Roman Catholic Bishopric Of The Forces
"Defende nos in Proelio"
Our Mission
To provide the very best operational, spiritual and pastoral support, primarily for Catholic servicemen and women (and their families) and chaplains, wherever, whenever and in whatever form it is needed. Additionally, to respond to the needs of anyone of any creed or none, who turns to a Catholic chaplain for support.
Advent Message from Bishop Paul
Fr Paul McCourt is a priest of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle who has spent a quarter of a century serving as an army chaplain. In this reflection for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, he talks about our remembrance observance as “an annual salute to that innate human instinct to protect peace and all who live by it, to protect life in all of its ages against threat, and to live by principles so hard won in times past.”
The Role of an Army Padre
Padres have a unique role in the British Army. Padres of all faiths have rank but do not command and although they can deploy on operations, padres are non-combatants and are unarmed. My guest on the podcast is Father Stephen Sharkey, who has been a padre since 2008. Prior to becoming a priest he served as a territorial soldier for five years. Padres accompany British troops - including the special forces - wherever they are based. During his career, Stephen has served on numerous military operations around the world, including two tours in Afghanistan one of which was with the Rifles in 2009. During the podcast Stephen recalls giving services in the field in Afghanistan while wearing body armour and helmet, how he coped when soldiers were killed and wounded in battle and why the role of the padre is crucial to morale.
By The Security Podcast
Remembrance Sunday – Westminster Cathedral
The annual Solemn Requiem Mass for the Fallen took place in Westminster Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday, 9th November, with His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, as the Principal Celebrant, and Fr Robert Matau Royal Navy, a Concelebrant, who gave the homily. There was a good representation of uniformed personnel from all three Services with the Royal Navy this year providing the readers and personnel for the offertory procession and a trumpeter from the Scots Guards playing the Last Post and Reveille.
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