Spending time in Iraq has been a consideration of his for some time. In addition to security issues, there was also the concern that troops would be pulled away "from someplace where, frankly, I think they might be more necessary." Now it seems appropriate the Archbishop for Military Services has arrived in Iraq during Holy Week to stay and minister to the troops there through Easter.
During a second afternoon Mass, Archbishop Broglio acknowledged to those service members and civilians deployed to Iraq: "You all know about sacrifice. It is something precious to put your lives on the line, and that's an irreplaceable gift."
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Lt. Cmdr. William Payne, a Methodist chaplain, commented on the significance of the Archbishops pastoral visit. "It is very important for service members to feel connected to their church and their faith. The archbishop embodies the church, and is a visible way by which many sense the presence of God."
"His visit was well received and our Marines and sailors were ecstatic to see and meet the archbishop," remarked Navy LT Ulysses Ubalde, a Catholic chaplain serving with Regimental Combat Team 8. "I was personally blessed and grateful to see our archbishop visiting us here in Iraq because this shows me how much he really cares for and loves our men and women in uniform."
Printed with permission from Catholicmil.org.
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