Editor’s Note: Below is a letter from his Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services (AMS). He invites us to all join in prayer for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families this Christmas season. Let’s never forget the innumerable sacrifices our soldiers are making so that we can have a peaceful Christmas here with our families, in the warmth of our homes.
“The traditions surrounding our annual celebration of the Savior’s birth fill us with joy and a deep longing for that peace announced by the angels. The birth of absolute Goodness, the Incarnation of the Son of God, reminds men and women that we are all brothers and sisters, children of God our heavenly Father.
For the men and women in uniform who serve our country at home and abroad, holiday time is special, but my heart goes out to those who are deployed far from home and the warmth of their families. Indeed these valiant men and women bend under the weight of combat and the tension provoked by an elusive enemy. They are anxious about their future and they are far from their loved ones.
The long and frequent deployments to the Middle East take their toll on everyone: the military, families, and our long-suffering chaplains who care for our brothers and sisters both during deployments and afterward.
This particular archdiocese without territorial boundaries also looks back and remembers those who have served in previous wars and are now cared for in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics.
I boldly beg you to pray for our servicemen and women, veterans and all their families. Christmas is the occasion when we remember the Gift of the Father to us. Each of us tries to respond by giving something we have received to those in need. Those who serve our country in uniform need and deserve our prayers.”
Prayer of the Archdiocese for the Military Services
Almighty God and Father, look with love upon our men and women in uniform and protect them in their time of need. Give them health and stability and allow them to return to their loved ones whole and unshaken. Be with their families and sustain them in these uncertain times.
Grant strength and peace of mind to the Veterans who have given their best for the country they love. Support them in infirmity and in the fragility of old age. Teach us to remember their sacrifices and to express our gratitude.
Manifest your tender care to those in the Military Academies who prepare for future service and to those who serve our Nation far from home. Teach us to remember the sacrifices of those whose efforts contribute to ensuring our way of life.
Bless and multiply the priests who minister to the faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Reward their generosity and keep them faithful.
Hear us as we present our prayers to You through Christ our Lord
