VALLENDAR, GERMANY – Dozens of Catholic U.S. servicemen based in Europe gathered in Vallendar, Germany this past weekend for a men’s retreat sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The four-day encounter took place Feb. 5-8 at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center, an historic Marian pilgrimage site on the Rhine River. AMS Auxiliary Bishop William (Bill) Muhm and several brother priests welcomed 54 servicemen, defense contractors, and others including family members from U.S. Army installations across Germany, Ramstein Air Base, and U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Vicenza in Italy.
The retreat was organized by Mr. David Puzicha-Dunn, a retired American soldier, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and Wiesbaden-based liturgical songwriter. The turnout was one of the largest ever in his 16 years coordinating the annual retreat. Reflecting on the theme—”The Holy Spirit”—the men of faith praised God in daily prayer, took part in Holy Mass, knelt in Eucharistic Adoration, prayed the Rosary, and had the opportunity to experience the sacrament of penance. They heard speakers and took part in group talks, celebrating fraternity and fellowship in the tranquil setting far from the stress and pressures of daily military life.
Among priests and chaplains participating in the retreat were Fathers Stephen C. McDermott, CH (MAJ), USA, based at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Stuttgart; Sylvester C. Ileka, CH (CPT), USA, and Chinedu Kelechi Okite, both based at USAG Wiesbaden; and Joseph Deichert, Ch, Col, USAF (Ret.), based at Ramstein Air Base.
Bishop Muhm, who serves as Episcopal Vicar for Military Installations in Europe and Asia under His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, gave thanks for the large turnout at this year’s retreat. The dates for next year’s European Men’s Retreat at Schoenstatt are set for Feb. 4-7. 2027. For registration opportunities, keep an eye on the AMS website, www.milarch.org, and subscribe to e-TTENTION, the electronic newsletter of the Archdiocese.