From the Pastor’s Desk
By Fr. Terry Kerner
In 2004 I had the privilege of traveling to Normandy for the Sixtieth Anniversary of D-Day. Needless to say, the trip was most meaningful. One very memorable day was spent in the small French town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise. This was the first small community liberated from the Germans on D-Day. (You may recall the scene from the movie The Longest Day.) In the center of town the centuries old Norman church stands heroically. Proudly it invites town folk and tourist to visit. I attended the noon Mass that day and was struck by the beautiful stained-glass window portraying our Blessed Mother with paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. After the war, veterans of the D-Day liberation commissioned this dramatic portrayal and had it placed in the church.
On this Veterans Weekend I thought it appropriate to share with you
A PARATROOPER’S PRAYER written by the Catholic Chaplain the Rev. George B. Wood (Major) 82nd Airborne Division.
May all Veterans down through the ages know our appreciation and admiration for their service and courage!
A PARATROOPER’S PRAYER
Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father; Who art above us and beneath us, within and around us; Drive from our minds of our paratroops any fear of the space in which Thou art ever present. Give them confidence in the strength of Thine Everlasting arms to uphold them. Endure them with clear minds and pure hearts that they may participate worthily in the victory which this nation must achieve in Thy name through Thy will. Make them hardy soldiers of our country as well as of Thy Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
