Archbishop Broglio convenes first of four biannual gatherings for chaplains “serving those who serve” around the world
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Almost 70 Catholic U.S. Military chaplains will gather in San Diego this week for the first of four biannual convocations to be held across the nation and in Rome over the next two-and-a-half months under the direction of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio,J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services.
The four-day gathering at the Courtyard by Marriott at Liberty Station in the seaside community of Point Loma will be a period of prayer and reflection, dialogue, face-to-face meetings with Archbishop Broglio, and informative presentations from guest speakers and clergy of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The chaplains will draw on their convocation experience, learning, and inspiration to hone their vocational and pastoral attention as they embark on another two years of priestly service to the men, women, and families in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The theme of the convocation is “The Joy of the Preaching the Gospel of Luke.” The guest presenters will be the Rev. Msgr. Christopher J. Schreck, Ph.D., S.T.D., Rector/President of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio; and Father Jay Harrington,O.P., Ph.D., S.T.D., author, and professor of theology. In addition, participants will be treated to an overview of natural family planning instruction in view of the new archdiocesan marriage preparation requirements, updates in Canon Law, a renewal of child-protection training, and news from the AMS.
Archbishop Broglio said:
“The convocations are an extremely important moment in the life of this global Archdiocese. They offer the priests and me an opportunity to study questions of mutual interest, see one another, and encourage mutual growth. I am particularly pleased that this year’s sessions will be anchored in the Gospel according to St. Luke, a perfect preparation for the coming liturgical year, which will also be a holy year!”
The gathering in San Diego is the first of four AMS convocations scheduled through late October across the U.S. and in Rome. By holding the convocation in four separate locations, the archdiocese cuts the distance and travel expense for chaplains based around the world to attend. Chaplains who did not attend the San Diego convocation will be able to attend one of those scheduled for Sept. 1-4 in Washington, D.C.; Sept. 15-18 in San Antonio, Texas; or Oct. 27-30 in Rome. Archbishop Broglio will attend and direct each convocation.
