Bishopric of the Forces
The Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces provides Catholic chaplains to the Armed Forces.
While the Bishopric of the Forces is waiting for the nomination of a new Bishop, the Rev Mgr (Wg Cdr) John Walsh VG RAF has been appointed as the Diocesan Administrator. Click for a short biography of Mgr Walsh.
The Rt Rev Thomas Mathew Burns SM BA BD served as Bishop of the Forces for six-and-a-half years until 1 Dec 2008 when he was installed the 11th Bishop of Menevia.
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.
Diocesan Administrator Rev Mgr (Wg Cdr) John Walsh VG RAF
In October 2002, Mgr Walsh was selected for commissioned service as a chaplain in the Royal Air Force. He began his military training at the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell in February 2003. His first assignment was to Royal Air Force Brize Norton. He was responsible, with the other chaplains, for the repatriation of the first war dead from Iraq and the comforting of their families.
In August 2005, Mgr Walsh was assigned to Royal Air Force Marham, the largest front line station in the Royal Air Force. From here he was detached to operational duty in the Gulf twice. His greatest responsibility during this assignment lay with the encouragement and support of families. In June 2007, he was assigned to the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell, the Academy of Officer training.
Appointed Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain (RAF) on 1st October 2007, he was elected Diocesan Administrator on 2 December 2008.
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 was a special year for two reasons. Firstly, it marked 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 saw 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 25,000 forces personel from 35 different countries in 2008.
The 2008 International Military Pilgrimage took place between 22-26 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