Bishopric of the Forces
The Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces provides Catholic chaplains to the Armed Forces.
The Rt Rev Thomas Mathew Burns SM BA BD became Bishop of the Forces on 18 June 2002 after sixteen years in the Royal Navy.
Full biography can be read here.
His final post in the Navy was as Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain.
The Bishopric of the Forces consists of Service personnel and their dependants, served by over 50 full time Chaplains and over 100 TA and Officiating Chaplains.
Differing from any other Diocese, the Bishopric of the Forces is not aligned along geographical boundaries but encompasses anywhere in the world that United Kingdom military personnel are serving or deployed.
The Bishop has three Vicars' General who are the Principal RC Chaplains to the three Services. The Services appoint them as Principal Chaplains and the Bishop as Vicar's General.
The three Vicar's General make up the Bishop's Episcopal Council.
The Vision
To provide the very best operational, spiritual, and pastoral support, primarily for Catholic Servicemen and women (and their families) and Chaplains, wherever, whenever, and in whatever form it is needed. And additionally to respond to the needs of anyone, of any creed or none, who turns to a Catholic Chaplain for support.
Bishopric Background
1858 - First Catholic Chaplains commissioned
1918 - The Vatican appointed the first Military Bishop
1953 - The Vatican introduced Miltary Vicariates in all countries with sizeable military Forces, including Britain
1986 - All Vicariates were replaced with a diocesan structure which remains in place today
International Military Pilgrimage
Millions of people visit the Marian Shine of Lourdes in Southern France every year. 2008 is a special year for two reasons. Firstly, it marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. 14-year-old Bernadette witnessed 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the French town from 11 February to 16 July, 1858.
Secondly, 2008 sees the 50th International Military Pilgrimage (IMP).
The IMP has grown from a gathering of French and German Catholics in the armed forces in 1958 to this year's 25,000 forces personel from 35 different countries.
The 2008 International Military Pilgrimage runs from 22 May to 26 May.
Audio
Bishop Tom Burns on the 50th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes (mp3)
Useful links
RAF Chaplains
Royal Army Chaplains' Department
Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service
HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust