Archbishop says morale is high among chaplains, soldiers in Iraq

Published: 2007-04-03

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (CNS) -- Morale is high among priests and soldiers serving in Iraq, Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services told Providence diocesan priests gathered March 21 at Our Lady of Providence Seminary. The archbishop noted that, while there has been a decline in the number of priests serving as chaplains throughout all branches of the military, there is a steady increase in the number of soldiers seeking the sacraments in combat and in families requesting the support of Catholic priests. "There is a rise in baptisms, and those seeking to return to the church," he added. Archbishop O'Brien presented an overview of the Middle Eastern conflict and the war in Iraq, stating that he is wrestling with some of the same questions the U.S. administration has as battles continue to be waged and the number of casualties escalates on a daily basis.

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