SUMMER 2016
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
22nd Annual Memorial Day Mass ARTICLE PAGE 37 SUMMER 2016
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Dear Friends,
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s you receive this issue of Salute, I hope that summer rest and a change of pace have gone well, if they are not still in the future. In Italy a common question at this time of year was “mare o montagna” (“sea shore or the mountains). However, there are many ways to find the needed respite from the ordinary routine so as to be prepared for the autumn renewal of activities. I must say that my own agenda for July and August were fairly full. World Youth Day in Krakow and the Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Toronto will demand an important time commitment. Those are, however, very uplifting opportunities when I see the Lord’s hand at work. Despite the fact that for the military summer is the customary time for PCS or permanent change of station, we do not forget, however, the vigilance of the men and women who serve this country and safeguard our precious freedoms. Let us be mindful that troops are still deploying and families are keeping vigil.
Summer at the AMS is a time of preparation as we consider the activities of the coming fall. I usually try to make a brief Plebe Summer visit to Annapolis (due to its proximity, it is a bit easier to manage that visit). That allows me to meet the Catholics in the in-coming class and to tell them about the Archdiocese to which they are now inscribed. This issue of Salute will continue to keep you informed about the co-sponsored seminarians, offer some of the highlights of the activities surrounding Holy Week and Easter, and, as always, continue to tell the story of the chaplains and their activities. There is also the good news about the new Chancellor who will assume the duties that Deacon Michael Yakir has admirably fulfilled for the past seven years. As we continue to celebrate Divine Mercy in this extraordinary Holy Year, we revel in the memories of the Holy Father’s first visit to the United States last fall. It will take a while to digest the rich Apostolic Exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, which he has given to the Church. I hope that you will enjoy this issue. Thanking you for your continued support, I wish you a restful and renewing summer at the seashore, in the mountains, or wherever. Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
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THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
VOLUME 10 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2016
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 Greeting of Pope Francis to Representatives of the Armed Forces and Police at their Jubilee 5 The Next Stop is Yours Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 12 The Challenge of Neutrality Bishop Richard B. Higgins 16 Who & How Many for Dinner? Bishop F. Richard Spencer 19 A Pastoral Visit to Kwaj Bishop Neal J. Buckon 24 The Harvest Continues... Seminarian, Madison Hayes 30 Father Robert R. Cannon, Ch, Col, USAF Named AMS Chancellor 32 Catholic Chaplains Keep the Faith in Iraq Taylor Henry 42 Scouting is Youth Ministry Mark Moitoza, D. Min. 45 Retirements & Anniversaries SUMMER 2016
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.
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address and phone number to: support@milarch.org call 202.719.3600 or write: Development Office, Archdiocese for the
Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469
Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org
SUMMER 2016
22nd Annual Memorial Day Mass ARTICLE PAGE 37 SUMMER 2016
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GREETING OF POPE FRANCIS
to representatives of Armed Forces and Police at their Jubilee
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ith joy I welcome the representatives of the Armed Forces and Police, arriving from all over the world, and coming in pilgrimage to Rome on the occasion of the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The forces of order—military and police—have as their mission to guarantee secure surroundings, so that every citizen can live in peace and serenity. In your families, in the various places in which you work, be instruments of reconciliation, builders of bridges, and sowers of peace. You are indeed called not only to forestall, manage, and put an end to conflicts, but also to contribute to the construction of order based on the truth, on justice, love, and liberty, according to St. John XXIII’s definition of peace in the Encyclical Pacem in Terris (nn. 18ff). The affirmation of peace is not an easy task, especially because of war, which inflames hearts and augments violence and hate. I exhort you not to lose heart. Continue your path of faith and open your hearts to God, the merciful Father, who never tires of pardoning us. In the face of the challenges of each day, make Christian hope shine brilliantly for it is the certainty of the victory of love over hate and of peace over war.
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PHOTO COURTESY ANTOINE MEKARY | ALETEIA
Vatican City, 30 April 2016
BY: ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
THE NEXT STOP IS YOURS
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO VISITS SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HONDURAS, 3 APRIL 2016
“I
have been in the Army for twenty-eight years and this is the first time I have ever been to Mass with my Archbishop.” The speaker was the Chief of Staff at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, but I have heard it many times in the last eight years. Intellectually, it means very simply that this individual and many like him never happened to be at a particular installation when one of my predecessors or I made a pastoral visit. It is part of the nature of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. (continued on page 6) SUMMER 2016
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THE NEXT STOP IS YOURS
(continued from page 5)
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n a territorial diocese, you could attribute the lack of contact to the individual: he or she elected not to attend a function at the local cathedral or take advantage of a pastoral visit. However, for the AMS many more factors come to play in the interaction between Shepherd and flock or the lack thereof. Awareness of that fact ensures that there is always a suitcase in my bedroom and some travel items are always within! The “road” is simply a factor in the pastoral ministry entrusted to me. In the article I penned for the last issue of Salute I recounted my brief, but interesting pastoral visit to Bahrain. That was followed by two rather intense months of activity and quite a few trips from Washington, D.C. to the West Coast. It is almost a reminder of trips in Europe where some kind soul would tell you that the next stop was yours — sometimes I am not so sure. Pastoral visits to the four service academies provide the framework for each pastoral year. 2016 has not been an exception to that rule. A good train ride brought me to the Coast Guard Academy the weekend
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before Ash Wednesday. There was an opportunity to celebrate Mass at the Sub Base at Groton and to be entertained by the Commanding Officer in the historic home that is his during his tenure. The next day I confirmed a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy during their Sunday Mass and enjoyed a lovely reception at the Superintendent’s House. It was an open house and so there were many opportunities to talk with the cadets and the Catholic faithful. It was a bitter-sweet gathering, because the Command Chaplain there, Captain John Van Dickenss was to retire in June. He, his wife, and I have crossed paths in Cuba and other places. He was always very supportive of the Catholic program. That trip was followed by the traditional Ash Wednesday visit to patients at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and the Mass to open the season of Lent. The Commanders, priests, and others all rely on Hans Sempel, no longer active-duty, to get me on base! He always comes through.
L-R: LTC MICK BRAUN, COMMANDANT OF THE NORTHERN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER AT BLACK RAPIDS, ALASKA, WITH ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO.
The rest of February and March is a blur. It seems that I spent some time in Colorado and Wyoming to visit the installations there. Somehow Sister Lisa Marie, my Executive Assistant, managed to work in some extra time and so the visit to the Air Force Academy included a delightful extra dinner with the Catholic staff; the visit to Buckley Air Force Base in Denver was stretched to include time with our co-sponsored seminarian, Patrick DiLoreto, who is doing his spirituality year at St. John Vianney Seminary, lunch with Cardinal Stafford, and dinner with David, a nephew who still resembles me. I think that I flew from Denver to Los Angeles to participate in the dinner arranged by JosĂŠ Amaya and Casey Bustamante
for the catechists, priests, and faithful attending the LA Religious Education Conference. The red eye that Friday night deposited me at the Newark Airport where Father Matthew Pawlikowski poured me into his truck and drove me to West Point. In addition to confirmation and the Masses at Most Holy Trinity Parish, I had dinner with the Parish Council and visited the Religious Education Classes. Father deposited me back on the train Sunday night so that I might be at the Presbyteral Council meeting on Monday morning! The frequent flyer miles continued to be won. On Thursday, 4 March, it was my great pleasure to open the first Forty Hours devotion held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate (continued on page 8) SUMMER 2016
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THE NEXT STOP Conception. Monsignor Walter Rossi thought that Eucharistic Devotions would be an excellent way to respond to the Holy Father’s invitation to dedicate 24 hours to the Lord during the Holy Year of Mercy. The moving celebration concluded with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and open doors at the Shrine for the next two nights until Bishop Loverde of Arlington offered the closing Mass and led the procession around the crypt. However, that night after the opening celebration at the Shrine, I boarded another red eye for San Francisco and a stunning discernment retreat with the participation of 34 young men. I would be happy to see them all in the chaplain corps, but it will be the Lord who calls and the Church that mediates that call! After dinner with another nephew and his family in San Francisco, I went to southern California again to address various Legatus Chapters and Catholic Business Groups. The opportunities to tell the AMS story were useful and the audiences were very receptive. I did the same in
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Northern California after another red eye back to Washington for the Chrism Mass. After beginning Holy Week at Joint Base Andrews, it was time to return to West Point for the liturgies of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The occasion was propitious for a good visit to the neighboring medical Centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. I think that the AMS General Counsel was ready to take me to court on Good Friday, because we walked most of the way up hill at West Point to have a pair of eyeglasses repaired. Only the possible parallel between the show trial that convicted the Lord and my dilemma saved me from court. The Naval Academy Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel provided the beautiful setting for the majestic liturgies of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. It was a joy to baptize two, receive a number into full communion with the Catholic Church, and confirm almost 30. Divine Mercy Sunday this year fell on the same dates that it did in 2005, the year that St. John Paul II entered
IS YOURS
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L-R JOE OBERTING (LEGATUS CHAPTER PRESIDENT), HENRY AND MARY GUNDLING, BILL APPLEGATE, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, CAROLE GRUSS, MARY MIROGLIO, AND VALERIE AND BOB FISH.
into paradise. Memories of that time are always a bit poignant for me, because I was in Rome when the great Pope died on 2 April 2005, but had to rush back to my assignment so as to be in the Dominican Republic for the period of official mourning to receive the condolences of the people in my area of responsibility. Ordination means that you serve — sometimes that means the opposite of what you would choose to do.
has long been on my wish list. However, it is not so easy to find time and opportunity. The “perfect storm” occurred after a recent visit to the base by Father William Muhm (Archdiocese of New York, Captain, USN).
He put me in touch with LTC Jim Trachier and Ch (Capt, USAF) Timothy Dahl. Both were very eager to see the Archbishop visit his flock. Both made certain that my This year I marked that important time was well-spent. Of course, the anniversary with a visit to the Joint high point was the Divine Mercy Task Force at Soto Cano Air Base in (continued on page 10) Honduras. A visit to this installation SUMMER 2016
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THE NEXT STOP Sunday Mass, concelebrated also by Father Paschal of the Franciscans of the Renewal and ably assisted by Brother Ignatius of the same congregation.
resources. There was delight as the busload of soldiers, airmen, and a couple of officers arrived with me in tow. Hugs and enthusiasm abounded.
After an abundant breakfast (you never starve in military communities — they must know that a military force marches on its stomach) a Catholic Town Hall was held. Many were the questions and few were the soft balls. It was so precious to spend time with the faithful entrusted to my pastoral care.
The tour of the facility revealed how much the U.S. Military had done and also how much more remains to do. The foyer offers the boys hope for the future. Most continue their education and the current Board of Directors of the Hogar is composed exclusively of alumni. Our men and women make a future of hope possible to these youngsters.
Later in the afternoon, there was a visit to the Hogar San Antonio (St. Anthony’s Foyer), a boarding school for boys from families with few
The next stop (and where I composed these lines) was Alaska. I have been here before, but this will be my first systematic visit
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO WITH THE BOYS AT HOGAR SAN ANTIONIO (ST. ANTHONY’S FOYER) BOARDING SCHOOL.
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IS YOURS
(continued from page 9)
to the installations and I am pleased. Fathers Navarrette, Peak, McGregor, and Pomposello have made certain that my time is wellspent. I am confirming the faith of those entrusted to my pastoral care here and also saw some more of the beauty of the 49th State. The communities have been extremely grateful for the visit and the opportunities to interact with them have been many. Clear Air Force Station and Fort Greely
were included in the itinerary. It is not often that the Archbishop gets there. The timing is perfect, because the snow capped mountains stand majestically, but the roads are clear. Denali even granted us audience. My return to Washington was in time to welcome those participating in the For God and Country initiative and the women present for the Worldwide Conference of the Military Council of Catholic Women. I guess that the next stop is mine! V
THE NATIONAL COLLECTION FOR THE AMS Will be taken up in most (Arch)dioceses the weekend of
5-6 NOVEMBER 2016 For the current list of participating (Arch)dioceses, a video message from Archbishop Broglio, and additional information about the AMS and National Collection, GO TO WWW.MILARCH.ORG/ NATIONALCOLLECTION SUMMER 2016
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The Challenge of
NEUTRALITY BY: BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS
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t was September 1974 and fresh from civilian life, I was adjusting to my first week as an Air Force chaplain at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver. While the transition was not as severe as it is for recruits at Lackland Air Force Base it certainly got my attention. I do not recall a civilian parish where you stood at attention while you and your clerical dress were subjected to a detailed inspection! I had an office in the base chapel, one of the newer designs in the Air Force inventory and following the shock of that first inspection I wandered in to the sanctuary for a quick prayer. It was strange. Accustomed to the surroundings of a Catholic church, I found the environment cold and uninviting. Where was the crucifix, the tabernacle, the statue of the Virgin Mary, the statue of Saint Joseph? Where were the Stations of the Cross, the stained glass windows? What happened to the holy water font? It was a shocking introduction to shared worship facilities and chapel “neutrality.�
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he following Sunday morning was an unforgettable experience. In less than fifteen minutes, the cold, drab, and uninviting space was transformed by a pair of Air Force chaplain assistants and a couple of volunteers from the Catholic community. The curtain behind the altar was drawn back to reveal a crucifix with a corpus. A sliding panel revealed a tabernacle. Statues of Mary and Joseph miraculously appeared from hidden alcoves. The holy water fonts rotated from their “burial spots” in the walls. Doors hiding the Stations of the Cross were opened to reveal intricate carvings of the Via Dolorosa. Magnificent liturgical paraments covered the altar, the lectern and the ambo, and attractive seasonal banners draped the walls. In less than 15 minutes, the drab space became “Catholic.” I was amazed. More amazing was the transformation following the 8:00 am Mass. Again, in less than 15 minutes the sanctuary became “Protestant.” A veteran Protestant chaplain came over….” Chaplain Higgins, welcome to the Air Force chapel community!” I was soon to learn that dedicated Catholic chapels were a rarity in the Air Force and the same was true in the Army and the Navy. World War II era chapels were being demolished and replaced by large “Chapel Centers” complete with chaplain and support staff offices, choir rooms, brides’ rooms, classrooms, cry rooms, fellowship rooms, and commercial-grade kitchens! Catholic communities were fortunate if the new renditions contained a dedicated Blessed Sacrament Room where the Blessed Sacrament could be reserved, our sacred artifacts displayed, and our Catholic people could pray in familiar surroundings. The concept of a Blessed Sacrament Room is foreign to many faith traditions and respect for its inviolability is not always universal. It is frequently a revelation to a worshipping community that construction of new, and modification of existing worship facilities is an art form subject to federal regulations and guidance from various components of the armed services and the Department of Veterans Affairs! As I visit our Catholic priests who serve as chaplains in the 153 Medical Centers operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and observe the facilities in which they work, I pay particular attention to the chapels and Blessed Sacrament Rooms provided for our veterans. Paragraph 20 of the VHA Handbook 1111.02 (18 July 2008) “Spiritual and Pastoral Care Procedures” (continued on page 14) SUMMER 2016
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The Challenge of
NEUTRALITY
(continued from page 13)
provides guidance for the use of worship facilities…”when VA Chaplains are not providing or facilitating a religious service for a particular faith group, the chapel must be maintained as religiously neutral, reflecting no particular faith tradition….” Welcome to “neutrality.” Catholic veterans, family members, and chapel volunteers unfamiliar with the concept of religious pluralism and the constraints of VA regulations often react with dismay and misplaced passion when they encounter a “neutral” chapel at a VA Medical Center. Inappropriate and tasteless attempts to fulfill the “neutrality” requirement further inflame the passions of the dismayed and I get the emails and phone calls! The Internet comes alive! Artfully navigating the minefield of “neutrality” begins with an understanding of religious accommodation and sensitivity to the faith traditions and belief systems of others who desire to use the worship facilities provided by the armed forces and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It also requires a familiarity with the constraints imposed by law. Operating in the pluralistic environment of the VA Chaplain Service presupposes an understanding of the various
The years of experience with chapel “neutrality” by the active duty components of the armed services have much to offer. requirements for worship established by the many denominations who serve our veteran patients. Many non-Catholic denominations require very simple arrangements: an altar with a bible, plain crucifix, small pulpit, and perhaps a piano. Liturgical denominations, such as Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans require considerable furnishings to fulfill their needs and accommodation of these varying worship requirements can be a source of considerable friction among chaplains and faithful. Adding to the complexity is the requirement for flexibility which frequently results in the removal of fixed pews to be replaced by “pew chairs” affording enhanced access for wheelchair-bound and limited mobility patients.
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Tabernacles, statues, stained glass windows, Stations of the Cross, and liturgical banners present a unique challenge to a VA facility seeking to meet the neutrality requirement. Creativity and ingenuity can easily resolve most issues, though stained glass windows can be difficult. VHA 1111.02 presents a partial solution…” The only exception to the policy on maintaining chapels as religiously neutral are the chapels at VA facilities which were built with permanent religious symbols in the walls or windows before the establishment of the Veterans Administration Chaplain Service in 1945. Only these chapels and those permanent religious symbols that pre-date the Chaplain Service are allowed to remain because of their historical, artistic, and architectural significance.” “STAINED GLASS” WINDOW CURRENTLY Frequently stained glass windows have USED AT THE PHOENIX VA. been donated by veteran organizations, family members, combat units, and others wishing to honor their colleagues. Curtains are a simple, yet tasteful solution to this challenge. Curtains or doors can easily cover Stations of the Cross, statues, and crucifixes. The years of experience with chapel “neutrality” by the active duty components of the armed services have much to offer. VA chaplains without prior military service and family members of veterans need to understand the complexities of religious accommodation and the constraints imposed on the use of shared worship facilities. Above all the requirement that any modification to a VA chapel must be approved by the Director of the VA National Chaplain Center must be adhered to. Only then can misunderstandings be minimized and tensions defused. V
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BY: BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
WHO & HOW MANY FOR DINNER ?
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s I write this article, the military and State Department dependents residing in Turkey have just been given notice to evacuate due to a high level of terrorist activity. They are to deploy out of Turkey and relocate to Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
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ith less than 24-hour’s notice, the Ramstein Chapel Community, under the leadership of the AMS Dean for Germany, Father Redmond Raux, prepared lodging and meals for over 700 soon-to-be-displaced military dependents. With tremendous Chapel support, the mission to relocate, house, and feed these dependents unfolded remarkably well. Truly, the Corporal Works of Mercy were being lived in deed by our military Chapels located in Germany.
Two weeks before this mandatory evacuation in Turkey, I was already scheduled to visit and celebrate confirmation Masses. Suddenly, prior to my departure, the DOS and DOD canceled all commercial air travel into the country for all U.S. citizens – I was told this included bishops! Yikes! Luckily, with the help of several guardian angels, I was able to coordinate tactical military travel under the cover of darkness into and out of Turkey. It was a trip down memory lane as I sat once again in the belly of a C17 cargo plane along with machine engines, parts, and various other large equipment items. But by God’s Grace, I was able to arrive and have the confirmation Mass. While waiting for the evening Mass, I visited with several of the other aircraft crews and their pilots. I was given the keys to a nice jet that you can see in the picture accompanying this article. Anyone who wants to go with me for a ride, please let me know soon before the government realizes that it is missing a jet and I will have to return it to the proper owners! Not all of my spring pastoral visits and confirmation Masses have been as challenging as Turkey, but they were once again a great joy. It was a profound witness to the dedication of our young people to listen, learn, and act as responsible Catholics in today’s society. I was able to celebrate the Easter Triduum in Spain at Naval Station Rota with the U.S. Navy and at Moron Air Base with the U.S. Air Force. It was for me a great joy to be with Fathers Tad and Pedro and their chapel communities for the Easter celebrations. In both locations the celebrations were vibrant and (continued on page 18) SUMMER 2016
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WHO & HOW MANY FOR DINNER ? (continued from page 17) very prayerful. After Easter, I traveled to our military bases in Korea and Guam to witness their enthusiasm to spread and live our Catholic faith. The Confirmandi were very well prepared for my “examinations” prior to the confirmation Masses, because our great catechists continue to provide excellent programs to prepare our young people for the sacraments. The end of April was a wonderful opportunity for the Fourth Degree BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER WITH F-16 FIGHTER JET. Assembly of the Knights of Columbus and me to gather in Roma for the Jubilee for military and police forces. All 34 military dioceses from around the world gathered for the Holy Father’s Saturday audience and exhortation to live our faith boldly as members of the worldwide military community during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. The month of May, in addition to confirmation Masses and pastoral visits to Catholic communities, focused on several additional occasions to honor those who have died in battles. I participated in the 100th anniversary of the German Catholic Congress, as well as Memorial activities on Normandy Beach, France. (The pictures attached of the military statues were one of the German locations to honor those who have died during World Wars I and II.) V
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A Pastoral Visit to Kwaj BY: BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
BISHOP BUCKON AND THE KWAJALEIN ISLAND 2016 CONFIRMATION CLASS
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he Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), has priests serving as activeduty Chaplains, G.S. priests, and Contract priests. During a recent pastoral visit to the U.S. Army Garrison on Kwajalein Island of the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, I met Father Patrick J. McCormick who has served in all three categories. Father McCormick is a priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and he first served as a chaplain in the United States Navy. After retiring from the Navy, he became a G.S. priest ministering to the Catholic community at Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle. He recently left that position to become a Contract Priest on Kwajalein Island, a.k.a., “Kwaj.� I told Father that he had plenty of gumption to travel to an island in the South Pacific (2,100 miles SW of Hawaii) and begin a new ministry at the age of 73! (continued on page 20) SUMMER 2016
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A Pastoral Visit to Kwaj CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
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ather McCormick greeted me in the terminal of Bucholz Army Airfield, helped me obtain an identification badge, and escorted me across the street to the Kwaj Lodge where I would be staying for the weekend. The sign over the reception desk said, “Yokwe.” In Marshallese this means, “Welcome.” Father then briefed me on the schedule of events that he and his pastoral team had planned for my visit. The itinerary included a penitential service on Friday, the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, and the celebration of First Holy Communion on the Third Sunday of Easter. Of course, in keeping with the fine tradition on the Island, there would be sumptuous banquets after each liturgy. I thanked Father McCormick for his warm and gracious welcome. he Blessed Sacrament Catholic faith community’s penitential service took place at the chapel center on Friday. As I was leaving the confessional, volunteers were already busy decorating the chapel and the reception hall with palms, flowers, and artwork; while six cooks were busy in
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the kitchen preparing the festive meals for Saturday and Sunday. The observation was simple: this Community has great spirit! ost of the residents on Kwaj get about either on foot or on bicycles. There are no traffic lights. There are, however, a few vehicles, and Father McCormick was able to appropriate a golf cart for transportation to the dinner being held at the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein (USAG-KA) Commander’s house. COL Mike Larsen, the Garrison Commander, and his wife, Jeanna, met us at the door and formally welcomed me to the Island and to their home which overlooks the coral reef and the Pacific Ocean. The leadership team and their spouses of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (RTS) were also guests of the Commander. The food was delectable and the company was convivial. COL Larsen and I discovered that we were both in Iraq in 2008, and to our mutual surprise found out that my nephew, SGT John Buckon, was serving with him in the 2nd Battalion, 504th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division during that time.
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n Saturday afternoon, the candidates for confirmation were assembled in a classroom of the chapel center. They reflected the make-up of the community. The demographics of the garrison are unique in that there are Department of Defense (DoD) contractors (overseas), active-duty service members, and local nationals (Marshallese). The candidates and I spoke about the Sacrament of Confirmation and of their preparation. They impressed me by their knowledge and enthusiasm.
I told them that if they lived in the Spirit of Christ they would enjoy freedom; they would have the freedom to choose to love and to forgive. Saturday’s Mass in anticipation of the Sunday Liturgy with the Rite of Confirmation was a grace-filled moment for the confirmandi, their families, and for the community of faith. he following morning, I met the children who would be making their First Holy Communion. We
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L-R: FATHER PATRICK J. MCCORMICK AND BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON WITH THE FIRST COMMUNION CLASS
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A Pastoral Visit to Kwaj CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
took the classic photos and then began Mass with the children leading the entrance procession. I experienced “inculturation” during the introductory rite as the choir sang several verses of the Gloria in Marshallese. The Gospel spoke of the Risen Christ sharing a meal of fish and bread with seven disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. I told the First Communicants that at every Mass at their chapel the Risen Christ comes to the shores of this Island to share a sacred meal with His disciples on Kwaj. I then repeated and expounded upon the message from Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis that the Eucharist is a mystery to be believed, celebrated, and lived. Our celebration of God’s love and the promise of an eternal Easter carried over into another incredible banquet enjoyed by the Catholic community of Kwaj and their guests. n Monday, the day of my departure, Father McCormick and I took our lunch at the Captain Louis S. Zamperini Dining Facility. Louie Zamperini was an Olympic
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athlete and a Veteran of the Army Air Corps of World War II. His story is told in both the book and the movie with the title, Unbroken. Zamperini survived a plane crash at sea and 47 days in a life raft before drifting onto Kwajalein Island. Unfortunately for Zamperini, the Army’s 7th Infantry Division had not yet defeated the Japanese forces on Kwaj and he spent the remainder of WWII as a prisoner of war in Japan. Since I had met Mr. Zamperini in the USAG-Heidelberg in Germany in 2005, it was a treat for me to dine in a facility named in his honor. During lunch, I thanked Father McCormick for his outstanding pastoral leadership. He suggested that for next year’s visit I accompany him to another one of the 11 islands in the Kwajalein Atoll leased by the DoD, RoiNamur (another historic landmark battlefield), visit those on station, celebrate the Mass, and return the following day. I am already looking forward to my next pastoral visit to Kwaj.V
Save the Dates Father Capodanno Annual Mass
6 September 2016, Tuesday, 6:30 pm Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Crypt Church | Washington, D.C. 20017
Sea Services Pilgrimage
2 October 2016, Sunday, 3:00 pm The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 339 South Seton Ave. | Emmitsburg, MD 21727
41st Marine Corps Marathon 30 October 2016, Sunday Washington, D.C.
8th Annual Benefit Reception for the AMS Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 (New Day This Year), 6:00 pm Saint John Paul II National Shrine 3900 Harewood Road Northeast | Washington, D.C. 20017
Chrism Mass
4 April 2017, Tuesday, 6:00 pm Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Crypt Church | Washington, D.C. 20017
23rd Annual Memorial Mass
21 May 2017 at 4:30 pm Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Crypt Church | Washington, D.C. 20017 SUMMER 2016
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THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Madison Hayes (ARCH)DIOCESE / RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY: Anchorage, AK ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Air Force RANK: Senior Airman NAME AND ADDRESS OF COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): University of Saint Thomas, Saint Paul, Minn. (Business MGMT/Communications) NAME AND ADDRESSES OF HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Kaiserslautern American HS, Germany HOBBIES: Fishing, Reading, Hunting, Sports, and Weightlifting TEAM SPORTS: Football and Basketball
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? In high school, I was attending spiritual retreats with a youth group organized by the chapel at Ramstein Air Base. I was confirmed and felt a strong calling to the religious life. After going to college and joining the Air Force, I began discussing seriously with my chaplains a call to the priesthood. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? My life up to this point had been a compilation of influences and signs that I felt were designed intentionally to lead me in pursuit of a vocation to the priesthood. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I was raised in a small town outside of Kaiserslautern, Germany where I spent 16 years of my life.
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“It was my family who brought me to know Jesus Christ.” WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? The passion of Christ is my favorite part of the Scriptures. Most of my meditation focuses on these biblical passages. The Psalms lift me up when I need motivation throughout the day, and often come to mind when I am facing adversity. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? My family converted to Catholicism when I was in the 4th grade. It was my family who brought me to know Jesus Christ. I lived in Europe where religious pilgrimage sites were located only a day, or a few days drive away. As my experiences brought me physically closer to God, I began to grow spiritually and mentally closer to our Savior. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? I have been involved with volunteer opportunities at the military chapels at each base where I have been stationed. On JBER I volunteered to lead the Middle School Youth Group operated by the base chapel services. HAVE ANY SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Pope Francis has been a huge inspiration on my discernment journey. I follow his papacy. When I was living in Germany, I had the chance to talk with (then Archbishop) Cardinal O’Brien. I asked him what I had to do to become a priest when I was 16 or 17 years old. I regard him as one of the most inspirational spiritual leaders in my lifetime. WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND/OR ACADEMIC AND/ OR MILITARY BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN APPLICANT? I joined the United States Air Force as a 1A3 computer display and maintenance technician on the E-3 AWACS. I spent time training in San Antonio, Texas, for technical school, Fairchild AFB for survival (SERE) training, and Tinker AFB for flying training (IQT). I was stationed in JBER and served my overseas tour there. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? My Father, Saint John Paul II, my brother Harrison, Saint Francis of Assisi, Ronald Reagan, and my friend Jeremy Waters. V
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Goals of the
AMS Clear and Simple BY: MARY LAVIN
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t was a year in the planning; six events, in five days, across a two-week period in March with two trips back and forth to D.C.
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hanks to the efforts of a team of volunteers, and the initiative and coordination of William Applegate, CEO Emeritus of the National Catholic Professional & Business Clubs, and Manny Montanez, former Legatus Western Regional Director, both Vietnam veterans, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio served as the keynote speaker at four evening Legatus meetings in southern and northern California. The events were attended by members of Legatus from Orange Coast, Pasadena, Ventura, West Los Angeles, South Bay of Los Angeles, and Napa Chapters. Archbishop Broglio was also invited to speak at two morning meetings of The Catholic Business Professional & Business Club, Orange County, and Santa Rosa. The events provided many new introductions and related future advancement opportunities for the AMS. They served to increase individual awareness about the mission, “Serving those who serve.” “Serving our Military - The Vital Role of Military Chaplains in Today's Challenging Culture” was the title of Archbishop Broglio’s talk. His remarks
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Goals of the AMS included a brief history of religion in the military, an overview of the vital and unique mission of this Archdiocese, the goals of the AMS, and what is needed to see them through. The goals were made clear in a way that required no interpretation and essentially served as a call to action. Recalling when he first arrived at the AMS, Archbishop Broglio shared the story about having been encouraged to host a staff retreat to discuss what the future goals of the AMS would be. Archbishop Broglio told those gathered, “I said, ‘we do not need to do that.’ ” He continued, “I told them, ‘I will tell you very simply what the goals’ of the Archdiocese are - preach the Gospel; have a sufficient number of ministers to do that; and have the means necessary to accomplish the first two goals.’ ” Because the Archdiocese is totally self-funded, we have to come up with our annual budget every year.” Since 2008, those have remained the three goals of the AMS – and the AMS continues to be self-funded. It is that simple. So is the call to action. YOU, too, can share the history, goals, and needs of the AMS in your own workplace, or community, using your personal network of connections and resources. YOU, too, can share the message and mission of the AMS – to be Americans bearing peace; to proclaim Christ all over the world; and to carry out the mission of the Church to offer mercy through the forgiveness of sins. You can help by continuing to pray for an increase in vocations. Share this issue of Salute with a friend or family member so they, too, know about the AMS, its goals, and its ministry. Request information about the CoSponsored Seminarian Program or share the link of Archbishop Broglio’s appeal to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops last November with an ordained priest who may be discerning a vocation as a military chaplain. Sign up for the AMS app with daily readings, prayers, video, audio, and prayers for those in the military, or to receive the monthly issue of e-TTENTION and AMS news releases. And, please continue to support the AMS with an annual or monthly donation. Together with Archbishop Broglio, his Auxiliary Bishops, AMS clergy and staff, YOU, too, can help the AMS achieve its goals. V SUMMER 2016
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The Knights of Columbus WA R R I O R S T O L O U R D E S PROJECT J O I N S U P W I T H T H E 5 8 T H I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Military Pilgrimage at Lourdes France
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BY: FATHER JOHN KAUL
ith the sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus, 174 wounded warriors, caregivers, volunteers, and chaplains arrived in Lourdes on the 18th of May to constitute the five days of American participation in the annual International Military Pilgrimage (in French: Pèlerinage Militaire International [PMI]). The PMI originated after 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. The first PMI took place in 1958, the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions. The theme of the PMI this year “The Door to God’s Mercy is Always Open" follows the proclamation of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy (8 December 2015 to 20 November 2016). Speaking at the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday he said, “Together let us pray to the Virgin
WOUNDED WARRIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES ATTENDING ONE OF THREE ENGLISH SPEAKING PMI MASSES.
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WA R R I O R S T O L O U R D E S
T h e D o o r t o G o d ’s M e rc y i s A l w a y s O p e n
Mary that she helps us ... to walk in faith and charity, ever trusting in the Lord's mercy; He always awaits us, loves us, has pardoned us with His Blood, and pardons us every time we go to Him to ask His forgiveness. Let us trust in His mercy!”
Divine Mercy Himself to birth in our world.” The Vicar General of the AMS, Monsignor John J.M. Foster, joined us for the first time as well.
L-R AMS DEACON JOSEPH PAK AND ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO PRAYING WITH WOUNDED WARRIORS
Eight priests, three deacons, and four Protestant chaplains made up our PMI Chaplain Corps facilitating group discussions at the evening Faith and Fellowship gatherings, as well as providing opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance throughout the pilgrimage.
Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, celebrated all three of the English speaking PMI Masses and offered a reflection on “Mary, the Mother of Mercy” at the second of the evening Faith and Fellowship sessions. He said, “We are right to call Mary ‘Mother of Mercy’. She was the one chosen to be the Mother of God — in other words, she was the Mother of the merciful Savior, and in this way she literally brought
Scheduled activities for the pilgrims included evening rosary and Eucharistic candlelight processions, as well as daily Mass in the Chapel of St. Joseph, the Grotto and the huge underground Basilica of St Pius X where over 15,000 pilgrims from 45 nations gathered for Sunday Mass and the opening and closing ceremonies.
By God’s grace, this second year of PMI sponsorship by the Warriors to Lourdes Project saw a sustained number of participants. Information on participation and sponsorship can be found at: www.warriorstolourdes.org.V
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FATHER ROBERT R. CANNON, CH, COL, USAF,
NAMED AMS CHANCELLOR BY: TAYLOR HENRY
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he Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), will soon have a new Chancellor. Father Robert R. Cannon, Ch, Col, USAF (ret), a priest of the Diocese of Venice, Fla., and formerly the Wing Chaplain at Travis Air Force Base (AFB), Calif., assumes the position on 1 October 2016. He succeeds Deacon Michael Yakir, who is retiring after seven years as Chancellor following a long career in business.
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is Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, announced the appointment of Father Cannon on 11 March at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center.
Archbishop Broglio said: "The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, owes a great debt of gratitude to Deacon Michael Yakir for his selfless commitment to ministry as the Chancellor. He has demonstrated a great willingness to be at the service of priests and faithful. I am very grateful to Bishop Frank Dewane who has released Father Cannon for
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service as the new AMS Chancellor. Father Cannon is a proven, kind pastor. His knowledge of Canon Law and his gentle spirit will be an asset to this important role. I look forward to his collaboration." As Chancellor, Father Cannon will serve as the primary archdiocesan contact for Catholic U.S. Military chaplains based worldwide. His responsibilities will include receiving chaplains’ quarterly reports, recruiting new chaplains from the ranks of ordained Catholic priests, and processing endorsement and faculties for those entering military service for the first time. The 30-year Air Force veteran brings a wealth of experience, education, and spirituality to the task. "In the military, we call it tactical perspective," Father Cannon said. "Being able to be responsive pastorally to our priests and other military members, to offer that care and concern, and understanding of the situation they’re dealing with can get really complicated, especially with lots of moving parts and being in different parts of the world. To offer good pastoral care as an expression of the Archbishop’s apostolic mission is critical. So Deacon Michael Yakir has just been wonderful as Chancellor and if I can do nearly as good a job as he did, then we’ll be doing what we need to do." Father Cannon was ordained on 13 May 1978 in his home diocese of Venice, Fla. He was commissioned as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1986 in Rome, Italy. At the request of the Air Force Chief of Chaplains, he began staffing assistance tours in 2003 and extended active duty in 2010. He has served in multiple roles as both a staff chaplain and a Wing Chaplain. Of the next stage in his priestly journey — taking over as Chancellor of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA — Father Cannon said: "I just want to serve those who are serving their country in any way that I can. Other than that, I don’t have an agenda. It’s just, keep taking care of those who are defending our freedoms at great personal sacrifice." V SUMMER 2016
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Catholic Chaplains Keep the Faith in Iraq BY: TAYLOR HENRY
Two Catholic priests serving as U.S. Military chaplains— one Army, one Navy— recently completed eventful deployments to Iraq in the midst of unfolding intervention against ISIS.
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ather Ramelo B. Somera, CH (CPT), USA, of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, N.C., served with distinction throughout the war zone from August 2015 to March 2016, as Operation Inherent Resolve brought targeted air strikes on the insurgents. Father Christopher S. Fronk, S.J., CDR, CHC, USN, Command Chaplain on the Nimitz class aircraft supercarrier USS George H W Bush (CVN 77), completed two voluntary tours over Christmas and Easter to Al Anbar
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FATHER CHRISTOPHER S. FRONK (LEFT), S.J., CDR, CHC, USN, IN IRAQ OVER EASTER, 2016, WITH HIS ASSISTANT, MATTHEW REAUME, RP2, USN
Province, the last of which found him ordered to shelter in place during a firefight between ISIS insurgents and Iraqi soldiers. Like all active-duty and reserve Catholic chaplains, Fathers Somera and Fronk serve with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). Father Somera, a priest of the Diocese of Bangued, the Philippines, earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for the courageous pastoral care he provided the deployed faithful during his seven months in theater. As
the only Catholic chaplain in Iraq for the vast majority of that time, the Army chaplain and his assistant traveled the war-torn countryside, bringing the sacraments to Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and coalition fighters stationed at multiple forward operating bases (FOBs), in addition to those based in Baghdad, including at the U.S. Embassy. Father Somera’s award citation notes that he “made considerable impact on the morale and resiliency of Service Members, Coalition Forces and Contract workers.” He and his assistant were often “stranded at the airport when flights were canceled and had to sleep in leaky transit tents.” The citation observes that Chaplain Somera “listened and gave encouragement to Service Members when they came to him with their concerns. He comforted Soldiers who received Red Cross letters from home. He also shared happy moments with Soldiers. He journeyed with them both in their struggles and joys. He was THEIR Chaplain.” The citation concludes that Father Somera provided “selfless service,” performing his role “exceptionally… with sincerity and utmost dedication.”
FATHER RAMELO B. SOMERA (RIGHT), CH (CPT), USA, WITH CHAPLAIN ASSISTANT SGT. ALEX MAGANA IN IRAQ.
Rotating out of Iraq in March, Father Somera was replaced by Father Curtis Kondik, CH (CPT), USA, of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, Ky. Now the lone Catholic priest among U.S. military chaplains in Iraq, Father Kondik singlehandedly provides pastoral care to approximately 1,000 American Catholics currently deployed as the intervention against ISIS drags on. For Father Fronk, 51, a Jesuit from the Maryland Province, the conflict with ISIS boiled over in the early morning hours of Holy Saturday at Al Asad Air Base. Father Fronk was jarred awake in his tent by the sound (continued on page 34) SUMMER 2016
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Keep the Faith in Iraq of gunfire and grenades. “Roughly 100 yards away, behind concrete barriers,” Father Fronk recalls, “a firefight was going on between ISIS insurgents and Iraqi soldiers. It was surreal watching that take place so close.” According to media reports, at least three Iraqi soldiers and four ISIS suicide bombers were killed in the five-hour, pre-dawn, Easter weekend clash. Father Fronk returned safe and sound to his ship at Norfolk, Va., on 2 April after almost two weeks in theater, ending his second, voluntary holiday deployment to Iraq in three months.
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Upon his return, Father Fronk received an email from a Marine who attended Easter Mass at Al Asad. First Lieutenant Collin Watkins wrote: "Although there are many who suffer far worse, being in the desert for six months has indeed offered its share of adversities. Your services continued to strengthen me and balance me during this deployment. Your presence was a kind reminder of how real our church is and a reminder to continue to stay the course.” V
ARCHDIOCESE SUPPORTS PILGRIMAGE FOR THE SEA SERVICES The annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services will be held as usual this autumn at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, encourages the public to attend. The pilgrimage is held each year to honor Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as Patroness of the Sea Services and ask for her intercession for all the men and women serving in our nation’s Sea Services. It is the only event of its kind in the United States. Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 2 October 2016, at 3:00 p.m. (EDST) in the Shrine’s Basilica at 339 South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg, Md. Dinner will be served after Mass on the grounds of the Shrine. The public is invited to attend. Check for the full story in our Christmas 2016 issue of Salute.
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Archbishop Timothy Broglio Blesses Sacramental Oils at 2016 Chrism Mass BY: TAYLOR HENRY
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acred oils for sacramental use over the coming year on United States military sites the world over — and in the nation’s VA Medical Centers — were blessed and consecrated on 12 March at the annual Chrism Mass of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). During the Mass, priests in service to the Archdiocese also renewed their ministerial commitment. Vested in white, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, raised hands over the chrome urns at the foot of the altar in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as he blessed the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, and mixed balsam with oil forming the “chrism” to be used at baptism, breathing over the mixture as part of the consecration rite.
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO DELIVERS HOMILY AT THE 2016 CHRISM MASS ON SATURDAY, 12 MARCH 2016, AT THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
More than two dozen priests and U.S. Military chaplains joined Auxiliary Bishops Richard B. Higgins, Neal J. Buckon, and Robert J. Coyle in concelebrating the Mass. They included the AMS Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Monsignor John J.M. Foster; the AMS Judicial Vicar, Father Christopher Armstrong; and the newlyappointed, incoming AMS Chancellor, Father Robert R. Cannon. The outgoing Chancellor, Deacon Mike Yakir, who retires at the end of September, assisted at (continued on page 36) SUMMER 2016
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Chrism Mass
(continued from page 35)
the altar, along with co-sponsored transitional deacon, the Reverend Mr. Philip O'Neill. Other co-sponsored seminarians served the Mass. Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., sang along with the Basilica Choir. In his homily, Archbishop Broglio recalled the words of Pope Benedict at the 2010 Chrism Mass in Rome: “At the center of the Church’s worship is the notion of ‘sacrament.’ This means that it is not primarily we who act, but God comes first to meet us through His action. He looks upon us and He leads us to Himself. Another striking feature is this: God touches us through material things, through gifts of creation that He takes up into His service, making them instruments of the encounter between us and Himself.” His Excellency affirmed the significance of those words for his brother priests:
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO BLESSES OILS FOR SACRAMENTAL USE AT U.S. MILITARY INSTALLATIONS WORLDWIDE AND IN VA MEDICAL CENTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
“You and I recognize that we are instruments in the hands of the Lord. We act in His Name. One of the great privileges of our priestly ministry is the ability to act in persona Christi, regardless of our limitations, failings, or fatigue.
“Today we pause and bless the oils that will be used in His Name throughout this global Archdiocese to baptize, confirm, and anoint hundreds of people on military installations, in the hospitals of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in the Diocese of Arlington, and in other places we can reach despite the limitations of time and space. The celebration of the annual Chrism Mass is an acknowledgement of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Chrism is scented to remind us of the charge to permeate our world with the fragrance of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.” V
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Archbishop Broglio Celebrates Memorial Mass BY: TAYLOR HENRY
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio led 2,500 faithful in prayer for U.S. servicemen and women, living and deceased, at the annual Memorial Mass on Pentecost Sunday, 15 May, 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.
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his year’s Memorial Mass was different in two respects. First of all, the Mass started at noon, much earlier than the traditional time of 4:30 p.m., in order to make it more convenient for the public to attend. Secondly, for the first time, CatholicTV joined EWTN in broadcasting
the Mass on Memorial Day, 30 May, thus enlarging the television reach of the celebration to the home-bound faithful. In years past, EWTN carried the Mass exclusively.
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he stained glass windows of the Great Upper Church glistened in the mid-daylight as the Memorial (continued on page 38)
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Memorial Mass (continued from page 37)
Mass commenced with great fanfare. The pipe organ sounded the majestic tones of the opening processional hymn as the Choir of the Basilica rose in song. A Knights of Columbus honor guard led the procession up the center aisle. More than two dozen priests, all vested in red, followed close behind. Archbishop Broglio, wearing a miter and clutching his crosier, brought up the rear and concluded the procession by incensing the altar. A uniformed color guard marched to the fore and posted the colors. The all-pewsfilled congregation, including some of the U.S. Military’s highest ranking active-duty and retired senior service members, joined in singing the National Anthem before the liturgical greeting.
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mong those concelebrating with Archbishop Broglio were Auxiliary Bishop Richard B. Higgins, Episcopal Vicar for Veterans Affairs; Monsignor John
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J.M. Foster, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia; Father Christopher Armstrong, Judicial Vicar; and Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica. Deacons Michael Yakir and Joseph Pak assisted at the altar. The congregation included a contingent of American Gold Star Families who have lost sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, or mothers in combat. Also present were members of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV) of the United States of America, led by their National Commander, and significant numbers of Knights and Dames of Malta and of the Holy Sepulchre.
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n his homily, Archbishop Broglio urged those gathered to take seriously their role as “missionary disciples,� baptized to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in a spirit of communion and fraternity through the new evangelization:
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… The passage from the Acts of the Apostles that we read every year on Pentecost Sunday speaks about tongues of fire ‘which parted and came to rest on each one of’ [the Apostles]. It is the flame of love which burns out gruffness and distance. ‘It is the tongue of the Gospel that overcomes the barriers established by men and women and touches hearts so as to move them with compassion.’ (Vincenzo Paglia).
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t is a communion and a sermon that continues in each one of us. Of course, we have to open ourselves to ensure that the fire of the Holy Spirit burns up everything in our hearts which is foreign to Christian communion: closing ourselves off, an unhealthy nationalism, mediocrity, the abdication of responsibility to the dominant relativism of our age, and the inability to
accompany others to Christ. It is the conviction that we can contribute to the changes necessary to better our world, because we recognize that all change has to begin with my willingness to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.
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s that not what we do today? We recognize our responsibility for our sisters and brothers and so we gather in prayer for them. We remember those who have died since our last archdiocesan celebration. There are the names of the priests in the program, but our prayer extends to all of those who have fallen in combat, as a result of illness or old age, as well as, an earnest uplifting to a loving Father of those who still bear the effects of war in their bodies or minds.”
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fter Mass, Archbishop Broglio hosted a reception for distinguished visitors in the Pryzbyla Center at the Catholic University of America. V
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“Give Drink to the Thirsty” SUBTITLE: A REFLECTION ON THE CORPORAL WORK OF MERCY SUBMITTED BY AN AMS MEMBER FOR THE JUBILEE OF MERCY. BY: CAPTAIN LESLIE CAPUANO, USMC
"Water from the side of Christ, wash me."
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his line from the Anima Christi caught my attention, so I wrote it on a bright yellow index card and taped it to the wall right outside my shower. I wanted to remind myself in routine daily life to think always of Christ, to turn everything into a prayer, and to remember the healing and renewal only He can bring. I wanted little things to speak of bigger things. Even in daily life, it is clear how something as simple as water affects nearly everything. If I don't drink enough water, I'm going to cramp up during that run. If I don't drink enough water, I'm going to look (and feel) even more tired at work. I remember when my pipes froze during a snow storm a few years ago. Needless to say, I missed running water, despite the novelty of melting snow from outside my window to make tea. "As a deer longs for running streams, so longs my soul for You, O God" (Psalm 42:2). When I recognize how much I need water for the health of my body, it helps properly contextualize this Psalm. Our souls need God -- for everything. And He longs for us, too. "I thirst," He says from the cross (John 19:28). He thirsts for us and our love. The act of giving drink to the thirsty offers an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s desire for us and our need for Him. I recently returned from a year-long tour in Bahrain, where the summer temperatures and humidity can be nearly unbearable. Through a stroke of luck, I found a volunteer group started by a Pakistani family to provide meals to migrant workers. I joined the "Saturday Biryani Party" every weekend and met volunteers
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from all over the world to feed and provide drink to workers who were living on only a few dinars a month. It was a small effort on my part, but in disheartening conditions like that I realized one bottle of water or box of juice led to genuine smiles and gratitude. These signs of relief and connection with my fellow pilgrims were small reflections of the joy brought by Christ’s love. I also remember riding back to base with a friend on a cold winter night. After we showed our IDs, he reached over and handed the gate guard a take-away cup of hot chocolate. "This is for you," he said. The guard’s surprise and happiness were obvious, and I learned yet another simple way to practice this corporal work of mercy in everyday life. Water really does sustain us in many ways. However, as much as we may yearn for the comfort and wellness which water provides, our souls require the love and mercy of Christ in a much more profound way. We can experience and extend this love and mercy by quenching the thirst we see all around us as best we can. V
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Scouting is Youth Ministry
BY: MARK MOITOZA, D.MIN.
In early April, over 120 leaders attended the 44th biennial conference of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) held in Atlanta, Ga.. A consistent theme surfaced throughout the gathering reminding participants that Scouting is youth ministry. The three goals of the US Bishops’ 1997 document, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, are: Empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today. Draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community. Foster the personal and spiritual growth of each young person. 42
BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER AT THE NATIONAL BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE, CAMP A.P. HILL, VA SIGNING A SCOUT PASSPORT FOR A BOY SCOUT TO SUPPORT HIS MERIT BADGE TASKS.
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hese goals match the three aims of Scouting: character development, preparation for responsible citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. Since 1934, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting has worked to ensure that Catholicchartered Scout units and Catholic Scouts would have appropriate resources to integrate their faith experience with their Scouting experience – A Scout is reverent. A Scout promises his duty to God. Scouting for young people forms relationships with families, other Scouts, the Catholic faith community, and adult leaders. It emphasizes the components of comprehensive Catholic youth ministry while addressing the needs of the individual. Leadership and character development are enhanced through effective role models and participation in the religious emblem programs.
The NCCS, in partnership with the Boy Scout Philmont Scout Ranch continue to foster ongoing programs like the Saint George Trek, a biennial event with select clergy and laity and seventy Scouts and Venturers that hike the backcountry at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The program, taking place in July 2017, is designed to integrate morality, faith, values, spirituality, scripture, and vocation in their lives as young Catholics. The training equips these young leaders to support Catholic Scouting in their communities. In addition, every summer at the Philmont Training Center, the NCCS sponsors the “Scouting in the Catholic Church” conference, which brings adult leaders from all over the country and provides them with a weeklong instruction in the National Catholic Leadership Development course, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for (continued on page 44) SUMMER 2016
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Scouting is Youth Ministry (continued from page 43 Catholic Youth Ministry, and NCCS programs. This conference is open to all Catholic Scouters, priests, religious, and youth ministers. In Atlanta, many of the Scout leaders attending the national gathering had connections to the military and were eager to share them. They were veterans, family members, and parents of those who served. They recounted Eagle Scouts they worked with who went on to apply to the Military Academies or who joined the services after high school. Scouting continues in military settings thanks to the generous service of leaders who were moved to grow in faith through the gift of Scouting. Fostering the development of well-formed leaders is a vital part of Catholic youth ministry. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts support Catholic youth ministry by helping young people to build the virtues of leadership needed to serve in
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Church. Visit the AMS website to learn more about how Scouting is Youth Ministry. Resources to support Scouting are available along with information about encouraging the religious emblems programs that enhance participation in faith formation and the ongoing life of the military Catholic faith community. Pray for the militaryconnected leaders of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts at military installations around the world who encourage youth and families every day. Their dedicated service enlivens comprehensive youth ministry through Scouting. V
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.milarch.org/scouting
Retirements & Anniversaries 2015 Retirements
Branch of Service
Name
VA VA VA Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Air Force Army NG Army Army Army Navy * Now a Reservist
Rev. Emett J. Schuler, OFM Cap Rev. Adolfo A. Aban Rev. Norman Oswald Rev. Steven J. Brosk Rev. Kenneth Carlson Rev. Patrick M.J. Cooney, OSB, Ch, Maj, Martin L. King, USAF Rev. Msgr. Gerald McManus Rev. Bert S. Kozen Rev. Paul Madej Rev. Mark Mastin, SCJ Rev. Msgr. Donald L. Rutherford Rev. John W. Lyle, OSFS **Now a Contract Priest
Yrs of Service Diocese/Rel Order 24 11 23 25 13* 13 19 33** 22 20 4 25 27
Capuchin Friars, St. Augustine Province Vicariate Puerto Princessa, Philippines Archdiocese of Milwaukee Archdiocese of Newark Archdiocese of Chicago Benedictines of St. Meinrad Archabbey Archdiocese of Portland Archdiocese of Philadelphia Diocese of Scranton Diocese of Syracuse Priests of the Sacred Heart Diocese of Albany Oblates of St. Francis DeSales
2016 Anniversaries 10 YEARS Air Force Army Army Army Navy Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Rev. Ruben Grimaldo Covos Rev. Sean R. Magnuson Rev. Grantley DaCosta Gaskin Rev. Yuen S. Caballejo Rev. Benton Garrett Rev. Robert C. Vennetti, MIC Rev. Gerald A. Kasule Rev. Eric Underwood Rev. Richard Baranski, OFM Rev. Jerry W. Smith, OFM Rev. Satish B. Adhav
20 YEARS
Air Force Army Army Navy Contract Contract Contract Contract VA VA
Rev. Mark D. McGregor, SJ Rev. Uzoma E. Uwakwe Rev. Anselm C. Nwagbara Rev. Joseph L. Coffey Rev. Longin Buhake Rev. Thomas W. Wilson Rev. Thaddeus Kiwera, SOLT Rev. Edgar C. Cowart Rev. Ramon Y. Saavedra Rev. Paul A. Burke
03-Jun-06 27-May-06 27-May-06 27-May-06 27-May-06 13-May-06 20-May-06 03-Jun-06 06-Jun-06 16-Oct-06 27-Dec-06
15-Jun-96 03-Aug-96 24-Aug-96 18-May-96 21-Apr-96 25-May-96 26-Oct-96 05-Nov-96 02-Feb-96 24-May-96 SUMMER 2016
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Retirements & Anniversaries 20 YEARS CONTINUED
VA VA VA VA VA
Rev. Terry L. Langford Rev. Stephen J. Brandow Rev. Craig David Rev. Moses E. Chikwe Rev. Alphonsus Ihuoma
25 YEARS
AMS AMS Air Force Air Force Air Force Army Army Navy Navy Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract VA VA VA
Most Rev. Robert J. Coyle Rev. Monsignor John J.M. Foster Rev. Dennis De Guzman Rev. Donald G. Romero Rev. Robert J. Monagle Rev. Lyndon A. Jong Rev. Ioane I. Sigarara, MSC Rev. Tadeusz J. Gegotek Rev. Daniel J. Fullerton Rev. Primitivo Steve Balasbas, MSP Rev. Thomas M. Barley Rev. Joseph A. Jacobi Rev. Matthew J. Hillyard Rev. Gaston Nsongolo Rev. Lenin Delgado Rev. Barry C. Eneh Rev. Chijioke A. Chigbo
30 YEARS
Air Force Air Force Army Army Army Army Army Contract Contract Contract Contract VA VA VA VA
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Rev. Thomas W. Gills Rev. Thomas S. Foley Rev. Damian O. Ilokaba Rev. Eric J. Albertson Rev. Hermes G. Losbanes Rev. Ferdinand E. Madu, CMF Rev. Felix K. Kumai Rev. Louis H. Albrecht Rev. Donald R. Moss Rev. David J. Ivey Rev. Linn S. Harbour Rev. Clement Aziz Youssef, CSB Rev. B. Jeffrey Blangiardi, SJ Rev. Ukachukwu S. Onyeabor Rev. Vincent Van Doan
25-May-96 01-Jun-96 29-Jun-96 06-Jul-96 20-Jul-96
25-May-91 29-Jun-91 01-Jun-91 08-Jun-91 22-Jun-91 17-Apr-91 14-Dec-91 01-Jun-91 27-Jun-91 27-Jan-91 25-May-91 01-Jun-91 08-Jun-91 16-Jun-91 11-May-91 10-Aug-91 17-Aug-91
10-May-86 07-Jun-86 08-Apr-86 10-May-86 19-Jun-86 28-Sep-86 22-Nov-86 14-May-86 19-Jul-86 25-May-86 06-Jun-86 28-Feb-86 14-Jun-86 23-Aug-86 06-Sep-86
continued... 40 YEARS
Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract VA VA VA VA
Rev. Juan M. Diphe Rev. John R. Ullrich, OFM Rev. James P. Fischler, CICM Rev. John M. Kinney Rev. Michael E. Dory Rev. Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs Rev. Manuel J. Magallanes, OSB Rev. John T. Hannigan Rev. Michael T. Cavanaugh, OSFS Rev. Lawrence Gould, SAC Rev. Donald J. Cavey
50 YEARS Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract
Rev. Joseph B. Majewski Rev. Darius Sleszynski Rev. Charles F. Swanson Rev. Gerard O’Shea Rev. Brian McKenna, OFM Rev. LeRoy Maus Rev. Msgr. Joseph Supa Rev. Louis J. Lambert, SJ
60 YEARS Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract VA
Rev. James J. O’Leary Rev. Theophile W. Brown, OSB Rev. Alfred J. Fisher Rev. Loren Werth Rev. Eugene W. Pathe Rev. James E. Taylor Rev. Louis J. Leonhardt
29-Apr-76 08-May-76 15-May-76 22-May-76 12-Jun-76 22-Jun-76 25-Jun-76 12-May-76 15-May-76 12-Jun-76 13-Nov-76
15-May-66 19-May-66 21-May-66 28-May-66 01-Jun-66 04-Jun-66 28-Jun-66 07-Jul-66
06-Feb-56 19-May-56 26-May-56 26-May-56 22-Jul-56 21-Sep-56 02-Jun-56
SUMMER 2016
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“I wish you a restful and renewing summer at the seashore, in the mountains, or wherever.” – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA CPS
PAID
Nonprofit Org US POSTAGE