A Journal for the Study of the Military Chaplaincy Volume 7 Issue 1 (Summer 2020) Curtana † Sword of Mercy is published semiannually by Mere Inkling Press Seabeck, Washington Curtana † Sword of Mercy | i Introductory Comments An Introduction to the New Issue ......................................iii Principle Essays A Spiritual Journey of Life and Ministry .......................... 1 by Raul Sanchez War, Disfigurement and Christ .......................................... 9 by Mark Schreiber Chaplaincy Ministry During a Pandemic ........................ 27 by Naomi Paget The Art of Sharpening the Tool of Chaplaincy ............... 35 by Jim Browning Army Chaplains Serving in WWI A.E.F. Hospitals ........ 39 by Robert C. Stroud Editorials On Lessons Taught by Plagues ...................................... 117 by Diogenes the Cynic Martial Poetry Military Poetry from the Past to the Present ................ 121 ii | Curtana † Sword of Mercy Civil War Chaplain Biographies Recovered from a Variety of Historic Publications ...... 143 Eclectic Citations Passing References to Chaplains ................................... 167 Curtana † Sword of Mercy is published semiannually by Scriptorium Novum Press, LLC, ISSN 2150-5853. The purpose of the journal is to provide an independent forum for the preservation of military chaplaincy history and the discussion of issues of interest to those who care about military chaplaincy. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcome. Submissions are best preceded by an electronic query. The editorial office can be reached at [email protected]. All articles, editorials and other content of Curtana are copyrighted by their authors. Written permission is required for reproduction of any the contents except in the journal’s entirety (including this copyright notice). Curtana is not connected, in any way, to the United States Department of Defense, or any other governmental agency. The opinions expressed or implied in the journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publisher. Additional information about the journal is available at justwar101.com/journal. Curtana † Sword of Mercy | iii An Introduction to the Current Issue Welcome to the Summer 2020 issue of Our fourth piece is authored by another Curtana. We hope you will enjoy the military chaplain with a doctorate, Jim articles and an additional surprise Browning. He discusses the recent move to contained within. tailor ministry (seminary) education more closely to the personal end-vision of each Unpacking the Contents individual, allowing for more chaplaincy- focused education and training. We are pleased to offer another diverse Our final article is actually a compilation issue. In addition to the regular special of primary source material related to the features included in the journal since its ministry of military chaplains during the inception in 2009, we offer five articles and worst modern pandemic—the influenza an editorial. that killed millions just as World War I was concluding. Military populations were First up is another helpful “international” certainly not exempt, as the so-called perspective, this time through the lens of a Spanish Flu struck down men and women Mexican priest and canon lawyer. Father in their prime with a mind-numbing Sanchez traveled an unusual path which ferocity. Hopefully, this resource can aid in allowed him to make an invaluable continuing research related to providing contribution to members of a foreign military ministry during epidemics. nation’s military families. The editorial comes from the pen of our Next, the Rev. Dr. Schreiber shares some resident Cynic, Diogenes. This time, he insights gained during his recent PhD ponders the nature of military ministry studies. The subject of Moral Injury during a pandemic. He offers suggestions continues to deservedly gain recognition in that are worthy of our own consideration. the armed forces, and his approach will prove particularly resonant to Christian An Invitation to Aspiring Writers chaplains. We always welcome manuscripts for future Dr. Paget is a highly respected expert on issues of Curtana. This is an opportunity crisis ministry, who also serves as an FBI for veterans to share some of the valuable chaplain. She has graced us with two lessons you learned during your own chapters from her publication, Ministry military service. The winter issue deadline During Pandemic: From Awareness to will be 10 January 2020, but submissions Implementation. are welcome at any time. iv | Curtana † Sword of Mercy Curtana † Sword of Mercy | 1 A Spiritual Journey of Life and Ministry My Personal Story Raul Sanchez “If you, Lord, mark our sins, Lord, who can stand? But with you there is forgiveness, and so you are revered.” Psalm 130: 3-4, NAB When I was born in the small town of Uriangato, State of Guanajuato, Mexico there was no sign that would predict I might one day have the joy of serving God and my neighbor as a priest. There was even less likelihood that one day I would do so in the United States. And, only the Lord himself could know that he intended for me to spend years serving as a chaplain in the United States Air Force (Psalm 139:3). I come from a large family of twelve, six boys and six girls, plus mom and dad. I was the baby and I truly enjoyed that because all of them would take care of me with so much concern and affection. I had a very happy childhood. In our family, of course, we were Catholic but in the house it was a different story since my mom and my dad had a different background. On my father’s side, as I look back, he had preserved, in his own way, in a very simple manner, what later on I learned as Jewish festivals and traditions, an obligation to God and an understanding of life itself. On my mother’s side, as a possible descendant from the Aztecs, she would have her own customs and traditions, very different from those of my father. It is important to remember that in ancient America we had the religions of the Aztecs in Mexico, the Mayas in Yucatan, the Incas on fertile plateaus high in the Andes mountains of Bolivia and Peru. The Aztecs had an elaborate priesthood and in the temples conducted the rituals with rigor and regularity; performed sacrifices, interpreted the concepts of life after death, held confessions and granted absolutions. Combined with these two religious backgrounds, as they were practiced privately at home, we would go to church to practice the Catholic faith just as did everybody else in town. 2 | Curtana † Sword of Mercy My father was a campesino, that is, a “peasant.” Indeed, a humble farmer who serves God is better than a proud philosopher, who, neglecting daily life, contemplates the course of the heavens. It was hard work, cultivating corn, beans, wheat, squash, etc. The fruit of the land depended on seasonal rain. Certainly, true faith in God was not a luxury but a necessity. Being the youngest child, my duties were to take care of the cows, oxen, goats, donkeys, horses, and chickens. As I was growing I had to work just as my older brothers. Our daily diet was, of course, beans and tortillas. (Because of that, some refer to us as “frijoleros.”) Sunday was the best day because we would have sweet bread, drink milk, eat pork meat, or beef or something good. Sunday was a joyful day! This made me think that there had to be a life where each day was like Sunday. I began to observe what priests used to eat, not only on Sundays but every day, and I thought here is what I should do: go to the seminary and hopefully one day become a priest. (My stomach, of course, did not provide my own encouragement to study holy things.) The Path of My Pilgrimage The precise path of my journey was unique to me. Clergy who become military chaplains, do seem to share similar traits. We care about people who willingly place themselves in danger so they might protect others. We care about their families, who share in their sacrifices. We believe that the armed forces in which we serve are dedicated to preserving freedom and peace, even if they must take up arms to defend them. As a chaplain I experienced a camaraderie that continues to this day, even after I had returned to my native Mexico. As I continue to celebrate Mass (it comes from the Latin word: mito mites, mitere, missi, missum, which signifies to send) I recall the good friends I made in the military faith community. I thank God for his many blessings, including an unexpected one. I never anticipated working so closely with dedicated chaplains, who I admire, from so many different faith traditions. My service opened my eyes, and my heart, to the exciting ways that God works in our world. I was thirteen years old when I went to the seminary. In our town and in our region all parishes were taken care of by the Augustinians, so I decided to join the Augustinians. With them I studied humanities (five years). I did my novitiate for a year without leaving the convent for a year and two weeks, reflecting whether I should continue on or leave the seminary. First I took simple vows for a three year period. After two years of Philosophy and one year of theology, I made my Solemn Profession of the evangelical counsels of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity. I continued with the study of theology for another three years prior to ordination to the Diaconate and on to the priesthood. I then belonged to the Provincia del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus of Mexico. I was ordained in Mexico, in my own home town, in December of 1974, in the same Parish of St.