BISHOP MAX DAVIS of the Australian Defence Force reflects on the message of Anzac Day 92 years ago and the dire shortage of military chaplains today
NINETY-TWO years ago on April 25, Fr J. Fahey landed with the first wave at Gallipoli.
He was one of three Catholic chaplains to land with those first ashore at the site which has been called the place where an immortal legend had its beginning.
Fr Fahey was attached to the 11th Battalion of 3rd Brigade.
In a letter to his archbishop, Fr Fahey gives some very graphic details of the devastating reality of that landing.
He describes that he had been separated from his Mass kit and so felt compelled to borrow one from a New Zealand chaplain, Fr J.J. McMenamin.
It was not just that it was Sunday that concerned him, for he writes: “Nowhere is safe, except in a dug-out, for the whole place is in range of the Turkish artillery and they know the ranges perfectly … I do not know if I shall get through this, for we live from minute to minute, but, in case I shall not, I wish to mention here my appreciation of Australian soldiers.
“They are splendid fellows, every one, and I am so glad to be associated with them.
“Nothing could excel their courage and reckless daring, and their cheerfulness in the most trying positions.
“Those men who found discipline irksome in camp, and growled about small things, will now face death with a smile, growl at nothing, and bear the most cruel wounds with smiling cheerfulness.”
They deserved the opportunity for Mass and the nourishment of the sacraments.
Before their despatch to Gallipoli, these troops were concentrated at Mena Camp, just outside Cairo in Egypt.
While there, among their other duties, the chaplains would arrange tours into the city and there are some accounts of soldiers writing home about some of the biblical sites they visited.
Also, while there they would have celebrated, as we have, the events of Holy Week and Easter.
Because of its geographical connections with the story of Moses and the Passover and with the life of Jesus, their observance of this sacred time would have been somewhat special.
No less special is that their celebration would have carried them on to Anzac Cove a few days later.
Last year, during one of the very few opportunities we have had to be able to get a Catholic chaplain to our deployed forces in the Middle East, the priest was engaged to be “in theatre” for Easter and Anzac Day.
He reports very movingly on the very warm welcome he received from the people serving there and on how deeply they appreciated his presence.
Significantly enough the motivating idea expressed by the command was that there be a priest there for Anzac Day. We managed to stretch that to include Easter!
There are quite a few graphic reports from Catholic chaplains, from all the conflicts since, which make similar observations about their privilege to serve with Australian servicemen and women.
They are always grateful to have a priest with them so that they can have Mass and the sacraments but, like in many places here at home, an extra effort is made to attend at Christmas and Easter.
The Easter truth of joyful triumph shining through the most dreadful circumstances answers a fundamental need of our human condition.
It gives real hope and sure promise that no matter what our circumstances are it is always the Father’s will that, through our identity with Jesus, we be very much aware of God’s presence and purpose for us.
It is clear from the experience of thousands that a strong and nourished faith brings the capacity to endure through difficulties and to be able to have confidence that, whatever the outcome, God can always be relied upon for help in suffering and for salvation in the end.
Every Anzac Day, by prayerfully and dutifully remembering those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for us, we are also given an opportunity to reflect on these truths of faith as they apply in our own circumstances.
It is a constant reminder that the risen Lord is still very much part of our own experience.
It is also a time to consider the effects of our communion in faith.
We acknowledge that the actions and sacrifices of others, decades ago, still influence our own lives today.
We are challenged to accept that we have an influence on the lives of others – now, in the future, and, in our enduring Catholic tradition, on those who have preceded us.
As we wholeheartedly and sincerely join in the wonderful community event that the Anzac Day commemoration has become, we might also remember our duty in genuine charity to pray for the souls of the faithful departed who entered eternal life as a direct consequence of rendering a service for us. They fulfilled their duty for us. Let us not fail in our duty to them.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
