At a Mass to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Military Ordinariate
of Great Britain, on Saturday, the Catholic Bishop of the Forces,
Bishop Richard Moth said that at a time of change for the Armed Forces
of the United Kingdom "the continuing pastoral care of the Armed Forces
community is not an optional extra".
Care of ‘those who are called to be servants of the security and
freedom of nations’ is a ‘vital element’, the Bishop emphasised in his
Jubilee homily.
It contributed ‘to the common good of the nations and
the maintenance of peace’.
At a time when there is a real shortage of
military chaplains in all three Armed Services, the bishop highlighted
the acute need for more chaplains and further resources to ensure this
vital mission.
In this ‘Year of Faith’, Bishop Moth gave thanks for the work of
chaplains as they accompany Armed Services personnel and their families
in their journey of faith: "Our chaplains hold a very special place in
encouraging that journey and we give very special thanks today for all
that chaplains have done and continue to do in their vital ministry."
He also ‘recognised’ and ‘rejoiced’ in the many examples of faith shown by Armed Forces Personnel and their families.
"It is a faith that is lived out in difficult and trying
circumstances. This faith may not be expressed in theological language,
but it is real, humble, honest, hope-filled and expressed in the most
practical of terms."
He particularly asked for prayers for all those who experience
conflict and the pressures of military life – "may they experience the
consolation, strength and sense of purpose that is engendered through
faith".
Chaplains and people from across the Bishopric gathered at the
Cathedral Church of St Michael & St George, Aldershot on Saturday 29
September to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Military Ordinariate of
Great Britain.
The Military Ordinariate is defined by people rather than
by territory. It exists wherever Armed Forces personnel of the Royal
Navy, Army and Royal Air Force are on operations or are resident.
Twenty bishops from England, Wales and Scotland concelebrated Mass
with Bishop Richard Moth and all the chaplains of the Bishopric not on
operations, together with a number of officiating chaplains and local
clergy.
The High Sheriff of Hampshire attended, alongside leading military
figures, including representatives of the other Christian churches from
across the three Armed Services.
The Central Band of the Royal Air Force joined the Cathedral choir
and organist in providing music.
The 1st Battalion, Irish Guards,
provided a Guard of Honour on the steps of the Cathedral.
The White
Ensign, the Union Flag and the RAF Ensign were presented at the
beginning of Mass. Serving personnel from the Royal Navy served
as ushers for the Mass.
The Garrison Commander, Col. Mike Russell L/RALC
read the first reading and representatives of the three Armed Services
brought up the offertory.
The Jubilee Mass was followed by a curry lunch, hosted by the Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards.