2 minute read
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
Avery diverse spring season of ministry presented itself this year! We all have experienced Mother Nature in her very best and in her present very dangerous pandemic moments these past months. Yet the ministry of Jesus Christ continued within our military chapels. We were blessed with surprises of joy and hope in the journey of ministry, as well as, confronting the reality that nature can cause much destruction and sadness. Even though confirmation Masses had been suspended on most military installations, I still continued my weekly visits to our military chapel communities and experienced many blessings in return during these difficult quarantine times. However, some moments of sadness touched me while observing the lingering damage of tornados that affected military locations such as Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, as well as Fort Stewart, Georgia, where I celebrated Holy Week and Easter. These two pictures below, the first of a chapel with blue plastic covering protecting the damaged chapel roof; and the other showing the destruction to the neighborhood trees and property from the wind
damage, are just two examples of the lingering effects from these spring storms. There were also moments of beauty within nature that generated hope as I witnessed
an awesome sunrise this past spring over Patrick Air Force Base, near Orlando, Florida.
Ministering in spite of the challenges of the current pandemic draws out creative ways to assure the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation while observing the recommended protections. During the month of May, at Fort Lee, Virginia, the sacrament of confirmation was celebrated with the RCIA candidates while wearing protective face coverings and keeping social distancing.
Two additional joys in ministry these past months took place during my pastoral visitations. The first was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, where Father Rafael Britanico celebrated his 35th anniversary of priesthood. We were able to celebrate a public Mass and rejoice with the chapel community over this special milestone. Another joy was gathering at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, this past May, to celebrate a public Mass with Father Ferdinand Madu and to thank him for his ministry as he continued to serve even after officially retiring from the Army.
So despite the challenges of life that Mother Nature presents to us, we find moments of joy and of hope; because we are an Easter people on the journey in preparation for the promised Second Coming of Christ! V
