From the very beginning, Passionists have sought to accompany people who are hurting or in need. Nowhere has this been more visible than in their service as military chaplains.
In hard times filled with fear, they have offered prayers, comfort and the love of Christ. By doing this, the Passionists live their mission to remember the suffering of Jesus and to stand with people who face great struggles.
The First Passionist Military Chaplain
In 1746, Father Paul Francis Daneo walked onto a battlefield wearing a black robe in Orbetello, Italy. St. Paul of the Cross, as he is known today, was the founder of the Passionists and a unique armed services chaplain in that he served both sides.
He started a great and honorable tradition. Since his time, Passionists have served as military chaplains and ministered in camps and on battlefields.
Passionist Military Chaplains Through the Years
Even though times and wars have changed over time, the role of a chaplain has stayed much the same. Men and women who are far from home, fighting and hoping to make it another day are especially in need of spiritual nourishment. Chaplains offer hope, prayer and encouragement by listening, counseling, sharing God’s Word and celebrating the sacraments with them.
Following in the footsteps of St. Paul of the Cross, many Passionists have continued this mission by serving as military chaplains. Among them are Passionists from St. Paul of the Cross Province and these Passionists from Holy Cross Province:
World War I
Fr. Raphael Grashoff, CP
Fr. Alexander Kilgour, CP
Fr. Edwin Ronan, CP
World War II
Fr. Bartholomew Adler, CP
Fr. Leonard Barthelemy, CP
Fr. Fidelis Benedik, CP
Fr. Julius Busse, CP
Fr. Thomas Carter, CP
Fr. Damien Cragen, CP
Fr. Vincent Ehinger, CP
Fr. Cyril Jablonovski, CP
Fr. Denis M. Keating, CP
Fr. Brian Mahedy, CP
Fr. Owen Monaghan, CP
Fr. Noel Pechulis, CP
Fr. Xavier Praino
Korea
Gail Robinson
Viet Nam
Gail Robinson
