Article Tools
- Text Size
- Add a comment (2)
- Print this article
- Email this article
1000 hours (10:00 a.m.): I am traveling with a military convoy, making pastoral visits to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. First stop is their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in a central Iraq town. I set up for Mass in a corner of the busy area where the Marines eat, recreate, and do triage for the wounded.
From a kit smaller than a shoebox that I carry on my back, I pull out the olive green altar linens and the compact parts of a brushed steel crucifix, chalice, and paten. My altar is a wooden bench, the best piece of furniture in the room.
Intense fervor shines in the tired eyes of the Marines who have gathered to welcome and receive the Lord. We pass a copy of The Word Among Us back and forth for the prayers and readings. At the Sign of Peace, everyone exchanges a heartfelt embrace. I have never experienced anything like this communion among men who know that this Holy Communion might be their last.
1200 hours (12:00 p.m.)
We move on to an Iraqi police station that was hit just yesterday by two truck bombs driven by…
The full article is available to subscribers only
Access all articles, daily meditations and readings, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber. View subscription options.
Special Offer: 2 week free web-only trial subscription. Sign up now.
Existing Print & Web-Only Subscribers: Login for full access.
What a touching true life story. I pray God’s protection over you Father John J. Gayton and all the Catholic priests who risk their lives to take Christ presence in the Holy Eucharist to men and women fighting for peace around the world. May all their efforts someday bring the desired results, Amen!
Thank you Fr. Gayton for being Jesus on earth to our troops and consecrating the Holy Eucharist so that Christ will live in them and keep them safe. God Bless you Fr. and all our soldiers. I pray for peace.