Catholic Military Chaplains: America's Forgotten Heroes (Ecumenical)

American TFP ^ | 7/14/2011 | Major James A. Harvey III

[Pyro7480]

...During the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848, Father Anthony Rey served in the army of General Zackary Taylor. Father Rey administered to American troops with Last Rites and care of the wounded. He was present at the Battle of Monterey in which he earned admiration for his bravery. Father Rey also ministered to local Mexican Catholics. He was warned by U.S. Army officers against this practice due to guerilla and bandit activity outside U.S. camps. However, Father Rey accepted the risk nonetheless for the good of souls. He would die doing the work of his Master in 1847 in the Mexican countryside being found dead of multiple lance pierces....

...Father Peter Whelan was a Confederate Army Catholic chaplain who ministered to the Union prisoners at the infamous Andersonville Prisoner of War (POW) camp in Georgia....Father Whelan administered to the prisoners in the hot, disease ridden, and filthy camp where thousands would die. Prisoners also suffered from gang violence committed by fellow prisoners. From dawn to dusk Father Whelan heard confessions, cared for the sick, and provided comfort including the Last Rites to the numerous dying....

The Spanish American War of 1898 began with the explosion that destroyed the U.S.S. Maine in Cuba’s Havana harbor which was likely incorrectly thought to be the result of foul play from Spain. Regardless, Father John P. Chidwick, Chaplain of the U.S.S. Maine, immediately gave a mass absolution, and then feverishly began rescuing and administering to the wounded. Last Rites were also given to the dying. Needless to say all these actions were done at great risk to his own life. One cadet noted that night Chaplain Chidwick was “everywhere.” Father Chidwick would also be one of the last to leave the stricken ship....

[Pyro7480]

Do read the entire article.

[Pyro7480]

Catholic ping!

[Last Dakotan]

Sent it to my Rector, a former Naval Chaplain. Thanks.

[StonyMan451]

During the war in Vietnam Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a U.S. Navy Chaplain, ministered to U.S. troops and was killed while trying to rescue a wounded corpsman. Father Capodanno was into his second year after he volunteered to extend past a year in order to continue to administer to U.S. troops. This action would lead to the award of the Medal of Honor for Father Capodanno. Father Capodanno was named a Servant of God in 2002 and may likely become a saint. Grunt Padre by Father Daniel L. Mode is a great book on Father Capodanno.

My father was a classmate of the Servant of God, Fr. Vincent Capodanno. The title "Servant of God" is given to those whose cause for canonization has been officially opened. Perhaps one day Fr. Capodanno will be called St. Vincent Capodanno. In any case, he is a true hero. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. It would be a great thing if one day a Medal of Honor winner was also declared a saint! If you read his biography, you will be convinced of his sanctity, even before he laid his life down for his marines. In fact, his final act was simply the culmination of a life of sacrifice for others. It was the most natural thing in the world for him to do what he did.

You can find out more about him at http://www.vincentcapodanno.org.

[crazydad]

Never forget Father Charles Waters who stayed with his men on Hill 875 in the Battle for Dak To in November 67. He would not leave the wounded as the NVA closed in on all sides. Walking around comforting or giving water and last rites. He was killed when a stray bomb landed in the middle of the Aid Station. His courage and dedication earned him a Congressional Medal Of Honor. He is Buried at Arlington National Cemetary. Still there with some of his as he called them “My boys”.

[nascarnation]

My hs Latin teacher. Fr. Robert Brett, an American hero.

http://www.virtualwall.org/db/BrettRR01a.htm

[Salvation]

Some prison and stateside chaplains in here too!

Catholic Military Chaplains: America's Forgotten Heroes (Ecumenical)
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Two US Soldier Priests
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Priest a wartime legend (Most decorated chaplain in Canadian army history dies at 106)
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