community. I attended the freshman retreat as well as the TEC retreat. I began to attend daily Mass and Monday night Religious Education series. At the end of my sophomore year I was asked to be the assistant cadet in charge of the TEC retreat. Leading up to this retreat, I began to go to confession monthly, attend daily Mass, and pray the rosary with my classmates. Doors have continued to open.
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Continue HAVE ANY SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? My parish priest, Father Jason Gries, talked about vocations to the priesthood to my seventh grade religion class. His vocation story seemed very relatable to me in that it came up for him at a young age, came and went throughout his life, and sometimes seemed to present itself by people joking with him about the priesthood. WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND/OR ACADEMIC AND/OR MILITARY BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN APPLICANT? I am a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? Angels and Demons (What we Know About Them) by Peter Kreeft. It was the first spiritual book I read and it opened my eyes to spiritual reading. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? My father, who pursued his dream of playing professional baseball and now works hard to provide my family with everything we need. He is one of the most humble people I know and is great at giving advice when I come to him. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? My prayer life consists largely of using my prayer journal to reflect on my day from a spiritual perspective. I attempt to pray throughout the day and spend at least a few minutes in prayer immediately when I wake up and right before I go to bed. I attend our Holy Hour. Although my prayer has been consistent it is not as firmly established as it needs to be.
“Discernment dinners at the Air Force Academy opened my eyes to this calling. I have had a few instances of overwhelming peace while thinking about the priesthood. I have been in touch with a seminarian named Andy Smith who served in the Air Force before going to seminary.” summer 2015 |
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A Marathon, a Benefit and a Pilgrimage to Rome Marathon On Sunday, October 25, for the third consecutive year, the Archdiocese will be represented by Team AMS in the 40th Annual Marine Corps Marathon.The Marine Corps Marathon, known as “The People’s Marathon,” is the third largest marathon in the United States and the largest in the world that does not offer prize money. The AMS will again be represented by up to 50 marathon runners and approximately 20 runners for the 10K. There are still several registrations available. In 2013 and 2014, TEAM AMS included co-sponsored seminarians, military personnel, and AMS staff, family and friends who helped raised more than 26,000 critical dollars in 2013 and more than $60,000 in 2014. For more information about the Marine Corps Marathon, go to www.marinemarathon.com. To sponsor a runner or for more information about TEAM AMS, go to www.milarch.org/development or email Development Associate and TEAM AMS Coordinator, Carol Dygert cdygert@milarch.org.
Benefit The 7th Annual AMS Benefit will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at The Saint John Paul II Shrine in Washington, D.C. The annual event offers a unique opportunity to join Archbishop Broglio and Auxiliary Bishops Higgins, Spencer, Buckon, and Coyle for a social evening in support of the Archdiocese in its mission to meet the spiritual and sacramental needs of our men and women in uniform, both at home and abroad. This year’s event will also serve as the official kick-off for the National Collection in 2016. Last year, the AMS Benefit raised more than 275,000 critical dollars to support vocations, youth and young adult ministries, and the annual pastoral visits to the 220 military installations and 153 VA Medical Centers. Individual tickets are $250 ($500 per couple). New this year, individual tickets for those serving active-duty is $200 ($400 per couple). The following sponsorships are also available:
• Pastoral Sponsor $50,000 • Corporate Sponsor $35,000 • National Sponsor $25,000 • Leadership Sponsor $10,000
• Vocations Sponsor $5,000 • Patriot Sponsor $2,500 • Trustee $1,000
The heavy hors d’oeuvres cocktail reception begins at 7:00 p.m. and attendees have the opportunity to tour the Saint John Paul II National Shrine (www.jp2shrine.org). For more information about the 7th Annual Benefit, go to www.milarch.org/events. Please contact Mary Lavin, Director of Major Gifts at mlavin@milarch.org or 440.223.6482 to learn more about the listed sponsorships.
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Pilgrimage to Rome The faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), will have a unique opportunity in December to go on a nine-day pilgrimage to Rome with Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D. The December 3-11 pilgrimage is timed for Italy’s “Festival of Faith” celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, and it will also coincide with commencement of the Holy Year of Mercy—announced by Pope Francis in March. Beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, and running through the Solemnity of Christ the King, November 20, 2016. Archbishop Broglio, who speaks fluent Italian and lived in the Eternal City for nineteen years, served as Chief of Cabinet for Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Secretary of State to Pope Saint John Paul II, from 1990 to 2001. His Excellency will accompany AMS pilgrims to the Vatican and other sites of interest throughout the Eternal City, sharing his experience and personal knowledge, with a professional, English speaking tour guide leading the way. A reception at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where two co-sponsored seminarians are studying, is being planned. For more information, call Faith Journeys at 800.732.4845, Option 1 or email info@myfaithjourneys.com.
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By CASSANDRA (CASEY) BUSTAMANTE
THE FOUNDATION
IS LOVE
CADET FOX WITH HIS HOST FAMILY IN A VILLAGE OF YUCATÁN, MEXICO.
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n the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is tested by the Pharisees to identify the greatest commandment. Jesus surprises them with his response, going beyond the extent of the question and answering, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37-39). For Cadet Steven Fox, class of 2018 at the US Air Force Academy, Jesus’ response in this scripture passage was a very personal message he received over his first Spring Break trip.
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adet Fox joined the Catholic Church when he was confirmed last year at the Marion Military Institute in Alabama. Cadet Fox had mainly a Protestant upbringing, but had found himself church-hopping last year and learned about the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Going to the Academy was Cadet Fox’s first time experiencing a lot of things in his faith journey: first confession; first retreat and first experience of Eucharist Adoration. Although not his original plan, Cadet Fox made a quick decision to go on his first mission trip for Spring Break. The Catholic Chapel staff recommended he look into the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) mission trips. He selected a trip to Yucatán, Mexico and quickly raised $1,600 in one month! Cadet Fox, along with 15 others, spent a week in a small village in Yucatán helping the local people build the foundation of their future church. They worked from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. The missionaries and students would invite families in the village to pray with them, praying mostly the simple yet
beautiful prayers of the Our Father and Hail Mary. After this, Cadet Fox said they would spend the rest of each day playing with the children, pray during a holy hour, and reflect on the day’s work until midnight—he had never experienced so much joy. During a holy hour on the trip, Cadet Fox was reading through Scripture and had stumbled on God’s Greatest Commandment in Matthew. At that moment, he said, it felt as though he was overcome with an immense love. Reflecting upon this, he felt as though God was showing him the foundation of our faith: love. On this trip, he had been a witness to pure love and humility. The interaction with his host family and the children in the village were a true expression of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. When asked how he wants to share his experience with others, he said he is still figuring that out. But he did say, “I want to be that beacon of hope…I want to pay it forward,” regarding the gift of joy that the local families gave him on the FOCUS mission trip. 2015 | Cadet Fox’s summer hometown is Raeford, N.C. and he hopes to study Foreign Area Studies at the US Air Force Academy. ✞ summer 2015 |
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By JOSÉ AMAYA
CATECHESIS: LOOK AHEAD
36
summer 2015 |
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he family and teams of catechists must be engaged in the process of learning, understanding and living out their Catholic faith under the leadership and guidance of the priest. The Archdiocese has developed resources and tools to equip catechetical teams and families to strengthen the transmission of the faith. The affirmations that catechesis is the responsibility of the entire Christian community and parents are the primary educators in the faith of their children calls for a collaborative approach to catechesis (GDC, 220-227). The summer is an excellent time to look ahead and plan the new catechetical year. The Archdiocese provides a bilingual Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide and an AMS Family Faith Assessment to promote systematic and consistent catechesis. Catechists can meet the minimum requirement for Basic Catechist Certification through the AMS partnerships with Catholic Distance University (CDU –English only) and the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF–English and Spanish). While planning the catechetical year, think of the opportunities available for Catechetical leaders, families and catechists to know, understand and live faith at the Chapel and at home. Refer to the 14 standards in the Curriculum Guide to encourage catechists to:
• discern areas of growth • see the benefits of doing continuing education in the faith • become familiar with practical tools and methods to
engage the students in the classroom • inspire the imagination of the family to live the faith daily. Catechetical Sunday, 20 September 2015, is a perfect day to commission and bless all catechists (parents too). Look into ordering Catechetical Sunday resources from the www.USCCB.org and www.NCCL.org. Some installations became very creative this year due to a revision of local Chapel regulations. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as adults and children learned together. Families not only engaged in faith learning but they were actually more active in Mass and in the faith formation process of their children. Use the excellent Curriculum Guide Parent Segments on the website with correlations to the Catechisms and textbooks. Encourage use of the AMS Family Faith Assessment that supports family faith growth online at home. Remember to keep the Sabbath holy! You are a very important part of the planning process. It is easy to become inundated with work, lose breath and the sense of time and life. Jesus took time to be in the presence of his Father to recharge and refresh. Take time to pray, to relax and enjoy life with family and friends. If you are married, your primary vocation is your family. If you are single, take some time out to visit friends and family. You are not alone in the planning process. Remember the three C’s: communication, consultation and summer 2015 |and plan well collaboration with colleagues, families and the Archdiocese. As you look ahead always remember to proclaim Jesus Christ with joy and enthusiasm! ✞ summer 2015 |
37
By MARK MOITOZA, D.MIN.
THE WORLD MEETING
OF FAMILIES: Love Is Our Mission
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ICON
38 summer 2015 |
R
ecently, I came home from work and walked right into one of those chaotic moments of family life that my wife always seems more ably equipped to handle. Our sixth grade daughter had left a detailed writing assignment to the last possible moment. Our third grade son was more interested in playing his favorite computer game than working on his science fair project. Our first grade son was seeking attention for his latest Lego creation, requiring expert navigation through the obstacle course of his untidy room. In the middle of this chaos my wife was dealing with a work-related issue on the phone.What was a normal afternoon for them was an abrupt change of culture for me, having just disembarked from a quiet commute home by train. The constant transitions of family life can easily distract us from the key of family life that centers first on the love of Christ.
T
he theme of the World Meeting of Families Congress, taking place this coming September in Philadelphia, is
Love is Our Mission: The Family fully alive.
This international celebration will have moments for prayer, keynotes, workshops, and a family festival of faith too. There is great enthusiasm, as the Holy Father plans to visit the United States to gather with families for a prayer vigil and the Closing Mass at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, 13 May, Pope Francis spoke, once again, of the three important phrases needed in a family: ‘May I?’ ‘Thank you.’ and ‘Forgive me.’ These are the words and attitudes that remind us that love is our mission. The family fully alive experiences again and again the deep love of Christ. It is through the ups and downs, those unexpected moments, where grace abounds. Grace may be discovered during family meals, time spent praying together, and in those unique moments when laughter spontaneously erupts. Love is also found when family members spend time consoling one another, when they put down a
pressing task to help with something they weren’t planning to do, when they listen without projecting their own desires, and when they offer guidance on how to live ‘the way’ of faith in today’s world. All of these human experiences of joy and sorrow remind us of the love that is shared in family life. Families are called to embrace these daily, unexpected missions of love. By sharing the depth of life with one another families reflect God’s love to the community. The World Meeting of Families has created preparatory catechesis for families and Catholic faith communities to read and contemplate. These rich reflections offer parents and children moments to consider God’s all encompassing love for each one of us in our own uniqueness. By way of supporting families in the military the archdiocese has posted military reflections to supplement these catechetical themes. They may be found on the AMS website in the Resource section under the World Meeting of Families tab. While the 2015 | the everchaos of life hassummer its ups and downs present love of God is reflected in the shared experience of the family fully alive. ✞ summer 2015 |
39
By JAMES R. FORMATO | Photos By STEVEN DELGADO
Catholic War Veterans Post 386 Makes History
TOP: POST 386 INDUCTED 10 NEW MEMBERS INTO THE POST, AMONG THOSE INDUCTED WERE SIX WEST POINT CADETS – TWO OF THEM THE FIRST FEMALE CADETS INDUCTED INTO ANY VETERANS ORGANIZATION. LEFT: (FROM L TO R) CADET MEGAN MCNULTY, SISTER ANNA, AND CADET MADELYN CRIMMINS. RIGHT: CONDUCTING OUR CEREMONY WAS FOUNDER AND PAST COMMANDER JOSEPH FARINA
O
n Saturday, 25 April, Catholic War Veterans Post 386, under the command of James Peloso, installed ten new members in a very impressive ceremony before a large number of members and invited guests in Gallo Hall at Sacred Heart School in Newburgh, N.Y.
40 summer 2015 |
T
he group included six Cadets from the United States Military Academy, one active duty member of the U.S. Army, and three veterans, one of which was a Purple Heart recipient. The Cadets were composed of four male Cadets, and two female Cadets (pictured on page 40 with Sister Anna Roche, Sisters of Charity, the Spiritual Advisor to Cadet Catholic Women). This was a history-making event as it marked the first time female Cadets from the United States Military Academy were installed into a veteran’s organization. Past Post Commander Joe Farina, conducted the induction ceremony with musical selections provided by Master Sergeant Mary Kay Messenger, who is a vocalist with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. The newly formed CWV Post 386 Honor Guard made its first public appearance at this function. The following members were inducted: Cadet Megan McNulty, Cadet Madelyn Crimmins, Cadet Alberto Squatrito, Cadet Vincent Vu, Cadet Austin Yun, and Cadet Anthony Wieck. The veterans included Richard Lay, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Richard is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; Christopher Farrell, an Iraq war veteran who now serves as Director of the Orange County Veteran’s Service Agency in Goshen, NY; Sergeant lst Class Beatriz Sachek-Martinez who is on active duty with the U.S. Army, and Teresa Shannon, a U.S. Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Catholic War Veterans New York State Commander James Mullarkey was present for this historic occasion. Among the invited guests were: Andy Komonchak, Executive Director of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; Colonel Donna Korycinski, a professor at the United States Military Academy; Sister Anna; Brother Carlos Hernandez, OFM, Cap.; Ms. Regina Angelo, Deputy Mayor of the City of Newburgh; Orange County American Legion Commander Paul Oser Sr., and Jerrold Oser Sr. of the American Legion National Security Council. Also present was Commander William Wiseman, Commander of Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 1161.
For more photos and information go to the Catholic War Veterans Post 386 web site at CWV386.org
How Far West? Acts of the Apostles, and we hear that the Church grew very quickly in number during the first century because of the consolation of the Holy Spirit. As I observed the dynamic ministry of our Catholic chaplains and contract priests; as I experienced the deep, rich faith of our Catholic
(continued from page 12)
Communities during my pastoral visits; as I anointed the Confirmandi of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines; I came to believe that the Holy Spirit is as active summer 2015today | and as present in our Church as it was two thousand years ago. All is well in the West. ✞ summer 2015 |
41
Retirements &Anniversaries
(continued from page 28)
20 YEARS VA VA Navy Navy Navy Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Army Army Army Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Reverend Joseph J. Repko Reverend Bruce R. Clapham Reverend Thomas P. O’Flanagan Reverend William J. Muhm Reverend Robert J. Keener Reverend Laserian I. Nwoga Reverend Piotr J. Gajda Reverend Lawrence Mulinda Reverend Brendan O. Mbagwu Reverend Emmanuel Okwaraocha Reverend Joseph O. Idomele Reverend Paul K. Hurley Reverend Cecil Cornelius Corneille Reverend Gary R. Studniewski Reverend Thomas Obiatuegwu Rev. Monsignor Ronald W. Metha Reverend Luis A. Barrera-Hernandez Reverend Edward W. Fitzgerald Reverend Linus N. Nwatarali Reverend Thomas Manimala
26-Mar-95 19-Oct-95 12-May-95 13-May-95 20-May-95 20-May-95 23-May-95 22-Jul-95 26-Aug-95 26-Aug-95 18-Nov-95 20-May-95 20-May-95 24-Jun-95 26-Aug-95 12-May-95 27-May-95 08-Jul-95 12-Aug-95 21-Dec-95
25 YEARS VA VA VA VA Navy Air Force Army Army Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Reverend Rick L. Jones Reverend Chrysanthus F. Udoh, MSP Reverend Leonard J.P. Onwumere Reverned Emmanuel K. Iheaka Reverend Eduardo B. Amora Reverend Mario S. Rosario Reverend John Barkemeyer Reverend Christopher C. Adunchezor Reverend Alwyn M. Albano Reverend Jude T. Shayo, AJ Reverend Monsignor Ricardo FJ Coronado-Arrascu Reverend Patrick D. Bergquist Reverend Raymond Leonard Reverend Thomas J. Lane Reverend Robert E. Jaeger Reverend Joseph A. Grimaldi Reverend Jose W. Pimentel, OP
24-Mar-90 23-Jun-90 28-Jun-90 08-Sep-90 18-Apr-90 17-Dec-90 01-Jul-90 18-Aug-90 01-Dec-90 07-Jan-90 09-May-90 26-May-90 27-May-90 07-Jul-90 28-Jul-90 04-Aug-90 01-Jun-90
2015 | 30summer YEARS
VA
Reverend Ivan R. Trujillo
42 summer 2015 |
15-Mar-85
30 YEARS (CONTUNUED) VA VA VA VA Navy Navy Air Force Army Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Reverend Innocent E. Njoku, CSSP Reverend Thomas E. Pesaresi, MM Reverend Jude Okwu Anyaeche Reverend Patrick E. Murphy Reverend John W. Lyle Reverend Marco D. Reyes Reverend Francis E. Lowe Reverend Robert K. Glasgow Reverend Jerzy Rzasowski Reverend Philip P. Denig Reverend Rafael Britanico Reverend Lawrence J. Donohoo Reverend James W. Dowds, C.Ss.R. Reverend Gerard Sheehan, SOLT Reverend Benedict Opara Reverend Gildardo Garcia
07-Jun-85 08-Jun-85 08-Aug-85 13-Sep-85 06-Jun-85 16-Jun-85 12-Dec-85 16-Feb-85 01-Jun-85 26-Jan-85 26-Mar-85 17-May-85 25-May-85 19-Oct-85 10-Nov-85 23-Nov-85
40 YEARS VA VA VA VA Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Reverend Lorenzo T. Torrente Reverend T. Matthew Rowgh Reverend Kenneth W. Bartsch, OFM Conv Reverend Mathew Eraly Reverend Anthony S. Kazarnowicz Reverend Eugene R. Kole, OFM Conv Reverend John L. Kaul Reverend Francis J. Horn, OSA Reverend William P. Lesak Reverend Charles T. Kestermeier, SJ Reverend Hilarion A. Mikalofsky
17-Mar-75 19-Apr-75 24-May-75 18-Dec-75 17-May-75 03-May-75 24 May-75 24-May-75 31-May-75 20-Jun-75 27-Jun-75
50 YEARS Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Reverend Philip S. Majka Rev. Monsignor Joseph R. Wagner Reverend Robert J. Cook Reverend John E. Koehler Reverend James J. O’Leary, SJ Reverend Micheas T. Langston, OSB
01-May-65 27-May-65 05-Jun-65 05-Jun-65 08-Jun-65 05-Sep-65
60 YEARS VA Contract
Very Reverend Thomas P. Clements Reverend Timothy J. Horgan
summer 2015 | 19-May-55 04-Jun-55 summer 2015 |
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— Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
May the beginnings that come with the late summer and early autumn be propitious for your path of faith. I hope that each day brings you an experience of the joy of the Gospel.
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, DC 20017-0469
Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA