FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: FATHER PETER JARAMILLO, FATHER ANTHONY WILLIAMS, FATHER RON LIVOJEVICH
things we do as chaplains.” Father Anthony Williams, now pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Olpe and St. Mary Parish in Hartford, was in the U.S. Air Force when he heard the call first to become a Catholic, and then to become a Catholic priest. “Of all my military experiences, the two assignments that have had the greatest impact on my priestly vocation are my temporary duty assignment to Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, and my permanent assignment to Clark Air Base, Philippines, during 1974,” said Father Williams. At Clark, Father Williams had an enthusiastic, committed Catholic as a roommate, and Father Anthony began to share his enthusiasm. And while at Korat, he began to study the Catholic faith and accompanied a nun on her visits to take the Eucharist to lepers. It was at Korat he was baptized a Catholic at the base chapel. After seminary and ordination, he reentered the Air Force. In his role as an Air Force chaplain, Father Williams travelled all over the world. Some duty involved living in uncomfortable or unconventional places. “As a Catholic chaplain, the most imporeing there as a sign of God’s care tant moments were celebrating the Mass, and love for people,” he said. “I hearing confessions, providing pastoral think this is one of the biggest counseling, visiting the hospitalized, and —
aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. “What I saw was the validity of all faiths,” he said. “We [chaplains] ministered in a pluralistic environment. And by seeing different faiths, you certainly appreciate who you are, but also appreciate the diversity of Christianity and the contributions of other faiths, such as Judaism and Islam.” Interacting with persons of other faiths made him appreciate his own Catholic faith even more, and how a priest can minister to Catholics and non-Catholics. “I learned that you can be a priest not only liturgically and speak to those of your own faith, but also to people of different faiths or no faith,” Father Livojevich said. “They still need pastoral care, no matter where they come from.” He also learned that the chaplain does an invaluable service. “We are a combat multiplier,” said Father Livojevich. “If we keep the troops aware of their faith, and encourage them to practice their faith and live a moral life, they will be better soldiers and sailors.” The most important work a chaplain can do is to simply be present to those he serves.
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