05/24/2026
PASTOR’S LETTER
MAY 24th 2026
SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST
We’re all familiar with the stirring World War II photograph of the five U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. Less well-known is another photo, taken perhaps on the same day as that flag raising, also showing Marines gathered on Mount Suribachi. But these servicemen, about 20 in number, are kneeling around a makeshift altar as a Catholic priest — a Navy chaplain — administers Holy Communion during Holy Mass.
This picture is captivating and moving in many ways, not the least of which is how it includes the sight of a burly Marine down on one knee, gripping his rifle as if on guard for the enemy, and yet gazing intently at the chaplain as the priest serves the Holy Eucharist to a comrade. Here, in the midst of the living hell that is war, these Marines and their chaplain paused to give praise and worship to God, to receive the mercy and strength that only the Holy Eucharist can give, and to no doubt ask the Lord to protect them as He embraces their fallen brothers.
During the 1990s I met a man who himself had served as a U.S. Marine during World War II and who had been held as a P.O.W. in the Pacific theater. Although more than 50 years had passed since this gentleman had languished in a jungle prison alongside hundreds of his Marine comrades, his memories of that horrifying time remained vivid. Heat, thirst, filth, torture, starvation; these had been daily realities. Among his fellow captives, he recalled, was a priest chaplain who constantly looked after the men. One day the priest scraped together small bits of coconut to form a host which he consecrated so the men could have Holy Communion. Amid such abject want, the men were still grateful to receive what their hearts told them they needed as much as unspoiled food and clean water: the Bread of Angels, the Body of Christ.
This Memorial Day, as we honor and pray for all those who have given their lives while wearing the uniform of our country, let us give thanks that we are free to worship without having to worry about our very survival. Let us never forget the ultimate sacrifice that has been paid by so many for the sake of our liberty and security. Let us remember that, as individuals and a nation, we are truly free and honorable only to the extent that we live according to God’s commandments. Let us pray for others around the world who long for the kind of freedoms we so often take for granted. And let us pray for peace.
God bless you!
With my love,
Father Tom
O God, by Whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country. Grant that through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your Heavenly Kingdom and rejoice in you with your Saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
