Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA,
The Rockies are my view as I “pen” these lines. The mid-February-early March time frame generally finds me spending eight or nine days visiting the installations from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and I am always reminded of the grandeur of God as I admire His creation. This year the weather has been extremely warm. I have yet to use an overcoat!
Of course, you will page through this issue during spring, an annual time of renewal in our hemisphere. Thoughts of the Easter victory are inspired by the sprouting and greening of plants and trees. They are good reminders of the vanquishing of sin and death by our Divine Lord.
We live this season in the midst of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which also inspires renewal and offers us an abundance of graces. You will read about the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Rome in these pages.
As always, my Auxiliary Bishops and I will recount something of the pastoral visitation we have made to the vibrant communities that form the heart of our mission and offer religious attention to those who serve our Country at home and abroad.
You will also have an opportunity to meet another of the growing number of our co-sponsored seminarians. I am so grateful to my brother bishops who are willing to allow young men to prepare for a vocation within a vocation while still in seminary.
Speaking to the military, security, and police forces at their Holy Year Jubilee celebration last February, Pope Francis thanked them for their work and urged them to imitate the Lord Jesus who got into the boat and guided the fishermen to a miraculous catch. [It] “… happens: when the Lord gets into the boat of our lives to bring us the good news of God’s love that constantly accompanies and sustains us, then life begins anew, hope is reborn, enthusiasm revives, and we can once again cast our nets into the sea.”
Be encouraged in this Holy Year of hope and enjoy reading this issue of Salute.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
Cover: Archbishop Broglio imposes hands on Bishop Caggianelli during his episcopal ordination at Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, on 9 May 2025.
TABLE of CONTENTS
4Pilgrims of Hope
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 10Uprooted and Renewed
Bishop F. Richard Spencer
12Connections and Teamwork
Bishop Bill Muhm
1831st Annual Memorial Mass
Elizabeth Tomlin, General Counsel
23A Visit to the VAMC in Louisville
Bishop Joseph Coffey
24Annual Navy Priest Retreat “Peter the Apostle; Witness to Hope”
Father David Glassmire
30A Pilgrimage of Hope
Mark Moitoza, Th.D.
34 The Harvest Continues
Patrick Duggan
36 Get in the Fight with Reach More Training
Kevin Stacy
40Bishop Gregg M. Caggianelli, Becomes First US Bishop Ordained After the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Taylor Henry
45Kadena Air Base - Catholic Women of the Chapel host Women’s Retreat
Elizabeth Tomlin
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.
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Archbishop Broglio sprinkles the faithful with holy water during Easter Sunday Mass at the United States Naval Academy.
Photo Credit: Judy Buddensick, United States Naval Academy Public Affairs
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
By Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
‘Hope does not disappoint’ (Rom 5:5). In the spirit of hope, the Apostle Paul addressed these words of encouragement to the Christian community of Rome. “Hope is also the central message of the coming Jubilee that, in accordance with an ancient tradition, the Pope proclaims every 25 years. My thoughts turn to all those pilgrims of hope who will travel to Rome in order to experience the Holy Year and to all those others who, though unable to visit the City of the Apostles Peter and Paul, will celebrate it in their local Churches.” (Bull of Indiction for the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025).
The invitation is to make 2025 a significant moment in our rejoicing in the salvation achieved by Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope in these days of 2025.
Certainly the beginnings of the New Year were filled with many signs of hope. Archbishop Peter Sartain was the retreat director for the Bishops of Regions IV and XIV and his insights were direct and enriching. He invited us to deepen our ministry and our relationship with the Lord.
Even if Florida was a bit cooler than one might expect, the talks, liturgies and gatherings with brother bishops were a welcome respite from the rigors of Christmas travel. I do not know about the other bishops of the two regions, but the timing of this retreat is ideal for the bishops who serve this global archdiocese.
The Acton Institute held a very interesting conference in Portugal, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in it. The setting—not too far from Lisbon—was beautiful and the weather was mild.
I made it back to Washington in time to celebrate Mass at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. The priests here at the pastoral center covered for Monsignor Michael Butler for several weekends in January. I enjoy the visit to the communities in the Military District of Washington. For one thing, I can drive to all of them.
Of course, January is also the time for the Navy retreat. This year’s preacher was Cardinal Dolan who was also excellent. I could only stay with the priests for a few days, because it was important to be back in Washington for
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PILGRIMS OF HOPE
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the annual Right to Life activities followed by the biannual visits to Congress. Catholic lay leaders from around the country come to Washington and visit their representatives. It is a good occasion to raise Catholic concerns and interact with political leaders.
Early February also marked the Jubilee for Military, Police, and Security Forces. I confess that visiting Roma is never a hardship—even if the flight is long. While I tried to assist at all of the events scheduled for the AMS pilgrims, USCCB business did oblige me to be absent for some of their visits to pilgrimage sites. I was there for all of the Masses—except the last one, however!
It was moving to celebrate the Source and Summit of our lives in the Papal Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. Paul outside the Walls, and St. Peter. At the lastmentioned, we were able to celebrate right in front of the urn that holds the palia for metropolitan archbishops—directly in front of the tomb of the first Pope.
The reason for my early departure was a meeting at the Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) which had been cancelled just before I left for the Eternal City. It was too complicated to change my flights at that point.
Curiously, the stay in my second home (Rome) was a prelude to a lightning visit to my birthplace (Cleveland)—even if I never crossed the river to get to the East Side of which I am a native. The Mercedarian Friars had invited me to celebrate the conclusion of the centenary celebrations of their arrival in the Cleveland Diocese.
It was a joy to participate in that event—followed by a good Italian meal at which some of the diocesan clergy also participated. My connections with the community also occasioned the first priestly ordination I ever celebrated in 2002. Now that link has been confirmed by an honorary membership in their Third Order.
Unique to this trip was the fact that every leg of the journey had at least one delayed or canceled flight. After an unexpected night in Charlotte, I finally made it back to Washington in time to repack and fly to Norfolk arriving late for
Archbishop Broglio preaches a homily on 6 February 2025, the Memorial of Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and Companions, in the Chapel of the Crucifix in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome during the Jubilee Pilgrimage.
confirmation at Fort Eustis. The Joint Base Langley-Eustis had a large group prepared, and I hope that some of the extra prayers during the delay were also for me!
It was also good to spend some time with the priests who serve at both installations. The AMS is so grateful for the priests who cover when the chaplain or contract priest is not available. It allows the base chapel communities some measure of tranquility and continuity.
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PILGRIMS OF HOPE
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The next morning I flew from Norfolk to Boston, but spent some hours in the Philadelphia airport until the flight for The Hub took off. I do not think we were ever told the reason for the delay.
In Boston, I installed acolytes among some of the seminarians at St. John XXIII National Seminary. A few prior military are enrolled there and I was delighted to talk to them about their service to our Nation.
Departure for the Dominican Republic was also early the next morning. It is always interesting to return and to see developments in the infrastructure of the country. They still drive the way I remember. My visit was for a convocation of bishops and it was quite an interesting time. There was also an opportunity to visit the Nunciature, my home for seven years. The new Nuncio has made excellent improvements in the house and I was pleased to see new uses for the space.
The pictures of the former nuncios were being reframed and are going to be placed in a new location. At least I did not have to see my picture from 17 years ago!
The connecting flight back from Newark was so late that I took the train down to Washington, D.C. At least, that, for a change was on time. It was also good to be back at the pastoral center for at least 37 hours!
It was time for the annual pastoral visit to the installations in Wyoming and Colorado. I confess to enjoying those visits a great deal. Certainly, the fact that there is a certain routine is one positive factor. Secondly, the time is well organized. Finally, there are other friends in the area which gives me an opportunity to visit them, as well.
The ten days were spent visiting the communities on six installations, confirming at all six (including six baptisms, two professions of faith, and sixteen confirmations at the U.S. Air Force Academy), visiting two AMS co-sponsored seminarians, and making another visit to the chapel at the Air Force Academy which is still a long way from completion.
Departure from Colorado Springs was an adventure. I changed routes twice at the airports and arrived later than expected at Dulles. However, at least I arrived. One of the flights that I was supposed to be on did not arrive until 10:30 p.m.! At least with the changes there was a breather before visits to patients and Ash Wednesday Mass at Walter Reed!
March also included the USCCB Administrative Committee meeting and pastoral visits or confirmation at Seymour-Johnson AFB and Fort Bragg. Both visits were very positive. It has been years since I have visited either community and so the opportunity was particularly welcome.
Later in the month there was a lovely visit to West Point where the welcome and the temperature were warm. I mention the weather only because West Point can be rough in March. Taking advantage of the fact that Most Holy Trinity Parish is unique in the AMS, I installed Father Matthew Pawlikowski (COL, USA, ret) as pastor. It is the only time that I have installed a pastor!
The same day I confirmed candidates both from the Academy and the permanent party. Unfortunately, I was not calculating well and had to rush from the parish to the train station. Now, the rush is laughable at best. The Acela train from New York Penn Station arrived in D.C. two hours late! I hope that my consistent “luck” with planes and trains is about to change!
Finally, the discernment retreat at St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park (San Francisco, California) was a smashing success. 37 men signed up and showed up for the retreat. The seriousness of these young men, their piety, questions, and interest in the military chaplaincy made the days fly by with time well-spent.
The hospitality at the seminary was fantastic. For a short moment I almost wanted to be a seminarian again. Let me assure you that I recovered in a hurry.
Now it is time for the Sacred Triduum and Easter celebrations. I am sorry to be late again. You would think that with so much time on my hands, I could do a better job of meeting deadlines. Someday I will learn! Hope, after all, springs eternal. V
UPROOTED RENEWED UPROOTED RENEWED
By Bishop F. Richard Spencer
During these past winter months, military chapel communities, especially those located in the Eastern Vicariate of this Archdiocese, have experienced many storms that have uprooted and destroyed private homes and military buildings. Nothing has been spared in the destructive paths of these recent hurricanes, tornados, and winter snow and ice storms.
Just one example is the extensive property damage at Fort Stewart, near Savannah, Georgia. However, we do not lose hope. Recovery efforts seen at Tyndall USAF Base near Panama City in the Florida panhandle show what can be done after destructive storms. Tyndall Air Force Base has almost completed the construction of a totally new chapel to replace the structure severely damaged by hurricane Michael. The base anticipates celebrating the dedication of the new worship space in August 2025.
As in nature, so also it is in our spiritual lives; we have experienced storms that have uprooted our lives. And following the destruction caused by our own sin, we experience the gift of restoration as forgiveness and spiritual resurrection.
Catholic military chapel spiritual programs and activities continue to fortify us as spiritual pilgrims with priest-chaplains, Team Saint Paul members, and many chapel volunteers who continue the work of “spiritual restoration.”
Bishop Spencer and Father Longin Buhake viewing the new chapel construction at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Team Saint Paul as an Apostolate of Accompaniment
A relatively new ministry of this Archdiocese is Team Saint Paul. Recently, I had the joy of spending a full day with the members of Team Saint Paul at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. These missionary disciples are heavily involved in the faith lives of the men and women in uniform on Fort Campbell. His Excellency, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, created this ministry of teams of Catholic young adults in 2021. Their mission: to live full-time near a U.S. Military installation and regularly engage those who serve, accompanying them on journeys of faith and conversion. The mission of Team Saint Paul is to befriend servicemen and women, encouraging them in the practice of their faith through common prayer, participating in Mass and receiving the sacraments together, beginning Bible studies and catechetical sessions, and building Christian fellowship with social and recreational activities, such as rock climbing and line dancing.
Membership in Team Saint Paul is a full-time ministry position. Required qualifications include either a bachelor’s degree or four years of active-duty military
service, good standing in the Church and an active spiritual life. Persons interested in learning more are welcome to contact the AMS Office of Evangelization. Participation in this innovative full-time lay ministry will not disappoint you!
The Family as a Source of Spiritual Renewal
Parents and families remain at the center of faith formation within military chapel communities. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we focus on being renewed as we make our pilgrimage through life. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is one way to be renewed as a chapel community and as individuals. Adoration is an act of humility and reverence before the greatness of God recognizing our dependence on Him. Praise and thanksgiving is another way to be restored, expressing joy and gratitude to God for His countless gifts. Intercessory prayer for others helps us all to be restored and renewed collectively. We should also make prayers of supplication, becoming aware of human vulnerability and our personal need for help in order to be restored during this Easter Season of Hope in a time of Jubilee in this global Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. V
Connections and Teamwork
By Bishop Bill Muhm
One of the best things about military life is the connections we make. Service members and their families quickly make friends and then move on. Later, when we run into people we know, we enjoy the reunion. We recognize and value connections.
On 4 January 2025, at RAF Mildenhall, England, I baptized and confirmed LCDR Thomas Esposito, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, and gave him First Holy Communion. He and I had two prior connections: he was a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy when I served as Chaplain for his Company from 20092012. In addition, Thomas is a Navy Supply Corps officer, as I was, before I entered the seminary. The Naval Academy and Supply Corps connections made Thomas’ sacraments of initiation more enjoyable and memorable.
Father Alex Labacevic, USAF, stationed at RAF Alconbury, prepared Thomas for his sacraments of initiation. Father Khoi Tran, USAF, stationed at RAF Lakenheath, served as Thomas’ godfather. Father Cyriacus Onyejegbu, USAF, stationed at RAF Mildenhall, hosted the Mass at his chapel and took photos. In the best military tradition, it took teamwork to take care of Thomas.
Our beloved Catholic faith works through connections and teamwork. Our primary connection is our baptismal participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. All those connected by our common baptism are sacramentally united not only with the Lord Jesus but with other members of the Communion of Saints on earth, in heaven, and in purgatory. Our Lord Himself is the head of the Body of Christ, but all of us members work together as a team to build up the Church and help her fulfill her mission to evangelize the world.
Our common experience of connections and teamwork within the military community heightens our awareness of, and appreciation for, supernatural connections and teamwork within the Body of Christ. The Lord works His grace-filled evangelical purposes through the unique culture of the U.S. military Catholic community. Thank you for your prayers and support for all of us at AMS. V
Bishop Bill Muhm baptizes LCDR Thomas Esposito, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, at RAF Mildenhall on 4 January 2025. Father Khoi Tran, USAF, stands behind Thomas as his godfather.
Photo by Father Cyriacus Onyejegbu, USAF.
Fort Sill Confirmation Students Make a Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City
By Elizabeth A. Tomlin, General Counsel
Pope Francis’ bull announcing the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope is entitled, “Spes Non Confudit,” meaning “Hope Does not Disappoint” (Rom 5:5).
With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the late pontiff encouraged the faithful to be “tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardship of any kind.” This Jubilee Year of Hope is a call to bear witness to Jesus Christ, the source of our hope, in word and action.
The Church invites the faithful to make a pilgrimage during the Jubilee year. You read in this edition of Salute of the pilgrimage to Rome for members of the military that took place this past February. Meanwhile, dioceses around the world invite the faithful to make a pilgrimage to holy sites closer to their homes, such as the diocesan cathedral, or a local shrine.
Incorporating Pilgrimage into Religious Education
When incorporated into a chapel’s religious education, making a pilgrimage during this Jubilee affords students the opportunity to get to know their classmates and teachers, see the beauty of a cathedral or holy site, learn about the saints, or a blessed, or venerable from their area, and receive the graces offered by the Church. Through pilgrimage, students experience closeness to God and connection to the universal Church.
Specifically, during a jubilee year, the faithful may receive a plenary indulgence, which is “a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven” (Code of Canon Law n.1471). To receive a plenary indulgence, the faithful must be in a state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed; have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin; have sacramentally confessed their sins; receive the Holy Eucharist; and pray for the intentions of the Pope. The graces of the indulgence can be applied to oneself or to the souls of the deceased.
Fort Sill Confirmandi Make a Jubilee Pilgrimage as their Confirmation Retreat
Confirmandi from Fort Sill, Oklahoma made their confirmation retreat through a pilgrimage to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, a designated Jubilee Year pilgrimage site within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, which is the territorial diocese surrounding Fort Sill. As the first U.S.-born priest to be beatified, and the first American to be declared a martyr, Blessed Stanley’s life and ministry had much to teach the conifirmandi about the virtue of hope.
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Fort Sill Confirmation...
Jubilee Pilgrimage
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Blessed Stanley was a priest from Okarche, Oklahoma who served as a missionary in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, while civil war raged between the militarist government and guerillas. Because of his advocacy for a just peace and his solidarity with the poor, persecuted, and oppressed in Guatemala, Blessed Stanley became a target for those seeking power. Though many people, including his bishop, urged Stanley to leave Guatemala to avoid the violence, his response was resolute, “The shepherd cannot run at the first sign of danger.” Blessed Stanley was martyred in his rectory in Guatemala on 28 July 1981.
During the confirmation retreat students had an opportunity to view “The Shephard Who Did Not Run,” a short film about the life of Blessed Stanley, visit the museum, and receive a guided tour of the shrine. Students attended Mass, went to the sacrament of penance, and spent time in Eucharistic Adoration. Their spiritual work during this pilgrimage met the conditions for the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
Bishop Neal J. Buckon (center) with Father (MAJ) Felix Kumai (back left), Father (CPT) Azubike Igwegbe (back right), with newly confirmed, and altar servers at Saint Barbara Catholic Community, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Considering the life of Blessed Stanley, the students engaged in group discussions about where they saw hope in Blessed Stanley’s life despite his violent death in a war-torn region. How did Blessed Stanley’s life and his faith inspire his flock? How can our faith, especially as confirmed Catholics who have received the Holy Spirit be, as Pope Francis wrote, a “tangible sign of hope” in local military communities, schools, and families?
Several weeks after the pilgrimage, Bishop Buckon made his annual pastoral visit to Fort Sill to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. During the Confirmation Mass Bishop Buckon encouraged the confirmandi to remember that while their pilgrimage to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine may have been their first pilgrimage or retreat, they should not let it be their last. For it is as pilgrims on earth that we embark on our movement toward seeing God face to face with the saints in heaven. V
Fort Sill confirmandi with their catechists at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City.
Archbishop Broglio Celebrates 31st Annual
Memorial Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
By Elizabeth A. Tomlin, General Counsel
On Sunday, 18 May 2025, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio celebrated the 31st Annual Memorial Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Nearly 2,000 people attended the gathering during which this Archdiocese prays especially for those who have given their lives in service to the United States.
The Color Guard from the Military District of Washington processed the colors before the Mass and the faithful sang the National Anthem. Nearly a dozen young altar servers from Joint Base Langley Eustis participated in the Mass which was televised in partnership with the Eternal Word Television Network on Memorial, Monday 26 May 2025.
Father Raymond Goins (CPT), USA, and Father Michael Sampson (CPT), USA, who were still transitional deacons on 18 May and ordained to the priesthood on 7 June, served as Deacons of the Mass. Father Goins proclaimed the Gospel from John 13.Verses 34-35 contain Jesus’ command to love, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Reflecting on those who have given their lives in military service, Archbishop Broglio implored the faithful to pray for those who have fallen in service to our country:
“It is good to remember and to draw strength from their service in the hope that we might be able to imitate their devotion to comrades in arms and to the great virtues on which our nation is built. Great deeds only inspire us in our individual vocations.”
The Memorial Mass occurred on the same day as the Inauguration Mass celebrating the solemn beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s Petrine Ministry. Pope Leo XIV has ties to the US military as his father served in the Navy during World
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War II, and one of his brothers also served in the Navy. Archbishop Broglio noted that Pope Leo’s first words to the faithful from the Loggia of the Blessing at Saint Peter’s Basilica were, “Peace be with you.” Speaking later to members of the Vatican Diplomatic Corps, Pope Leo expanded upon the theme of “peace and truth,” for peace demands truth. Archbishop Broglio quoted the Holy Father’s remarks:
“From a Christian perspective, but also in other religious traditions, peace is first and foremost a gift. It is the first gift of the risen Christ, ‘My peace I give to you,’ yet it is an active and demanding gift. It engages and challenges each of us regardless of our cultural background or religious affiliation, demanding first of all that we work on ourselves. Peace is built in the heart, and from the heart, by eliminating pride and vindictiveness, by carefully choosing our words. For words, too, not only weapons, can wound and even kill.”
Members of the profession of arms seek a just peace which cannot be attained without truth. Further quoting Pope Leo, the Archbishop read:
“Truly peaceful relationships cannot be built within the international community apart from truth. Where words take on ambiguous and ambivalent connotations, and the virtual world, with its altered perception of reality takes over unchecked, it is difficult to build authentic relationships since the objective and real premises of communication are lacking.”
Archbishop Broglio reminded that faithful that “The new heaven and the new earth of the Book of Revelation only come about when you and I practice virtue, pray, and give exemplary service in whatever we do.”
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Altar Servers from Joint Base Langley Eustis join in the procession during the 31st AMS Memorial Mass
Archbishop Broglio blesses (R-L) Barrett, Abra, and Kateri Mauss, the children of McKenzie Mauss, AMS Associate Director for Missionary Discipleship (L).
Returning to Jesus’ command to love, the Archbishop continued:
“Jesus does not propose and idea, a value, a hope, a pious wish. He gives us a commandment. No word could be stronger, more absolute, more non-negotiable. Love of God and love of neighbor summarize the Christian life. The journey may be challenging, but the reward is eternal, the only one worth having. We depend on his (Christ’s) help to make the journey.”
On the occasion of Memorial Day, the Archbishop encouraged us to take Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you,” and make them “our prayer for the places afflicted by war and conflict and also as a profound appeal to more civility in our own society.” V
Archbishop Broglio celebrated the AMS Memorial Mass with Bishop Joseph Coffey, Vicar General Monsignor Anthony Frontiero, Judicial Vicar Father Mark Rutherford, Vocations Director Father Paul Halladay, and AMS chaplains as concelebrants. Deacons Michael Sampson and Raymond Goins (both ordained to the priesthood on 7 June 2025) served as deacons of the Mass.
A Visit to the VAMC in Louisville
By Bishop Joseph Coffey
During a recent pastoral visit to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, I chatted with Father Charles Chuchwuani, the Catholic chaplain for the Medical Center. He was born in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The third of nine children, his father was a police officer and fought in the Nigerian Civil War. From July 1967 to January 1970, the war claimed over 100,000 military casualties and some two million civilians. The conflict was a result of political, ethnic, cultural, and religious tensions rife in much of Africa but particularly intense in that period.
Reflecting on the war, Father Chuchwuani stated, “As a child myself, I remember the terrible images of starving children on the television and appeals to aid the children of Biafra. After the war on 22 December 1971, the non-partisan group, Doctors Without Borders was founded.”
Growing up in such a difficult time and knowing much suffering contributed to making Father Chuchwuani a good and compassionate priest. He draws on those experiences to offer excellent care to our veterans. Father Chuchwuani attended college seminary at St. John’s in the Diocese of Enugu. After a year of apostolic work, he attended major seminary, earned his Masters of Divinity, and was ordained a priest in 1988. Having served as a parochial vicar in parishes for 15 years,
and after 3 years of graduate studies, he became the Director of Evangelization for his diocese.
Father Chuchwuani came to Washington, D.C. in 2006 and earned his PhD in Social Work from Howard University. After working as a chaplain in Baton Rouge, LA, Port Jervis, NY, and Syracuse, NY, Father Charles, as he is known by the Veterans, has been serving at the VAMC in Louisville for the past three years.
The AMS is blessed to have him as just one of many truly outstanding priests serving military veterans. The Archdiocese really depends on the contributions of our international priests to meet the needs of those she is privileged to serve. V
Bishop Joseph Coffey with Father Charles Chuchwuani during a pastoral visit to the Robley Rex Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
ANNUAL NAVY PRIEST RETREAT
“Peter the Apostle - A Witness to Hope”
By Father David Glassmire, CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret)
As the week began, one might have thought of the mythical flood of biblical proportions. Even the weather in southeast Florida did not dampen the spirits of 43 Navy Priests (18 Active-Duty) who gathered at Our Lady of Florida Retreat House to come away and retreat with the Lord.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Rear Admiral Carey Cash, Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Chaplains for the Navy, joined the assembled fathers for prayer and reflection. Priests came from the within the continental United States, and as far away as Japan, Italy, and Bahrain, to be led in reflection over five days by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.
His Eminence reflected on the words of Saint Peter in the Gospels. The following points of reflection come to mind. “Lord, it is good for us to be here”
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Forty-three U.S. Navy Priests gathered for the annual Navy Priest Retreat at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach, Florida.
PRIEST RETREAT
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(Mt 17:4, NAB); “Lord, if it is really you, bid me to come to you across the water” (Mt 14:28); and “Lord, You alone have the words of everlasting life” (Jn 6:68). Cardinal Dolan challenged the priests to be in the moment, “to be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10); to be still and know that I AM; to be still and know; to be still; and finally, to be.
It is in silence that God comes to us and where we recognize God in our midst, but also God within us. All of this certainly is a matter of presence. It is a matter of being. As we gathered to celebrate the liturgy of the hours, the Most Holy Eucharist, and for fraternal recreation, God was present. In the Cardinal’s words, reflecting on the Sacred Scripture, “Abide with me. Stay with me. Walk with me. Be with me. This is not a to-do list, but an Act of Being!” As I sat and listened, a piece of hymnody came to mind, “My soul in silent stillness waits, truly my hope is in you.”
The Cardinal boldly declared that as priests, “We must keep our eyes fixed on Christ.” That laser focus allows us to be locked on Christ. We develop a unity of purpose allowing us to meet Jesus! Like Peter, we too, walk across the water focusing on the “practice of the presence of God.” Often as priest-chaplains we are caught up in the doing of ministry, rather than being in God’s presence and becoming an agent of His mercy, love, and compassion. The Cardinal called us to more: to strive for greatness by cultivating an awareness of the presence of God within. Cardinal Dolan echoed the words of Saint John of the Cross, “God’s presence in the soul is substantial, meaning it is always present and preserves the soul’s being.”
Saint John of the Cross often used the symbol of fire to describe the process of the soul’s transformation. He believed that the soul is transformed by God’s love, which is accessible and intimate. We ought to be aware of God’s love for us.
In the seminary many of us were introduced to the theological construct of the “Divine Self Communication,” that God first loved us. Saint John the Evangelist challenges us to “remain in my love.” Cardinal Dolan offered some practical spiritual wisdom on how to do just that when he said:
DEVELOP
AND MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE
PRAYER LIFE.
The Holy Eucharist - is something Jesus does for us. Let Him feed us daily. Utilize the Sacrament of Penance. Make a good confession. Forgiveness is a gift from Him to Us.
PRAY FOR CONVERSION TO CHRIST AND HIS SACRED HEART.
Finally, we are reminded of Peter’s Confession, “Lord, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16). It is that kenosis, that emptying of donative love, selfgiving, poured out for the life of the world which sustains us. It reminds us to give freely of the love given to us. In the words of the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer, “that we become a living sacrifice of praise to the Glory of God the Father.”
During the Navy Priest Retreat Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, offers a reflection on the words of Saint Peter in the Gospels, “Lord, it is good for us to be here” (Mt 17:4, NAB).
On Holy Thursday, when Christ washed the feet of the Apostles, Peter insisted that Jesus not only wash his feet but his head and hands as well. The Lord reminded Peter that he was not in need of a bath, but to use this opportunity as an occasion of grace and inspired prayer. Allow Christ to serve us, care for us, cleanse us, and most importantly, to love us. God eternally loves us.
“Lord to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). Cardinal Dolan brought foremost into my mind that Christ is alive in our Church,
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PRIEST RETREAT
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no matter what. Jesus is alive now, accessible by faith and especially in this Holy Year. This is what gives us hope so that we may return in love what God has so freely given us.
A special note of gratitude to Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, who gave us so much to think about, and moved us to act in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ! V
Priests attending the Navy priest retreat prepare to concelebrate Mass at Our Lady of Florida Retreat House
Father David R. Glassmire, CAPT, CHC, USN is a retired Navy Chaplain who lives in Buffalo, New York and faithfully served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 until 2019 (40 years).
Save the Dates
AMS Priest Convocations
18-22 August 2025 San Diego, CA
1-5 September 2025 Washington, D.C.
15-19 September 2025 San Antonio, TX
13-17 October 2025 Rome, Italy
Labor Day Weekend for Co-Sponsored Seminarians
29-31 August 2025
Washington, D.C.
Archbishop Broglio will participate.
Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM
4 September 2025- 6:30 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
Military Council of Catholic Women (MCCW)
European Regional Retreat - Register at www.mccw.org
2-5 October 2025
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services
Sunday, 5 October 2025- 3:30 p.m.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 339 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727
17th Annual Benefit for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
Saturday, 15 November 2025- 5 p.m.
The Saint John Paul II National Shrine 3900 Harewood Road NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
Archbishop Broglio will celebrate the opening Mass and host the gathering
32nd Annual Memorial Mass
Sunday, 17 May 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Upper Church - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
A Pilgrimage of Hope: Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police,
and Security Personnel
By Mark Moitoza, Th.D.
Last October, I had the privilege to visit Rome briefly after facilitating the AMS Marriage Enrichment Retreat in Nemi, Italy. Upon entering the eternal city, familiar pathways were blocked with signs and barriers. Statues on bridges and fountains, along with the famous Saint Peter’s baldachin, designed by Bernini, were covered in scaffolding. It appeared that all of Rome was ‘under construction.’ Every 25 years Romans prepare to welcome pilgrims from around the world for special Jubilee celebrations. The work that is accomplished beforehand is vast as artisans and construction workers seem to renew the appearance of everything.
The day after I departed the scaffolding in Saint Peter’s Basilica was removed. That autumn visit anticipated accompanying a small group to Rome to participate in one of the Jubilee celebrations. Upon returning to Rome in February, I was struck with the vast changes that were both beautiful and welcoming. Walking streets had new cobblestones and less traffic. A path for pilgrims to enter the holy door prayerfully was established on Via della Conciliazone, the main avenue that leads to Saint Peter’s Basilica. Pollution removed from statues made their appearance vivid. Pilgrims seemed to pause at each one to notice details previously hidden. The renewal of the baldachin shone brightly under warm lights that focus pilgrims’ attention to the main altar. Preparations for the Jubilee were vast and provided worthy examples for each visitor to reflect upon.
The official Jubilee prayer seeks the grace of God the Father in heaven. The prayer aspires to reawaken in us the blessed hope of the coming of the Kingdom, to transform in us and the cosmos the seeds of the Gospel, and to remember that as Pilgrims of Hope all of us yearn for the treasures of heaven. A pilgrimage of the heart and soul invites us to renew our relationship with the Lord through
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Dr. Mark Moitoza and AMS Team Saint Paul Member Juliana Gahr in Saint Peter’s Square during the Jubilee Pilgrimage for the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel.
A Pilgrimage of Hope:
prayer, and through the healing sacraments of penance and the Eucharist. The pilgrimage affords time to reflect upon and to repair what needs attention. Throughout this Jubilee Year the physical and personal transformations abide together to radiate the love of Jesus Christ to all who seek hope.
The pilgrimage in early February welcomed military, police, and security personnel from around the world. Those in uniforms of many colors made their way through the holy doors of the major basilicas, visited sacred sites, and prayed for peace. These were unusual encounters for people who normally spend their days serving others. Seeing so many dedicate time to renew their own spiritual resiliency to inspire their mission of service was moving. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, pilgrim group participated in the Jubilee representing not only themselves, but also the many unable to attend. This made the visits to the basilicas, the prayerful climb up the Holy Stairs, the descent into the catacombs, the visit to pray for the deceased at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, and the opportunity to attend Mass in Saint Peter’s Square
The faithful gather in Saint Peter’s Square during the Holy See’s Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel in February 2025.
a true pilgrimage of renewal and hope. As the Jubilee year continues there are helpful resources to celebrate the same renewal at home. May each of us find hope as we seek to rebuild and renew our relationship with Jesus and with one another, while fixing our gaze on the treasures of heaven. V
Through a generous donation from the Knights of Columbus, the Baldachino in Saint Peter’s Basilica was restored in time for the Jubilee Year.
Learn more about the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel online:
https://www.usccb.org/resources/Jubilee2025_Armed%20Force s%20Police%20Security.pdf
https://www.milarch.org/u-s-military-catholics-embark-on-jubileeyear-pilgrimage-to-rome/
https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/higher-mission-militarypolice-recommit-faith-during-jubilee
THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Patrick Duggan
DIOCESE: Diocese of Charleston, SC
ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Army
RANK: 2nd Lieutenant
COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED):
Shippensburg University: BA Political Science. Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL
HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Cumberland Valley High School, Mechanicsburg, PA
HOBBIES: Movies, Live Music, Weightlifting
TEAM SPORTS: Wrestling 2x PA High School State Runner-up, and hold the all-time wins record at my high school with a 163-17 career
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD?
1st Grade
WHOORWHATEVENTSINFLUENCEDORINSPIRED YOU INYOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY?
The passing of my grandmother, Agnes Duggan, reignited my Catholic faith and led me to the seminary. Father Philip Gillespie, my childhood neighbor and dad’s friend, was a key influence.
HOW DID THE LORD MOVE YOU TO BECOME CO-SPONSORED BY AMS?
Reading Battlefield Chaplains: Catholic Priests in World War II by Donald Crosby S.J. inspired me to serve by offering moral and spiritual support to those in need, and also learning that there is a deep need for chaplains.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’m a junior black-belt in karate, have a vinyl collection - Johnny Cash is my favorite - and my two cats are currently living back home with my parents, completely unaware I’ve left for seminary.
HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY?
Through the loss of my grandmother and other challenges I faced, I came to know Jesus personally by surrendering to His will. It was through leaning on Him, especially in times of trial, that I felt His presence guiding me and strengthening my faith.
HAVE ANY SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY?
Padre Pio, Saint Augustine, Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, and Saint Pope John Paul II have inspired me with their deep faith, prayer, and dedication to God’s will.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH?
Serving at Mass, attending daily Mass, and spending time before the Blessed Sacrament have deepened my faith and appreciation for the Eucharist. Retreats with the Diocese of Charleston and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, along with guidance from spiritual mentors, have also been crucial in my spiritual growth.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN?
Worked on political campaigns, and was the Director of Sales for a security equipment company in PA before discerning the call to the priesthood.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY?
For me, Psalm 37 has been a source of comfort and strength, especially during times when letting go and trusting God’s plan felt like the only way forward. In the midst of challenges, this passage reminds me that when I surrender control, God is always at work, leading me in His perfect timing.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK?
The Confessions: Saint Augustine
HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? WHAT COMPRISES YOUR DAILY PRAYER?
My prayer life is anchored in a daily rhythm that includes a Rosary, a Holy Hour, quiet reflection, and reading Scripture. These practices help me stay grounded in God’s presence and deepen my relationship with Him. I also make time for personal prayer, listening to God, and doing my best to surrender to His will each day. V
Get in the Fight with Reach More Training
By Kevin Stacy, AMS Reach More Trainer
Summer is fast approaching! As military families across the globe prepare to travel for summer leave to enjoy a nice vacation or to visit family, the normal rhythm of daily life gets disrupted. The normal parish you attend, the normal pew you sit in, the familiar faces you are used to seeing, all change for a brief time. Sometimes it gets difficult to live our faith in the midst of these changes. Spending time with family or friends might bring up topics of your faith life, especially as you plan to attend Mass while on vacation. When these questions arise, how do you handle them?
Saint Peter tells us always to be prepared. Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. Are you prepared? Are you prepared to tell another how you have encountered Christ in your life or where our Lord has shown up in moments of joy or sorrow? Are you prepared to meet someone where they are and accompany them on their spiritual journey?
Readiness remains a top priority of the U.S. Armed Forces. One aspect of readiness is physical fitness. We ensure that our bodies are healthy, and we do specific workouts to be combat-ready. We are intentional about the foods
and drinks we consume that fuel our bodies for optimal performance. But what about our spiritual life? How are you preparing for that fight? What spiritual nourishment are you consuming to be at your peak?
Saint Paul tells us that our enemies are not flesh and blood, not each other but the powers and principalities, the evil spirits and rulers of this world (Ephesians 6:12). How is your spiritual fitness?
Here is a look at who encountered Christ and prepared for the fight through the Reach More training.
In the Armed Forces, service members make a promise never to leave a fallen comrade behind. Where are your fallen comrades? Who in your life has walked away from their Catholic faith or who has never heard the Gospel or witnessed someone living it with conviction? You can help.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) partners with Evangelical Catholic to implement small group Reach More trainings. These 12-week courses take place digitally and prepare men and women to discern and serve within their personal apostolate -- to get in the fight. V
Are you ready to get into the fight? If so, go to: https://www.milarch.org/reach-more/ or email us ReachMore@milarch.org.
Habemus Papam A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
By Elizabeth A. Tomlin, General Counsel
As white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, throngs of people raced to Saint Peter’s Square to learn who would be the new Pope. Pope Leo XIV, Augustinian, missionary, and native Chicagoan, emerged onto the loggia and greeted the world with these words, “Peace be with you all.” This was the first greeting spoken by the Risen Christ, and it is a hopeful and fitting greeting by the successor to Peter to the world in 2025.
After the election of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Broglio released the following statement to the faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA:
“In communion with Catholics around the world, I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. In my lifetime, the Church has been blessed with a series of popes each uniquely prepared for his particular moment in history yet sharing a common mission to proclaim the ageless truth of the Gospel. I rejoice in the international experience of the new Bishop of Rome who has been a student and superior in Rome, a bishop in Peru, and charged with the Dicastery for Bishops.Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this Nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognize that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will.His first words advocating peace, unity, and missionary activity already indicate a path forward. In this Jubilee Year of Hope we are inspired to follow our new Shepherd and promise our prayers for him.
”I invite all of the Catholic communities of theArchdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to pray for Pope Leo XIV and recommit themselves to listening to his voice so that we might grow in the love of Christ.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has published the following prayer from the Roman Missal and encourages all Catholics to pray for the new Pontiff.
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Leo, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presidesso that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,he may come to everlasting life.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Excerpt from the English translation ofThe Roman Missal
Finally, the faithful are asked to pray for the Pope’s intentions. Each year the Holy Father publishes his monthly intentions. The intentions for the second half of 2025 are below and can be accessed through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
June
That the world might grow in compassionLet us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
July
For formation in discernment - Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
August
For mutual coexistence - Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
September
For our relationship with all of creation - Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
October
For collaboration between different religious traditions - Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.
November
For the prevention of suicide - Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
December
For Christians in areas of conflict - Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope. V
Photo credit: Vatican Media
Bishop
Gregg M. Caggianelli,
Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA,
Becomes
First U.S. Bishop Ordained after the Election of Pope Leo XIV
By Taylor Henry
On 9 May 2025, Bishop Gregg Caggianelli was ordained a bishop at Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, making him the first U.S. bishop ordained after the election of Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Caggianelli is an active reservist and colonel in the United States Air Force and has served for years as a priest, professor and administrator at the seminary, most recently serving as Vice Rector. Archbishop Broglio celebrated the ordination through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. His Excellency anointed the new bishop’s head with oil, placed the bishop’s ring on his right ring finger, and presented him with the mitre and crosier under the prayerful gaze of a
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Bishop Caggianelli
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Archbishop Broglio and AMS CoSponsored Seminarian Patrick Duggan begin to process into the ordination Mass.
packed congregation in Saint Vincent’s Chapel. The seminary live-streamed the celebration on social media where it can be viewed at: https://www.svdp.edu/liveor https://www.facebook.com/SVdPSem
In his homily, noting that “the secular age has blinded many to the idea of
truth, life after death, and judgment,”
Archbishop Broglio implored Bishop Caggianelli to spread the truth of the Gospel:
“Pope Leo has called us to unity and mission. As the first U.S. bishop ordained after his election, those must remain special watchwords for you. To borrow from Saint John Neumann,
Priests process into the ordination Mass of Bishop Caggianelli. Over a dozen bishops and more than 80 priests concelebrated the ordination Mass.
if we have accepted the truth of Christ and committed our lives to Him, there can be no separation between what we believe and the way we live our lives. Our every thought, word, and action must be directed to the glory of God and the spread of his kingdom…. With mitre, staff, and ring, embrace this people and lead them to that kingdom that does not pass away. Consecrate them in the truth, for His grace is sufficient for you.”
Prior to the ordination, Bishop Caggianelli made a public profession of Catholic faith, and he took the oath of fidelity. His ordination brings to five the number of auxiliary bishops now serving with Archbishop Broglio in his ministry to 1.8-million Catholics worldwide in all branches of the U.S. Military and those hospitalized in the nation’s Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers or working for the government as civilians beyond U.S. borders.
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Bishop Caggianelli
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During the ordination Mass of Bishop Caggianelli, AMS Chancellor Anita Raines inspects the papal letter which appointed Bishop Caggianelli an auxiliary bishopfor the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Archbishop Broglio celebrated the ordination Mass with dozens of other priests and bishops including the co-consecrators Bishops Frank J. Dewane of Venice, FL, and David L. Toups of Beaumont, TX, and Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito of Palm Beach, FL, and AMS
Auxiliary Bishops F. Richard Spencer and Joseph L. Coffey, retired AMS
Auxiliary Bishop Richard B. Higgins, and Father Alfredo I. Hernández, Rector and President of Saint Vincent
de Paul Regional Seminary. Also concelebrating were the Reverend Monsignor Anthony R. Frontiero, AMS Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia; Father Mark Rutherford, AMS Judicial Vicar; Father PaulAnthony Halladay, AMS Vocations Director; and Monsignor Robert R. Cannon, Ch, Col, USAF (Ret.), former AMS Chancellor and priest of the Diocese of Venice. FL, whom Bishop Caggianelli credits for encouraging his discernment of priestly vocation. V
Catholic Women of the Chapel groups in Okinawa gather for a spring retreat themed “Let Nothing Disturb You,” which offered reflections around Saint Teresa of Ávila’s writings, time for prayer, fellowship, Mass, Adoration and the Sacrament of Penance.
KADENA AIR BASECATHOLIC WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL HOST WOMEN’S RETREAT
By Elizabeth A. Tomlin, General Counsel
Military assignments overseas offer the adventure of living in a foreign land and tremendous opportunities to experience unique cultures. As the daughter of a U.S. Marine, I lived in Okinawa for four years as a child. Being immersed in Okinawan culture and language was a wonderful experience and my favorite duty station growing up. However, assignments in places like Okinawa also pose significant challenges to military families, such as geographic separation from family support back home in the United States.
Being a Catholic military family in Okinawa is particularly challenging because merely 0.4% of the population is Catholic, and of course, most Masses in the local Diocese of Naha are celebrated in Japanese. These circumstances highlight
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CATHOLIC WOMEN
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why Catholic military chaplains, Catholic chapel services, and the good work of Catholic Religious Education Coordinators, music ministers, Catholic Pastoral Life Coordinators, especially those on overseas installations, are so essential to military personnel and their families. Without them, military families would experience significant barriers to practicing the Faith. Finding Mass or access to the sacraments would be a challenge, and listening to a homily in English or enrolling children in religious education would be nearly impossible.
I was invited recently to travel of Okinawa to offer a spring lenten retreat for the Catholic Women of the Chapel groups on the island. Nearly 50 women from the Catholic chapel communities at Marine Corps Base Camp Foster, Camp Courtney, Camp Lester, Plaza, and Kadena Air Base gathered at the Kadena chapel for the one-day retreat. While the journey from my Army home in Fort Sill, Oklahoma was long, I was delighted to receive the invitation to serve this community and revisit a place that is so dear to me.
With the pastoral and sacramental support of Father Josh Stevens, Ch, Capt, U.S. Air Force, the expertise of Camp Foster’s CPLC Lisa Garza, and the creativity of the Kadena Catholic Women of the Chapel volunteer team led by Marine Corps spouse Julia Duquette, they discerned the retreat theme, “Let Nothing Disturb You,” from Saint Teresa of Ávila. The day began with breakfast and games and getting children situated in childcare provided by the chapel. The retreat program included three sessions of spiritual talks, and personal and group reflections that I prepared from Saint Teresa’s Carmelite spirituality, her masterpiece Interior Castle, and the gospels.
Lisa and Julia built plenty of time into the day’s itinerary for the retreatants to reflect and converse with friends old and new. To break up the day, Lisa and Julia planned a craft where participants made watercolor prints with quotes from Saint Teresa that could be framed and taken home as keepsakes.
By late afternoon, Father Josh Stevens arrived to the chapel with three visiting priests. Father Stevens exposed the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel and retreatants had an opportunity to go to confession during the holy hour. It is not often that four priests are present at any chapel, so many participants took
advantage of this opportunity to receive God’s mercy. Some even went home to pick up their children and husbands to participate. After benediction, Father Stevens celebrated the anticipated Mass for Sunday for the community.
This one-day retreat format works well for military chapel communities because the program is long enough to offer a substantive retreat yet short enough that the women – including several active-duty service members, and many wives and moms – could return to their daily life with ease. This type of retreat is an offering that CREs, CPLCs, and Catholic Women of Chapel groups are adept at creating throughout the Archdiocese with the support of the Catholic chaplain. Especially in a non-Catholic, non-English speaking place like Okinawa, this chapel retreat renewed the participants in the graces of the sacraments and helped to forge a community of faith and friendship that enhances the lives of military families stationed abroad. V
Retreatants at the Catholic Women of Chapel retreat on Kadena Air Base take quiet time to create water color and calligraphy crafts as keepsakes using quotes from Saint Teresa’s writings.
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469 “Serving Those Who Serve”
“I invite all of the Catholic communities of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to pray for Pope Leo XIV and recommit themselves to listening to his voice so that we might grow in the love of Christ.”
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio