CV NEWS FEED // Dozens of U.S. military chaplains renewed their commitment to ministry during the Archdiocese for Military Services’ annual Chrism Mass on March 18.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio celebrated the Mass, which took place this year at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., according to an article on the archdiocese’s website. Broglio consecrated the sacred oils that will be used this year for sacraments at the nation’s military sites and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical centers. Over 200 faithful, including active duty service members, attended the liturgy in the Basilica’s Crypt Church.
In his homily, the archbishop called on military chaplains to remember their dependence on God while “serving those who serve,” the article said.
“We recognize that as a Church on this night when we gather in prayer to renew the oils that will be used throughout the world to anoint the sick, strengthen the unbaptized against the devil, and consecrate babies, youth, priests, bishops, altars, and more,” Broglio said. “We renew the promises of ordination to obey, to be more united with Jesus Christ, and to be faithful stewards of His mysteries. We recognize that we cannot accomplish the task entrusted to us by ourselves. We depend on divine assistance, the support of the community of faith, and an assiduous attention to our spiritual life.”
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Broglio emphasized the unique role of the military chaplain as one who can provide the sacraments, noting that bishops and religious superiors release priests to act as chaplains to bring the sacraments to those who seek them.
“You do not need ordination to be a social worker, a counselor, a drill instructor, a promoter of morale,” Broglio said. “The uniqueness of your role is what brings our beloved faithful here this evening. They know what you bring and it is what they crave.”
A video of the Mass is here.
