Remember and Pray

Richard A. Sokerka

As we celebrate Memorial Day May 26, we will pause as a nation to remember our fellow Americans who, in the service of our great country, made the ultimate sacrifice so our nation might remain free.

It is also a time to remember to keep in our daily prayers those who are currently serving in our Armed Forces, many of whom are in harm’s way.

Of those who serve in our nation’s various military branches, 25 percent are Catholic, and they are not only blessed to have all of us keeping them in our prayers, but also to have their spiritual needs taken care of by the 608 Catholic chaplains who serve as part of the Arch­diocese of Military Services.

Many Catholics have never even heard of the Archdiocese for Military Services. For the record, it was created by St. Pope John Paul II to provide the Catholic Church’s full range of pastoral ministries and spiritual services to those in our Armed Forces. This includes more than 220 installations in 29 countries, patients in 153 V.A. hospitals, and federal employees outside the boundaries of the U.S. in 134 countries. All told, the Archdiocese is responsible for more than 1.8 million Catholic men, women, and children.

That’s a lot of people and a lot of coverage area — well beyond the boundaries of what any archdiocese in the world would cover — with just a small cadre of priests who have been released from service in their home diocese by their bishops to serve those in the service of their country. As those in our military do the heroic work of protecting our freedoms, Catholic chaplains walk beside them, providing the spiritual strength they need.

This Memorial Day and every day, also remember our servicemen and women and the chaplains who serve them.

Say the prayer of the Archdiocese for the Military Services:

“Almighty God and Father, look with love upon our men and women in uniform and protect them in their time of need. Give them health and stability and allow them to return to their loved ones whole and unshaken. Be with their families and sustain them in these uncertain times.

“Grant strength and peace of mind to the veterans who have given their best for the country they love. Support them in infirmity and in the fragility of old age. Teach us to remember their sacrifices and to express our gratitude.

“Manifest your tender care to those in the military academies who prepare for future service and to those who serve our nation far from home. Teach us to remember the sacrifices of those whose efforts contribute to ensuring our way of life.”

“Bless and multiply the priests who minister to the faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Reward their generosity and keep them faithful.

“Hear us as we present our prayers to you through Christ our Lord. Amen.”