VALLENDAR, GERMANY – How to pray? How to grasp the beauty of a relationship with God? Those themes kindled a European retreat for U.S. Military-affiliated Catholic men over the weekend at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Vallendar, Germany. Nearly three dozen men from various military installations throughout Germany and an airman from RAF Lakenheath in Great Britain immersed themselves in the three days of prayer, spiritual conversation, Eucharistic adoration, confession, daily Mass, and on Saturday, Feb. 3, the Feast of St. Blaise, the blessing of throats.
Mr. David P. Puzicha-Dunn, a Wiesbaden-based retired American soldier who now holds a management position at the U.S. Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), organized the Feb. 2-4 retreat for all men stationed in Europe as members of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). Auxiliary Bishop William (Bill) Muhm, Episcopal Vicar for U.S. Military installations in Europe and Asia—himself a retired U.S. Navy chaplain—celebrated the liturgies, along with other priests including two active-duty chaplains: Fathers John Vianney Okechukwu Ijeoma, CH (LTC), USA, currently stationed at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Stuttgart; and Emeka Christopher Okwuosa, Ch, Capt, USAF, who serves at Ramstein Air Base.
Bishop Muhm said, “Everyone’s time is valuable. I’m inspired that 35 men took a weekend away from family and work to grow in their faith lives. Some drove as many as eight hours to be there. We can be sure that the Lord will repay them a hundredfold in a more profound prayer life and relationship with Him. The retreat was time well-spent by all men who attended. You cannot quantify the benefits of a retreat, but everyone noticed the Holy Spirit’s presence. The men will bring His gifts and fruits back to their families and workplaces.”
Meanwhile, in a separate event also held in Germany, 21 other Catholic U.S. Army chaplains stationed in Europe, Asia, and the United States gathered in Garmisch Jan. 29-Feb. 2 for a biennial training meet aimed at sharpening their pastoral skills as they embark on another two years serving those who serve. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), participated in the training. His Excellency and Monsignor Charles Pope of the Archdiocese of Washington were the featured speakers at the event whose theme centered on the sacrament of penance.
Archbishop Broglio commented on the days spent with the Army chaplains: “The setting at the foot of the Alps reminded all of us of the goodness of God. Msgr. Pope enriched us with his vast experience and the time to exchange with the priests was precious for me.”