Mass without pews

Mass without pews

Mass in a Connemara Cabin

By Alyosius O'Kelly 

mass without pews--wartime edition

Mass during World War I. I do not know the exact location.

Mass without pews---wartime edition

WWII

Looking at these battlefield Masses was really fascinating.

Mass without pews--wartime edition

 Khe Sanh 


Fr. Robert Brett was a Marist Priest from Philadelphia. Private First Class Alexander Chin was from Baltimore. They were an incredible team. They  died together a few weeks after my first birthday in February 1968, in Khe Sanh Provice Vietnam and  they buried side by side in Arlington Cemetery. After reading their story I was struck with genuine awe and shed tears.

Eternal rest grant unto them Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen

Mass without pews--wartime edition

 

Mass Without pews---wartime edition

 Mass for Marines in Khe Sanh, Vietnam

Mass without pews---war time edition

Mass without pews--war time edition

This Mass was in Vietnam. The altar is made of what looks like sandbags and a MRE(?)  C rations (thanks Digital Hairshirt) box.

Mass without pews--wartime edition starting off with Fr. Corby

Fr. Corby giving a general absolution to the Irish brigade before the Battle of Gettysburg.


Reader, Newguy gave me a terrific idea for a series. I found some photos of Mass or priests either before or after Mass on the battlefield and I'll be posting them every week or so. The men at these Holy Masses lacked pews, roofs, kneelers but they really didn't lack a thing.