RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY—Fourteen Catholic priests attached to U.S. Military installations throughout Europe gathered at Ramstein Air Base over the weekend for two days of prayer and fraternity as the Church embarks on a new liturgical year with the celebration of Advent. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS), sponsors the Advent retreat each year to give AMS-endorsed priests stationed in Europe an opportunity to reflect on priestly ministry while sharing their experiences and lessons learned in ministry to members of the Armed Forces.
Archbishop Broglio’s Episcopal Vicar for U.S. Military Installations in Europe and Asia, Auxiliary Bishop F. Richard Spencer, organized the gathering, which included a series of presentations by Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv., one of the Vice Rectors of the Pontifical North American College in Rome and former AMS Director of Vocations, informal discussions among participating priests, and Mass in the base chapel attended by more than one-hundred local Catholics. Members of the Military Council of Catholic Women(MCCW) prepared the meals. The priests wrapped up the retreat on Monday before returning to their assigned installations for another year of serving those who serve in Europe.