U.S. Marine chaplain Father Bill Devine celebrates Mass at a military camp in the Iraqi desert. (CNS photo from Reuters)
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The Archdiocese for the Military Services USA is unlike any other diocese in the country. It serves military personnel and families at 220 installations in 29 countries, as well as patients in 153 veterans’ hospitals. It is also responsible for federal employees serving in 180 countries. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who was installed in 2008, writes about the unique challenges facing the archdiocese and his hopes for the future.
Jesus came to earth to be with us, to be one of us. Like Jesus, we are called to do the same for those in our care. It’s certainly a challenge to minister to 1.5 million people who are spread across the globe. But we try to take every opportunity we can to be where our service men and women are—when they are in danger, when they are lonely, when they are hurt, when they are dying.
Earlier this year, one of our auxiliary bishops e-mailed me about his Good Friday celebration at a military base in Iraq. In the middle of the service, they were attacked by rockets and had to run for cover. While they were under cover, the bishop led them in the Our Father and the General Intercessions. Later on, when the all-clear sounded, they…
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