Priests and chaplains serve military members, veterans

Veterans Day is Nov. 11


Various priests, psychologists, and therapists often discuss the pressures of today's society on individuals. Issues such as inflation, immigration, problems in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, PTSD among veterans and declining church attendance among the young are just a few examples of societal concerns.

One group of individuals who must navigate both societal and military issues are military chaplains. In particular, Catholic chaplains face the challenging task of balancing military requirements, government regulations and maintaining their fidelity to the Church. For instance, at Fort Sill, located just several dozen meters from a Blessed Sacrament chapel, there is also a dedicated space for atheists and Wiccans to gather.

Currently, the chaplain's office at Fort Sill has three men dedicated to serving the active military personnel, staff and some retired military members in the City of Lawton. They include Senior Catholic Chaplain, Father Felix Kumai, as well as two Associate Catholic Chaplains, Father Killian Muli and Father Azubuike Igwegbe.

"Unlike many churches today, his Masses are filled with young people. They cannot wait to spend an hour with God. It gives them some sense of peace and hope," Father Kumai said. 

"Some veterans residing in the community prefer attending Mass on the base, feeling more at home there than in the churches in Lawton."

Joshua Carter, a 21-year retired military veteran living in Lawton, attends Mass twice a month at Fort Sill and ushers on the remaining Sundays at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lawton. Carter understands why veterans choose to return to Fort Sill for Mass and why so many young people attend Mass there.

"The chaplains are some of the finest men I have ever met. They are top notch. I rediscovered my faith while stationed in Okinawa in 2015 and the Catholic chaplains were there for me to guide me back with patience, compassion and love. The chaplains were outstanding through trying times and a source of strength anytime while I was in Japan, Taiwan, Korea or the Philippines," Carter said.

Sergeant Everett Limberg is currently on active duty with the Army and attends daily Mass at Fort Sill. However, this wasn't always the case. He was raised Catholic but drifted away from the faith before finding his way back. With five years of service under his belt, Limberg discovered the same beauty in the liturgy of the Mass, even when it was in a foreign language during his time in places like South Korea.

"I owe much of my Catholic faith to the foundation to my grandmother, she was my best friend," Limberg said. 

He went on to express his appreciation for the chaplains, saying, "One, in particular, has been a profound inspiration in my life. They are truly the best. I can't imagine where I'd be without them."

Father Igwegbe, who has been a chaplain since February, mentioned, "Young people were yearning for Christ, and I felt compelled to answer their call."

Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: (above) Father Felix Kumai and Joshua Carter. Photo provided.