SPRING 2026
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
Introducing the Catholic Military Conference 2026: LIVING AND SERVING JUSTLY
Dear Friends of the Archdiocese,
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hese have been snowy days for those unaccustomed to an abundance of white flakes. The city of Washington was crippled for more than a week by what would not have made much of an impact in the Great Lakes region. However, by the time you read these lines, it is hoped that our eyes will see many signs of spring. It is an earnest desire that with this issue of Salute, the Archdiocese will be able to return to communicating with you on a more regular and stable basis. The nature of her ministry, the travel of the bishops, and a few other factors make our production a bit more labored that it might be in a less global reality.
The number of co-sponsored seminarians whose ordination dates approach gladden the hearts of all of us. The harvest is abundant and the need for able workers continues to grow. Please do not cease your prayers to the Master for more laborers. He ordered us to pray if we really want those needed workers. We look forward also to the Easter Season. That important time for which we prepare during Lent always fills us with joy and hope. We all long to experience the power of Christ over sin and death in our lives and in that of the Church. We pray also with Pope Leo that the powerful example of Saint Francis in this year of his jubilee might inspire us all. This issue of Salute will offer some of the highlights of my Christmas travels, an introduction of co-sponsored seminarian Nick McHatton, and, as always, continues to tell the story of the Auxiliary Bishops, chaplains, and their activities. This issue also shares the announcement of the Catholic Military Conference to be hosted in November 2026. While I am never eager to add more travel to my schedule, by the time you read these lines, I will have been to Germany, Rome, Colorado, Wyoming, and the Dominican Republic. I will also have marked the first twenty-five years of my archepiscopal ministry. I hope that you will enjoy this issue. Thanking you for your continued support, I wish you a joy-filled Easter. Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
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THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 20 NUMBER 1 SPRING 2026
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 New Freedom: Archbishop Timothy Broglio Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 10 The Heart of the Military Chapel Community Bishop F. Richard Spencer 14 Okinawa Young Adult Catholics Bishop Bill Muhm 16 Pastoral Visits to VAMCs in Chicagoland Bishop Coffey 18 The Harvest Continues Seminarian Nick McHatton 20 Students from Saint Charles School Thank Military Chaplains: Max Korzan 22 Four Chaplains Memorial Julie Paynter, USMA '06 26 Pilgrims of Hope Bishop Gregg Caggianelli 30 An Army-Navy Halftime Rosary at the Field of Friendly Strife Elizabeth Tomlin 34 Choosing Intentionality Kevin Stacy 37 Save the Dates 38 Forward/Still Dr. Mark Moitoza, ThD SPRING 2026
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.
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address, and phone number to: support@milarch.org call 202.719.3600 or write: Advancement Office, Archdiocese for the Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469 Cover: Archbishop Broglio imposes ashes on a veteran at Walters Reed National Military Medical Center.
FEEDBACK, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: editor@milarch.org WEBSITE: www.milarch.org
Introducing the Catholic Military Conference 2026: LIVING AND SERVING JUSTLY
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NEW FREEDOM By Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
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he experience of serving the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as its president was interesting, demanding, and “night work” next to my “day job” as the Archbishop for the Military Services, USA. The last days of the fall General Assembly of the Conference were full and at the end of the final public session, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis praised the work of three out-going officers: Archbishop James Checchio of New Orleans, Treasurer; Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, Vice-President; and myself. His words were extremely generous in reference to me, and I deeply appreciated his kindness and the confidence of my brother bishops. The next day, 13 November at noon, the “gavel” came down, and my term ended. I confess that it felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It is true that Monsignor Michael Fuller, General Secretary, and Father Paul Hartmann, Associate General Secretary, ably assisted by two other Associate General Secretaries, Theresa Ridderhoff and Anthony Granado, assure the daily running of the Conference. I will always be grateful for their constant efforts to stay on top of everything. However, it was still a relief to be limited to one full-time job. Almost to celebrate my return to normal activities, the day after the annual AMS Benefit, I was able to fly to Newport, celebrate the Mass at the Naval Station there with Father Stephen Silipigni, the contractor, and five brand new Navy chaplains, Fathers William Cook (Savannah), Michael Kieler (St. Augustine), Peter Ludwig (Lansing), Andrew Sanchez (New Orleans), and Peter St. George (Arlington). It was a joy to spend some hours with these fine priests. Four were co-sponsored while in the seminary. For my three years as President, the Auxiliary Bishops kindly assumed this duty for me. It was a joy to share in the wonder of our young people when Pope Leo XIV joined them through technology at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. It was excellent to see the Pastor of the Universal Church make use of this technology to interact with a portion of his young flock. I also enjoyed spending time with these energetic and enthusiastic young people. After a prayerful visit to the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux in Washington, I was able to celebrate second Vespers for the new liturgical year on the First Sunday of Advent at the historic Langley AFB chapel. This prayer was a prelude to a clergy day of recollection held for the chaplains and other priests in the Tidewater area. How fortunate I was to take this time for prayer in the holy Season of Advent. continued on page 6
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Archbishop Broglio baptizes a Marine at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
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NEW FREEDOM continued from page 5 Personal history was made for me when I attended the Army Navy game in Baltimore with Archbishop Lori, Supreme K of C Knight Patrick Kelly, and several others. It was particularly moving to pray the Rosary with the Knights, cadets, and midshipmen. It was my first time at a game which I can neither win nor lose. Those activities brought me to another novelty—at least for the last four years. On my pastoral visit to our men and women in Africa and the Gulf, I left on schedule, returned on schedule, and encountered no challenges in terms of entering installations on my various stops. Basically, the pastoral visits this year mirrored those of Christmas 2024 with the exception of not including Jordan this time around. It was good to return to Djibouti where Father Samuel Schneider (Superior) welcomed me. We had a fairly full schedule and again visited the Air Base on my way to the airport for the flight to Qatar. Even the religious support personnel took a hand in making sure that I visited various work stations. I visited the local bishop, Catholic school, and Caritas (Catholic Charities). With the U.S. Ambassador, I paid a visit to the Minister for Islamic Affairs. Among other things, the ministry prepares the sermons for the Friday Prayer every week for all of the Imams. Another highlight was the gift of a membership in the Wardroom, certainly an oasis in that nation on the Horn of Africa. The entry card includes a chart to make certain that you do not exceed the permitted number of refreshments each day! There were adults and young people prepared for confirmation at every stop. It is such a gift to be able to bring the fullness of the Holy Spirit to them. The Qatar visit was too short, but the press of the calendar Archbishop Broglio pictured with and the airline schedules were Bishop Jamal Boulos Sleiman Daibes of Djibouti.
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such that one place would end up with a shorter visit. However, Father Jorge Rocha, an Air Force Reserve priest from Providence took very good care of me and made certain that celebrations, confirmation, and office calls went without difficulty. He also read the dates on my passport and, along with the chapel team, helped me celebrate my 74th birthday. Sometimes inattention is a better thing.
Archbishop Broglio and Bishop Jamal Boulos Sleiman Daibes, Bishop of Djibouti, visit a local Catholic school during Archbishop Broglio’s pastoral visit to Camp Lemonnier, the United States’ only permanent base in Africa.
The return to Kuwait meant a plethora of activities. The Army welcomed me and we enjoyed celebrations, office calls, a large luncheon with the Commanders and another birthday cake. In addition to confirmation, there was time for a visit to Camp Buehring to which Fathers Muli (Cheyenne) and Monteron (Military Ordinariate of the Philippines) entrusted Father Marcoux who had just arrived from his assignment in the Diocese of Rochester. After a late almost “Midnight” Mass, the departure for the Air Base was early on Christmas morning. Father Janko (Lafayette, IN) and his team met me and continued on page 8 Spring 2026 |
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NEW FREEDOM continued from page 7
Archbishop Broglio celebrates Mass with Father Samuel Schneider, CHC, USN, as concelebrant, at Chabelley Air Base.
took me to the Air Base, which I have visited many times. We had confirmation and first Holy Communion during the morning Mass for a German airman (permission had been granted by his Ordinary) who came into full communion with the Catholic Church. After a meeting with the Command, a festive meal, and a short rest, it was time to head to the Mass for the embassy (Open Gate) community. There MAJ Dat Tran made certain that all was in order. After Mass there was a wonderful buffet. As you can read, there was not much penance during these holidays in the Gulf Region. The next day saw me off to Bahrain where Father Anthony Davis (Denver) welcomed me. He had organized a good visit with a mixture of religious events, social gatherings, and official visits. The highlights were opportunities to meet families, spend time with the Coast Guard, and of course, celebrate the sacraments. The good Friars invited both of us to their festive meal at the downtown parish, and I also celebrated at their Holy Family Shrine.
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The Coast Guard showed us their training center, but I declined the invitation to scale the model of a dhow (a traditional, wooden sailing vessel with one or more masts and triangular [lateen] sails). The stairs seemed to be a perfectly adequate way to see the inside. These ships are now often used for running narcotics. Hence, they are of great interest to the Coast Guard in an attempt to reduce the flow of illegal drugs in our world. From Bahrain I made my way back to the States on New Year’s Eve. The passage through Dubai was long, but it was good to return to Washington where I would remain for less than 24 hours. SEEK was calling me to Columbus. January, which I have considered to be a more tranquil month in the past was very busy in 2026. The gathering of young people in Columbus for SEEK was extraordinary. As always, the speakers, the presence of 16,000 college-age men and women, and the extraordinary liturgies offered a wonderful beginning to the new year. That gathering was followed by our regional bishops’ retreat preached by Archbishop Joseph Kurtz. I also subbed for the chaplain at Joint Base Andrews on a few Sundays. I always say that if you need a substitute priest, even the archbishop will do! The Acton Institute offered an excellent seminar on the Church’s Social Doctrine for bishops in Portugal, and I made a stop at the Navy priests’ retreat before participating in the Right to Life events mentioned in the last issue of Salute. The month ended with a visit to the two Air Force priests who were about to finish their chaplains’ course at Maxwell. It is very good to be able to spend those moments with them before they finish the course and return to their first assignment, already begun. February offered an opportunity to study some pressing questions in the field of bioethics with other bishops in Dallas. The Knights of Columbus make this possibility a reality every other year. From there I made my annual visits to the installations in Colorado and Wyoming, but in the opposite order. I began with Colorado Springs and worked my way up first to Cheyenne and then to Denver. It was a very good visit, and there were several baptisms at the U.S. Air Force Academy along with confirmations there and in the other installations. Yes, there is a new freedom, but it is Pauline. It is not from something, but for something. As I mark the silver anniversary of my ordination as an Archbishop, I can only thank the Lord for His call and the grace to say yes. V Spring 2026 |
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of the THE HEART MILITARY CHAPEL COMMUNITY By Bishop F. Richard Spencer
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he people are the heart of any military chapel community. This picture of the members of the combined Catholic chapel communities of Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field was taken on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2026. The intent was to photograph the combined chapel communities in the shape of one heart. We almost
achieved the shape of a single heart in the photograph, and the reality is that these two Catholic chapel communities do worship well together. They have also combined the religious education and confirmation programs, and they unite for service projects to support the families of deployed soldiers from both military locations.
During this Easter season, the faithful are invited to come, see, believe, and then go and tell the Good News. This is called evangelization. Why is evangelization important? At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus commissions the Apostles to, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20). All Catholics join in the mission to share the Gospel within their Christian vocation. continued on page 12
Bishop F. Richard Spencer and Father Sylvanus Amaobi with the combined Military Catholic communities of Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field on 14 February 2026.
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of the THE HEART MILITARY CHAPEL COMMUNITY
SAVE THE DATE
CATHOLIC MILITARY
CONFERENCE
continued from page 11
Catholics in the military have a unique call to share the Gospel message in chapel communities. In an address to military ordinaries in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI remarked that the work of evangelization in the world of the military, invites bishops, as well as priest, and lay people to take up “a growing assumption of responsibility” so that “there may be an ever new, convicted and joyful proclamation of Jesus Christ, the one hope for life and peace for all humanity.” The Catholic community at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field offer a great example of this “assumption of responsibility.”
“Many soldiers return from war operations or peacemaking missions with real inner wounds. War can leave an indelible mark in them. War, in fact, always leaves an indelible mark. These people and their families require specific pastoral attention, which allows them to feel the maternal presence of the Church. The role of the chaplain is to accompany them and support them in their journey, as a fraternal and comforting presence.”
The chaplain’s responsibility for the military community cannot be overstated. In an address to military ordinaries, Pope Francis pointed out the unique wounds that members of the military incur in war and ways that chaplains and the Church offer care, stating:
As military chaplains, civilian priests, and the faithful of this Archdiocese join together at the chapel, they truly become the heart of the community as they share the gospel, teach the faith, bring comfort to military families, and heal the spirits of service members.
– Pope Francis, address to Military Chaplains, 26 October 2015
• 9-11 NOVEMBER 2026 • WESTFIELDS MARRIOT | CHANTILLY, VA A national gathering of Catholic service members, chaplains and military families – united in faith, called to serve.
Sign up to be the first to know at
LIVING AND SERVING JUSTLY
catholicmilitaryconference.org
A R C H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I TA R Y S E R V I C E S , U S A
Archbishop Broglio cordially invites the faithful of the Archdiocese, to the inaugural Catholic Military Conference taking place during the Veterans Day holiday, 9-11 November 2026, at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia, conveniently located just minutes from Dulles International Airport. Centered on the theme “Living and Serving Justly,” this first-ever Catholic Military Conference will bring together service members, military spouses, and chaplains for a powerful experience of spiritual renewal, fellowship, and formation. The conference will include beautiful celebrations of daily Mass, and opportunities for Adoration, and Confession. Through inspirational and informative keynote addresses and engaging breakout sessions, participants will: • Deepen their identities as disciples of Christ • Learn about Just War Theory and reflect theologically on the spiritual and moral dimensions of military service • Discover how to serve God and neighbor authentically as Catholic disciples of Jesus and service members or military spouses • Enjoy meals and fellowship with members of this Archdiocese • Have time for personal prayer and reflection • Connect with friends old and new
Scan the QR code on this page and enter your email address onto the website to be among the first to know when registration opens, learn of the keynote speaker announcements, and more! Sign up today!
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OKINAWA CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS By Bishop Bill Muhm
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n November, I visited our military Catholic communities in Camp Humphreys, Kunsan Air Base, Camp Walker, Chinhae Navy Base, Osan Air Base, and Camp Casey, Korea. In December, I visited Camp Zama, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Misawa Air Base, Yokosuka Navy Base, Yokota Air Base, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Sasebo Navy Base, and Okinawa, Japan. After Mass, I enjoyed talking with young service members over refreshments or meals. As we know, Christianity is social by nature. During His public ministry, Our Lord spent time enjoying meals with people (Mt. 9:10, Mk. 2:15, Lk. 10:38, Jn. 21:12). Enjoying meals together contributes to worshiping together. In Okinawa, I was happy to see our eight active-duty Air Force and Navy priest chaplains working closely together. When able to do so, they gather for dinner among themselves at least once per week. Good things are coming out of this. Father Tim Mergen (Capt, USAF, Madison, WI), with the help of the other active duty priests, has launched a group called Okinawa Catholic Young Adults (OCYA). OCYA seeks to connect young Catholic service members from all branches of the U.S. military who serve in the numerous military installations on the island. OCYA has hosted special Masses, religious education opportunities, and social gatherings. When I visited, the OCYA group chat had over 140 members.
Torii Shields KADENA White Beach Lester FOSTER Futenma Kinser
Gonsalves Schwab HANSEN Courtney McTureous
POC: Fr Tim Mergen Unit Chaplain - Kadena AB
JOIN THE SIGNAL GROUP CHAT FOR INFORMATION AND EVENTS
Shortly before Christmas, OCYA hosted a Christmas dinner for 51 young adults. The event was very successful! Father Mergen asked the young adults who attended to dress up and come with questions about the faith. Father Mergen asked me to respond to the questions, which were written in advance on slips of paper and then pulled out of a box at random. Most of the questions were serious; they required me to “think on my feet”. But I enjoyed it, and it appeared that everyone else did too. Most military installations in Europe and Asia have only one priest chaplain. Some installations are blessed with two. They work hard to care for their Catholic communities and their units, but their time and energy are limited. OCYA shows what the Holy Spirit can do when we have larger numbers of priests working together in a given location. Please continue to pray for more priests to serve as chaplains in the U.S. military. Thank you for your prayers and support for all of us at AMS. V
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Bishop Muhm addresses the Okinawa Catholic Young Adults group during his pastoral visit. Photo Credit Father Tim Mergen (Ch, Capt, USAF).
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Pastoral Visits to Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Chicagoland By Bishop Coffey
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sh Wednesday is a busy day for all priests in civilian parishes, military chapels, and VA Medical Centers (VAMC). This year I was blessed to make pastoral visits on Ash Wednesday to the faithful, staff, and chaplains at the three VA Medical Centers in Chicagoland. Each medical center is named for a great American: James A. Lovell; Edward Hines; and Jesse Brown. These names are well known to veterans, and we are proud of the Catholic priests who serve as chaplains at these medical centers.
After the Mass, the Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish chaplains conducted an ecumenical prayer service for the families of veterans who had died in the past month. As part of the ceremony, the Honor Guard from the Abraham Lincoln VA Cemetery Memorial Squad presented and retired the colors. This is a ceremony familiar to all veterans. My final visit was to the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, named for former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown. Secretary Brown was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. The Catholic priestchaplain at the Jesse Brown VAMC is Father Robert Carlton who works part-time at the medical center and full-time at a nearby parish in Chicago. Father Carlton hopes to serve one day as an active-duty Navy chaplain. V
First, in North Chicago, at the Great Lakes Naval Station, where many thousands of recruits have gone through basic training, the VA Medical Center is named after American astronaut and naval aviator, James A. Lovell, Jr. In 1968, Lovell was the command module pilot of Apollo 8. He, Frank Borman, and William Anders were the first astronauts to orbit the moon. As a child, I remember how exciting it was to learn about astronauts and the space program. At the VA hospital, I enjoyed meeting with two Catholic priest chaplains: Chief Chaplain Father Antony Ike, and Father Antony Rayajan. Both priests are well known to the veterans and the staff of the medical center. My second visit was to celebrate Mass at the Hines VA Medical Center named after Lieutenant Edward Hines, Jr.. Lieutenant Hines graduated from basic training at Fort Sheridan, a former Army post located on the North Shore of Lake Michigan. Hines was the first graduate from Fort Sheridan to die during military service in France in World War I. The full-time Catholic priest at Hines VAMC is Father Filbert Ngwila. Father Ngwila also serves as a major in the U.S. Army Reserves. We concelebrated Mass with the active participation of some 50 veterans and staff members during my pastoral visit. 16
Bishop Coffey and Father Filbert Ngwila with members of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad at the Hines VAMC in Chicago. Spring 2026 |
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THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Nicholas A. McHatton DIOCESE: Diocese of Oakland ARMED FORCES BRANCH: United States Navy (intended branch of service) RANK: Co-Sponsored Seminarian not yet commissioned in the Navy COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): University of Portland, Bachelor of Science in Nursing HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Cumberland Valley High School, Mechanicsburg, PA HOBBIES: Guitar, historical fencing, hiking, good food, movies TEAM SPORTS: football, basketball, baseball
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? I first thought I might have a vocation to the priesthood in the spring of 2019. I had been away from the Faith for a number of years, but by the grace of God, I accepted an invitation from friends to do Exodus90 (a 90-day spiritual exercise for men). I found myself reunited with God and His Church and was determined to live a life of faith in Jesus. As I was walking out of church one day, I noticed some pamphlets for the Holy Cross Seminary at Notre Dame on a table. It was the cassocks that caught my eye. Before I knew it, I was leafing through the pages. I suddenly came to my senses and dropped the pamphlet back on the table, thinking, “What? No way am I doing that, I want to be married someday!” That brief moment of grace-filled inspiration would never leave me. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? A number of priests took me under their wings in the years following that first moment of inspiration. Without a doubt, it was their mentorship and support that got me where I am today. The first priest who truly set things in motion was my confessor when he asked me point blank, “Have you ever thought about being a priest?” I felt convicted that God was calling me out, and afterward Father gave me the contact information for the vocational director of my local diocese.
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HOW DID THE LORD MOVE YOU TO BECOME CO-SPONSORED BY AMS? As time went on, it became clear that I would have to leave my career as a nurse in the U.S. Air Force to take the next steps in discerning the priesthood. At first, I was not planning on returning to military service as a chaplain, but a chaplain encouraged me to attend an AMS retreat at St. Patrick’s Seminary. At the retreat, I rediscovered my deep love for the members of the military and felt that God was calling me to serve as a military chaplain. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? The opening of Psalm 63: O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. These words express the aching desire of my own heart to be united forever with Jesus Christ in heaven. For now, I must labor in the world, but I have only to gaze upon Our Lord in the Eucharist to remember the strength and glory to which we are called. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I first encountered Jesus in a personal way when I was in 8th grade. I was at a Christian summer camp in California, standing on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean just after sunset. My heart suddenly called out for One who would embrace me no matter what I did, and immediately I felt the Father answer me with just such an embrace. It was like a full body-soul hug; I was engulfed by pure love and the assurance that He would be with me always. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? I would not be where I am today without the grace of contemplative prayer, the sacrament of confession, and Eucharistic Adoration. HAVE ANY SAINTS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Saint Padre Pio has been a constant source of strength and consolation to me during my discernment journey. His deep love of the Mass, his battles against Satan, and his gifts as a confessor are all great sources of inspiration. V Spring 2026 |
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Students from Saint Charles School in Woburn, Massachusetts Send Thanks to Military Chaplains By Maximillian Korzan, Donor Stewardship Assistant
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hese published drawings represent only a small sample of the many beautiful cards designed and written by students at Saint Charles School in Woburn, MA. The cards were mailed as a surprise to active-duty chaplains serving overseas on deployments. In their messages, the students thanked chaplains for their priestly vocations, military service, and selfless commitment to service members, who often sacrifice their own access to the sacraments to defend ours. Their teachers, Ms. Jessica Wilkins and Mr. Evan Cummings, chose Catholic Schools Week as an opportunity to share the stories of Venerable Emil Kapaun and Servant of God Vincent Capodanno with their students, and to teach them about the indispensable role of military priest-chaplains. Ms. Wilkins was moved to promote the AMS because of her personal experience growing up in a military family and receiving her first sacraments through the AMS. Her witness is a great example of how we can participate in the AMS’s mission in civilian life. V
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Of the 904 men aboard the Dorchester, only 230 were rescued. The chaplains never left the ship. Arm in arm, they surrendered their souls with prayers upon their lips. A survivor recalled: “As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.”
Most Holy Trinity Parish at West Point Honors the Four Chaplains Memorial with Mass and Vocations Presentations from USMA “Old Grads” By Julie Paynter, USMA ’06, Parishioner at Most Holy Trinity, West Point, NY
On 14 July 1960, the Congress authorized the creation of the Four Chaplains’ Medal to recognize the heroic actions of these chaplains who laid down their lives for their friends. The medal’s citation reads, in part, “In recognition of the extraordinary heroism displayed by [the chaplains] when they sacrificed their lives in the sinking of the troop transport Dorchester in the North Atlantic in 1943 by giving up their life preservers to other men aboard such transport. West Point Marks the Four Chaplains’ Memorial
On a similarly freezing cold night this February, as part of Most Holy Trinity’s 125th Jubilee Year, the West Point Catholic Community gathered to dedicate a memorial garden on the east side of the chapel to the Four Chaplains.
The Four Chaplains on the USS Dorchester
The Four Chaplains’ Medal, also know as the Chaplains Medal of Honor, is equivalent in order of precedence to the Medal of Honor. The medal was created and awarded posthumously to four men: Reverend George L. Fox, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, PhD, Reverend Clark V. Poling, and Catholic chaplain Father John P. Washington; it will never will never be awarded again. On a freezing, cold February night in 1943, in the fearsome waters of the North Atlantic, the USS Dorchester, a troop transporter ship, ferried American troops to Europe in the midst of the Battle of the Atlantic. She never reached her destination. A torpedo from a German U-Boat hit below the waterline, tearing a hole in the ship and plunging it into darkness. As soldiers struggled to clamor above decks, four chaplains - two Protestant, one Catholic, and one Jewish calmly handed out life jackets. As the life jackets ran out, each chaplain took off his own and gave it to a soldier.
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continued on page 24
Father Matt Pawlikowski elevates the Host during the Liturgy of the Eucharist with Fathers Michael Cerrone ‘68, Richard Wilson, ‘73, Doug Busch ’78, Ken Bolin ’96 and David Chacko ’15 as concelebrant of the Mass.
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The Four Chaplains continued from page 23 Photo Credits: Christina Sustaita
As part of the event, the “Old Grads” of West Point whom the Lord chose for priesthood or religious vocations were invited to participate in the dedication Mass, and nine were able to attend. This event is believed to be unique in Most Holy Trinity’s long history. The attendees included: Father Michael Cerrone ‘68, Father Richard Wilson, ‘73, Father Doug Busch ‘78, Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa ‘80, Sister Teresa Hougnon ‘84, Father Matt Pawlikowski ‘86, Father Ken Bolin ‘96, Father David Chacko ‘15, and Seminarian Bill Waters ‘18. After the Mass and dedication, the group shared their vocation stories with cadets. The varied paths that each recounted inspired those listening. One of the priests had never been inside Most Holy Trinity before because he was not yet Catholic as a cadet.
Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa, OSB, a member of the U.S. Military Academy Class of 1980, prays at Most Holy Trinity parish at West Point
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Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa, OSB, shared that she thought that coming to West Point meant the end of her religious vocation. Sister Nancy Rose was a member of the trailblazing first class of women to matriculate into the Long Grey Line in 1976. After graduating in 1980 with an engineering degree, Sister Nancy Rose was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg. There she became a paratrooper and jump master. Sister retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel and discerned her call to religious life. In 2013, she made her final monastic profession at the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration monastery in Clyde, Missouri.
Parishioners of Most Holy Trinity at the United States Military Academy gather at the foot of the altar following a Mass remembering the four chaplains who died in service on the USS Dorchester.
The evening highlighted that God indeed has a plan for each of us that often looks nothing like the plan we have for ourselves. The key to finding God’s plan is to be open to where the Holy Spirit nudges us. Moreover, a life of military service is not incompatible with a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Before departing from West Point, the priests and sisters took a stroll down memory lane as they dined in the mess hall with cadets and had an insider’s tour of USMA courtesy of the Association of Graduates. V
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Pilgrims of Hope By Bishop Gregg Caggianelli
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ast year was admittedly a whirlwind that began with a call from the Papal Nuncio and introduced a completely new trajectory to the priestly ministry that I had “planned.” It came during the great Jubilee Year of Hope, a year when Pope Francis and Pope Leo reminded us to be pilgrims of hope in our world. Needless to say, I was a little preoccupied, and at the close of the Jubilee Year, I wondered if I had failed to appreciate truly the magnitude of the Church’s year of grace. During my seminary studies, the first day of my Fundamental Theology class began with the priest professor quoting 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” Of course, our hope has a name, and His name is Jesus Christ. Over the years, I have asked myself how I am answering that question, and do my words and my actions convey that hope to others? continued on page 28
Bishop Gregg Caggianelli continues to serve as a chaplain with the Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. In this picture, Bishop Caggianelli blesses an airman during a Combat Support Training Exercise at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Photo Credit: Spc. Xavier Chavez.
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Pilgrims of Hope
continued from page 27
As I reflect on the pastoral visits that I have made, am making, and will make during this first year as an auxiliary bishop, I am realizing that at each stop, I am encountering people who are sharing their reason for hope as pilgrims of hope in our midst. They are excited about their faith in Jesus Christ, enthusiastically seeking to learn more about our Catholic faith, and I am witnessing the fruit of what happens when people share their faith and hope with others. I am meeting classrooms filled not only with the children of our military families, but rooms filled with service members who have come to inquire about this hope that has been shared with them.
Retirees are not holding their faith to themselves as a possession, but they are sharing Christ, their reason for hope, with younger generations and seeking to bring the hope of Christ to military communities today. I may have gotten a late start on the Jubilee Year of Hope, but our hope in Christ does not disappoint. With each visit I am filled with joy as I encounter true pilgrims of hope who embody the words of 1 Peter 3:15 and live the call of Peter to be always “ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” V
These are times of uncertainty. As in every age, young people are searching for their identity, for their purpose, and for the meaning of life. There are many voices suggesting answers, but there is only One who truly brings fulfillment and hope. Having worked with seminarians over these past 13 years, their lives were changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ and by the realization that they are unconditionally loved by the God who created them. They are the “beloved” of the Father, and when they fully realize that love of God in their hearts, it reveals a hope and joy that they want to share with others. This is true of our seminarians, and I am witnessing it in each Catholic community that I visit in this Archdiocese. Priest chaplains are working countless hours, often doing the jobs of several chaplains. Catechists and volunteers are learning more about Christ and sharing the fruit of their encounters with their peers. Bishop Caggianelli celebrates Mass with Fathers Corneille Ekila Boyeye and Matthew Kurt as concelebrants at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Photo Credit: Spc. Xavier Chavez
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An Army-Navy Halftime Rosary at the Field of Friendly Strife Edited By Elizabeth A. Tomlin, General Counsel
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ommenting on the annual rivalry of the Army-Navy football game, General Douglas MacArthur said, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, on other days, on other fields, will bear the fruits of victory.” This year, the Knights of Columbus added a unifying rosary to the friendly rivalry of cadets and midshipmen. During the 126th annual ArmyNavy Game on 13 December 2025, Archbishop Timothy Broglio joined the Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori, and members of the Knights of Columbus from the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy in praying a rosary during halftime. With the Army holding a 13-7 lead over Navy at the halftime, cadets and midshipmen alike left their rivalry on continued on page 32
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In the stands at the Army-Navy football game, L-R, Archbishop Broglio, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, Archbishop William Lori, and Father James Bors cheer on the teams. Spring 2026 |
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An Army-Navy Halftime Rosary continued from page 31 the field to join in a public display of faith and fraternity. Approximately 250 people gathered in a stadium concourse to pray the rosary, organized for the second consecutive year by Knights from the Monsignor Cornelius George O’Keefe Council 8250 at West Point, New York, and the Commodore Barry Council 14534 at Annapolis, Maryland, with support from the Supreme Council. Greeting the gathering, Supreme Knight Kelly remarked, “It is so wonderful that you are here — Pro Deo et Patria, for God and country,” referencing the motto of the Army Chaplain Corps. He continued, “We live in a great country where we can do this — practice our faith in public. And we can do it because
we have the armed forces to protect these freedoms.” Supreme Knight Kelly served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps Reserves and retired as a captain, so he knows firsthand, the importance of protecting religious liberty for all Americans, especially service members who lean on their faith for guidance and solace. During the rosary, West Point cadets and Naval Academy midshipmen alternated in praying the decades of the Joyful Mysteries. Following the rosary, Archbishop Broglio led the faithful in the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel for the protection of the United States in the final blessing.
Archbishop Broglio receives a challenge coin from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly during the Army-Navy football game. L-R Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Archbishop William Lori, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly.
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Cadets from the United States Military Academy and midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy pose with (L-R) Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, and Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori.
The Knights of Columbus have supported the spiritual and temporal well-being of servicemen and women since World War I, and their mission continues today. For more than a decade, the Order has partnered with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to sponsor the annual Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage and has distributed more than 700,000 copies of Armed with the Faith, the Order’s military prayer book. The Knights have also established
a scholarship to support the AMS Seminarian Co-Sponsorship Program, which helps fund the education of seminarians preparing to serve as Catholic chaplains in the U.S. armed forces. Navy ultimately beat Army 17-16 in a frosty nail-biter with temperatures dipping down in the 30s. Participants hope that the halftime rosary will continue as an annual tradition along the field of friendly strife. V Spring 2026 |
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CHOOSING INTENTIONALITY
By Kevin Stacy, AMS Discipleship Trainer
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f you are like me, liturgical seasons have a way of sneaking up on you. Then, like a deployment or PCS, they somehow feel long and short at the same time. That is how Lent often feels for me. One moment you make resolutions about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and the next, Easter arrives and you wonder where the time went, asking, “Did I experience Lent the way I had hoped?” Life does not slow down for liturgical seasons. Work, school, family responsibilities, grocery lists, laundry, training schedules, relocations, and the constant rhythm of military life continue. If we are not careful, daily life might begin to distract us from celebrating Easter joy. If you can relate to this, you stand in good company. Many of us struggle to stay present and to enter fully into the seasons of the Church. We want our lives to move with her rhythms, not only on Sundays at Mass, but in ordinary moments each day. Yet that proves difficult, especially during transitions. Maybe you settle into a new duty station, search for a parish, build friendships, and establish routines. Perhaps you loved your last assignment and wish you had never left. Or maybe you welcome a fresh start. Wherever you find yourself, one truth remains: God has called you to this place. One word has begun to change how I live within the liturgical year: intentional. The Catechism reminds us that our works can become spiritual sacrifices when we offer them in the Spirit (CCC, 901). When we intentionally invite the Holy Spirit into daily tasks, even ordinary moments, like chores or conversations with friends, become encounters with Christ. Life does not need perfect structure to become holy. It needs only an offering. For the past three years, I have served as a Discipleship Trainer with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, through the Reach More initiative. This work has taught me something powerful: growth follows intentionality. I have watched men and women grow more deliberate in prayer, more attentive in relationships, and more courageous in living their call as missionary continued on page 36
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Beginning Lent with intentionality, Father (CPT) Matt Compton uses a headlamp to read the prayers before the Distribution of Ashes Outside Mass for soldiers training for Expert Infantry, Expert Soldier, and Expert Field Medic Badges at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Spring 2026 |
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C H O O S I N G I N T E N T I O N A L I T Y continued from page 35 disciples. Each time a training group ends, gratitude fills me because I see how much transformation occurs when someone chooses to live intentionally rather than haphazardly. This experience has challenged me personally. It has taught me to slow down, notice God in ordinary moments, and approach responsibilities, not as distractions from practicing my faith, but as places where faith takes root. Intentionality does not remove life’s busyness; it redeems it. So how can we keep life from passing us by? I do not claim a perfect formula. But I know this: formation matters. Having a plan matters. Walking with others matters. Formation provides structure for growth in prayer, community, and mission so that we can seek intimacy with Jesus and live each moment for Him, with Him, and in Him. Imagine approaching daily responsibilities as invitations and moving through the liturgical year with purpose instead of pressure. This kind of life begins with a decision to act with intention. If you want to grow in that way, take a step. Seek formation. Find community. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your days. When you choose intentionality, even your busiest seasons become places of grace. V If you would like to live with greater intentionality, reach out to me at reachmore@milarch.org to join a Reach More training group. To learn more and apply, go to:
www.milarch.org/reach-more The AMS Reach More formation process is... Meet with a Discipleship Trainer
Participate in a 12-week Training Group
Launch your apostolate!
Receive ongoing coaching
Save the Dates Military Council of Catholic Women Biennial Forum - “Live Fully in the Armor of God” 25-28 June 2026 The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
AMS Day of Giving 21 July 2026 Global
Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno 4 September 2026 - 6:30 p.m. 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
Labor Day Weekend for Co-Sponsored Seminarians 5-7 September 2026 Washington, D.C. Archbishop Broglio will participate
MCCW-Europe Retreat 24-27 September 2026 Niepokalanów, Poland
Annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services Sunday, 4 October 2026 - 3:30 p.m. The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 339 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Complimentary dinner afterward.
Catholic Military Conference - Hosted by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA 9-11 November 2026 Westfields Marriott, Chantilly, Virginia
18th Annual Benefit for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
Saturday, 21 November 2026 - 5:00 p.m. 3900 Harwood Road NE, Washington, D.C. 20017 Archbishop Broglio will celebrate the opening Mass and host the gathering
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Pilgrimages such as the annual Warrior to Lourdes Pilgrimage offer service members and veterans the opportunity to move forward in faith while simultaneously encountering God in the stillness of prayer, liturgy, and sacred music. Photo credit: Tamino Petelinsek / Knights of Columbus
Forward/Still By Dr. Mark Moitoza, Th.D.
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s the Lenten journey began, I attended a Wind Symphony concert at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. My son, who is in the middle of his second year of percussion performance studies at GMU, was part of the ensemble that evening. It is a gift that my wife and I are close enough to attend these performances throughout the year. As we presented our tickets, we were handed a program. The front cover had the title “Dope” in large letters and an image of the back of a person’s head wearing over-the-ear headphones. Earlier in the day my son texted to share that he was excited about this music. To be honest the program cover threw me a bit. All of the music listed had been written recently. Recognizing that one ought not to judge a book by its cover, I explored the inside pages and was immediately attracted to the second song written by Omar Thomas in 2023, titled “Forward/ Still.” There was a link to learn more about the piece and I was able to access the description before the performance began. The first paragraph describing that piece is written below:
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There is an inherent dichotomy built into the title of this work. The first word, “forward,” implying motion while the second word, “still,” implies non-motion. Equally dichotomous is the notion that while we move forward in time, there are conflicts, prejudices, tribalist tendencies, and antiquated, non-inclusive ideas that prevent us from truly moving forward – that hold us still. The first half of this work presents a hymn – or a requiem? – that is saturated with weight and burden, reflecting a level of soul weariness that sleep simply cannot fix. Realizing that the only option we have is hope-made-action, the hymn gives way to a soaring effort, seeking to resume the flight towards progress, safety, and collective humanity. The piece eases into an ending with unsettling echoes of the original hymn and a return to the very first chord which should bring comfort and resolution yet leaves us with a feeling of uncertainty. This uncertainty is analogous to our current moment in time – one that humanity has faced at many inflection points throughout our story. If there is any lesson to be gleaned from our cyclical history of struggle and progress, however, it is regardless of how heavy, burdened, or hopeless we feel, we must move forward, still. I was attracted to this description as the push pull of daily life can find one overwhelmed just trying to move forward. Often art and music help us to articulate the unknown providing words or feelings as sounds draw us in. For many years the faithful were catechized through images painted on church walls or found in stained glass windows. Christian art helped the pilgrim who felt burdened to see and experience that God’s mercy is ever present. These insights often surprise, just as the cover of the music program did, revealing a deeper hope in Christ who abides with us always whether we are moving forward or find time to be still. May you discover art that inspires as much as this piece did both written and performed. V
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