Not sure precisely when the photograph was taken, but those are clearly American soldiers during World War II, and the priest, Chaplain, at the altar is saying Mass. It is melancholy to think that this was taken during the greatest war in history, but that in many ways the nation and the Faith were far better off then than they are now. But God remains and we remain, and let us strive to be far better than the times.
Christ and Knights
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
God is with us.
A remarkable video is circulating.
It’s from the Ukraine.
A beautiful reminder that he doesn’t abandon us. Look where it rests.
Above the frescoe. Jesus’ Baptism.
https://spiritdaily.org/blog/news/video-discernment-a-miracle-in-ukraine
It’s a photo credited to Margaret Bourque White of American troops at a March, 1945 Mass at Cologne Cathedral. The stonework and the architecture certainly suggests that is accurate, even though the reredos and the mural are no longer there.
Thanks Bob!
I’ll go out on a limb and say that it’s likely most of the troops in the picture are tankers from the 3rd Armored Division, based on the types of jackets they’re wearing, as well as a couple of tanker coveralls. The 3rd armored spearheaded the drive into Cologne and elements of the division had engaged in a battle with a German Panther virtually at the doors of the cathedral. The priest may well be Captain Philip Hannan, who took it upon himself to protect the cathedral after the city was captured.
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/ruins-cologne
It is melancholy to think that this was taken during the greatest war in history, but that in many ways the nation and the Faith were far better off then than they are now.
People about a decade older than my grandparents in the management, people about a decade older than my parents doing the legwork. A combination later cohorts have not been able to beat.
Thanks again Bob. Love the additional info.