Once every year Bishop Paul gathers his Roman Catholic military chaplains for a period of conference, continuing professional development, prayer and reflection.  Following on from visits to the seminary at Wonersh on 2021; the English College, Valladolid in 2022; and to the Scots College in Salamanca last year, it was the turn of the Pontifico Collegio Irlandese in Rome to host Bishop Paul, the Vicar General, 18 military chaplains, and the Pastoral Assistants from the RN, Army and RAF.

​

The Irish College, situated in an oasis of calm near to the Colosseum, proved to be the perfect venue for the Conference with a typically warm Irish welcome from the College Rector, Fr Paul Finnerty.  The beautiful College Chapel provided the daily focus for Mass and devotions.  Very thought-provoking reflections were provided by Fr John Hemer MHM on the ministry of the priesthood, the Divine Office, and the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith.

​

Highlights of a full programme included Mass in the crypt of St Peter’s Basilica, followed by a tour of the Vatican, and a meeting with Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship.  Cardinal Roche described the role of the Dicastery, urged us to read Desiderio Desideravi, Pope Francis’ ‘love letter’ to the Liturgy, and heard about the role that military chaplains can play in spreading the Gospel.

​

The Italian Ordinariate to the Forces also were very gracious in hosting us to Holy Mass at their Cathedral Church of Saint Catherine of Siena a Magnanapoli, followed by a Q & A session, a tour of the Ordinariate offices, and a working lunch.  Another highlight was an afternoon reception hosted at Villa Wolkonsky, the official residence of the British Ambassador to Italy. Here we learnt of the Ambassador’s role and that of the Defence Attaché.

​

There was also ample time for Chaplains to relax, reflect and to socialise.  The Gala Dinner on the final night allowed those present to recognise the considerable service to military chaplaincy of the RN PRCC, Fr David Conroy, and of the Army PRCC, Fr Ian Stevenson, as both prepare to retire from military service.   

​