By Anna Wilkinson
MILITARY chaplains occupy an ambiguous space between civilian and soldier.
Their focus is on maintaining the wellbeing of fellow servicemen, a position increasingly recognised in contemporary times.
The work of military chaplains is often discreet, unassuming, as well as deeply personal for those they serve.
Consequently, their service is often overlooked when considering the legacy of the Anzac.
A delicate stained-glass window commemorating Fr Patrick McCormick’s military chaplaincy service can be found at the Regina Caeli Church in Coorparoo Heights, Brisbane.
The window was commissioned after Fr McCormick’s death in 2001 to celebrate his life and time as a military chaplain, and 18 years of service at Regina Caeli Church.
Although Fr McCormick’s service at the church is well understood, there is much to be discovered about his role as a military chaplain in the Australian Armed Forces.
Fr McCormick was born on June 25,1931.
In 1955, he was ordained at Pope Pius XII Seminary in Banyo.
In 1960, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force.
As a chaplain, Fr McCormick’s role in conflict was centred around the life and wellbeing of RAAF Squadron No.2.
He witnessed intimate aspects of servicemen’s lives, providing spiritual guidance and pastoral care to those around him.
Although Padre Pat, as he was affectionately called by his fellow servicemen, was a Catholic priest, he worked with Australians from all backgrounds and religions.
Before his posting to Phang Rang in South Vietnam between 1967 and 1968, Fr McCormick had multiple postings across the Asian region.
This included the well-known RAAF Butterworth base in Malaysia.
Fr McCormick’s energetic manner, balanced by his soft-spoken demeanour, was well received everywhere he went.
During his service abroad, Fr McCormick was exposed to numerous cultures, languages and religions.
This diversity was a great departure to what many Australian servicemen had experienced back home, as the White Australia Policy continued to limit the immigration of people from Asia to Australia.
When stationed in Phang Rang, Fr McCormick connected with two sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
He joined them in establishing the Tan Tai Orphanage, located near the RAAF base. He worked to provide medical care and supplies, clothing, food, milk, and baby food to the children at Tan Tai.
Fr McCormick was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his work on civic aid programs.
The recommendation for his OBE reflected that, “The devotion and duty and the consideration for others shown by Chaplain McCormick has been an inspiration to all. His efforts to help the local population have enhanced the reputation of the Royal Australian Air Force and brought credit to the Australian nation.”
He returned to Australia in 1968 and continued to serve as a military chaplain at the Amberley RAAF Base.
In 1975, alongside Church of England chaplain Stan Ford and Methodist pastor Ben Usher, Fr McCormick established the Service Asian/Australian Social Club, or SAASC.
The SAASC was the first social club established to support Asian war brides who had married servicemen and migrated to Australia.
Although official military and government policies attempted to deter marriages between Australian servicemen and Asian women until the mid-1970s, Fr McCormick and his two fellow chaplains understood that official policies could not prevent loving relationships from forming.
Fr McCormick officially left the RAAF in 1981, and took up a position at Regina Caeli Church.
He retired after 19 years there, and he died in 2001.
He is one of 70 military chaplains who served Australia during the Vietnam War.
Whether it be at a memorial service, playing two-up or watching Collingwood vs Essendon, this Anzac Day take a moment to reflect on the compassionate service of chaplains in times of conflict and peace.
Anna Wilkinson is undertaking her doctorate in History at Deakin University.
