The Ukrainian visit has left a lasting impact on Canada's military ordinariate. The visit likely involved discussions or observations related to military and religious matters. The ordinariate's activities and focus may have been influenced by the Ukrainian visit.
11 days ago
Bishop Scott McCaig of the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada recently returned from a week-long spiritual retreat in Lviv, Ukraine, which profoundly impacted him 1. The visit, from June 13-20, was aimed at supporting Ukrainian military chaplains who have been serving on the front lines for over three years since Russia's full-scale invasion 1.
Bishop McCaig and Father Terry Cherwick, lieutenant colonel of the 3rd Canadian Division, conducted the retreat to equip approximately 40 Ukrainian military chaplains with spiritual tools to navigate the "unseen warfare" of faith, hope, and charity amidst the ongoing conflict 1. McCaig witnessed firsthand the immense grief and senseless destruction, particularly after visiting graves of thousands of fallen soldiers and praying with their grieving families 1. He described the experience as "heart-wrenching" and deeply impactful, noting that the Ukrainian people desire peace but face an illegal invasion 1.
During the retreat, McCaig addressed the chaplains' exposure to the horrors of war, offering guidance to combat despair and maintain resilience 1. He emphasized the triumph of Jesus over death, drawing on themes from the Book of Revelation, to help chaplains grasp that "something bigger is going on here" and to keep their focus on the Lord, who "has the last word" 1. The sessions explored the distinction between optimism and theological hope, highlighting God's work even in a broken world 1.
McCaig also underscored the importance of forgiveness and overcoming evil with good, referencing St. Augustine's notion that "A Catholic soldier fights to secure a just and lasting peace" 1. He clarified that the ultimate goal is always peace and charity, and that one can justly defend their country while still forgiving enemies, echoing G.K. Chesterton's idea that a Christian soldier fights out of love for what is behind them, not hate for what is in front 1. The bishop's own experience of air raid sirens during the trip reinforced the constant reality of the conflict 1.
The visit solidified McCaig's conviction about the critical importance of Catholic chaplains and their resilience 1. He stressed that while generic counseling is good, it is insufficient; chaplains need to reach into the deepest places of meaning and purpose, which can only come from a relationship with God 1. He advocated for a strong, faith-rooted approach, emphasizing that the "risen Christ, who is alive, has power over death" and provides the necessary spiritual resiliency 1.
Upon returning to Canada, Bishop McCaig expressed his hope that his insights would remind Canadian Catholics of the vital role of spiritual resilience in military chaplaincy, a concept he fears has been forgotten since Canada's involvement in Afghanistan ended 1. He urged Catholics to support Ukraine through prayer, noting that Popes Francis and Leo XIV have called Ukraine "the martyred Ukraine" and that the nation is "begging for prayers not to forget them" 1.
How does the Church minister to those in war?
The Catholic Church ministers to those in war through various means, primarily through the dedicated service of military chaplains and by advocating for peace, reconciliation, and adherence to humanitarian law .
The Church provides spiritual assistance to military personnel and their families, recognizing their unique needs and challenges . Military ordinariates and chaplains are established to ensure that those in the armed forces receive consistent and missionary Christian life support .
Key aspects of this pastoral care include:
Beyond direct pastoral care, the Church actively works to mitigate the effects of war and promote peace:
In essence, the Church's ministry during war encompasses both direct spiritual and moral support for those involved in conflict and a broader advocacy for peace, justice, and the humane conduct of warfare .