Today we had tour of the Naval Academy from a friend who is a Catholic chaplain there. We began with the midshipmen’s muster at noon. After visiting many of the buildings, including the chapels, we also strolled about town a bit and had our own lunch. Included was a visit to St. Mary’s. It was a perfect fall day.
Coat of Arms by D Burkart
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Thank you, Father, for posting these inspiring photos of the Academy (and I say that as an old Army man). I would ask your prayers for the following young men of our neighborhood here in Houston, who are all now Marine Corps pilots, or in training (and three of whom are Academy graduates):
Josh Bringhurst, helicopters, deploying again shortly
Wes Ogden, C-130s, to deploy early next year
Stephen Gilley, helicopter school, Pensacola
also, from San Diego, Patrick Green, helicopter school, Pensacola
Was this Fr. Logan who gave the tour?
The great State of Maryland has a unique place in history with respect to the Civil War. Maryland leaned toward the south culturally, although sympathies in the state were as much pro-Union as they were pro-Confederate. Reflecting that division and the feeling of many Marylanders that they just wanted to be left alone, the state government would not declare for either side. Neutrality.
4th picture says “Don’t Give Up the Ship”. Fellow Wdtprs readers, don’t give up the ship on our country yet. Keep praying.
Thanks for the photos, Father. Such a beautiful chapel. We’ve never been there, but look forward to the day we can take our 3 sons. My wife’s grandfather was Class of ’24 and, at the time of his death, the oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor. Interestingly, he served on the Arizona as acting Damage Control Officer, but by the grace of God, was at 8am Mass with his wife and 3 sons on Dec. 7th.
I’m so glad to see these beautifule pictures. My father is amember of the class of ’39 (now planning their 70th reunion next year!), I was raised as a Navy dependent and one of my earliest memories is playing on the steps of the bandstand, just outside the Chapel. It is one of my favorite places to visit, and I hope you enjoyed it. If anyone is ever near Annapolis in the fall or spring it’s worth checking to see if a formal parade is happening– they are incredible sights. (There is one this Friday at 4pm, in fact).
The Midshipmen are impressive young people and it’s such a pleasure to stroll on the Yard (as the campus is called) being greeted formally by any plebe who passes you– they are required to say “Good afternoon, sir” or “ma’am” to anyone they meet.
To Antiquarian:
I’ve been there for a formal parade! It is something I will never forget. You can just feel yourself swell with a feeling of such warmth for the young men and women who will go on to serve us honorably in the Navy or Marines.
The brilliant Dr. David Allen White taught Literature there for over 25 years if my memory serves me correctly. He was a great supporter of the \”extraordinary form\” and it has been said that he has brought many students to the Catholic Faith.
Fr. Z,
Hope you’re enjoying your time in the Archidiocese of Baltimore. Having spent 4 years in Annapolis just out of college, it’s a quaint little town, but traffic is a NIGHTMARE (as I’m sure you noticed). Hopefully you got a chance to check out St. Mary’s off of Duke of Gloucester Street. It’s a beautiful church which would serve as a great site for a TLM, but the attitudes of the Redemptorists running the parish (along with a majority of the laity) make that rather unlikely.
“the state government would not declare for either side.”
I believe this is not the case. As I understand the history, Massachusetts was the first state legislature to have a vote on secession – but it didn’t pass. Maryland then had a vote in their legislature, which passed, but Pres. Lincoln sent Fed. troops to the capitol to keep the citizens from doing anything about it. It was only because Charleston was so distant that their vote to secede was the first successful such vote.
Father, can you relate anything to us about the U.S. Navy’s policy of encouraging Catholic midshipmen to consider the priesthood and military chaplaincy?
I was married in that lovely chapel in 1984. We’ll be celebrating 25 years in February.
Did you get a chance to visit John Paul Jones’ crypt beneath the Chapel? While a midshipman there I was fortunate to assist at a Mass offered by Archbishop Sheen. He told an old joke as part of his homily…it ended with a boy insisting there had to be a pony in there somewhere.
I was baptized a Christian in the swimming pool at McDonough Hall while a mid. The Baptist Navy Chaplain who baptized me was also instrumental in my conversion to the Catholic faith after I married a Catholic and began RCIA. I’ll never forget confiding in my dear Baptist Chaplain friend and his words to me were, “I think you should become Catholic.” My only regret is that I’ve never attended a Mass in the upper chapel…though I attended Protestant services every Sunday.
From a former female mid…the early years! (Class of ’85)
Fr Z,
I envy your current trip. Every American should visit not only Annapolis but also West Point. One leaves in awe of those young men and women who serve and have served and in awe of the Republic for which they served when visiting the respective Academies. One stands also in awe of the leaders who have likewise served with distinction. However, I still think of Commodore Barry as the Father of the American Navy. Father if you have not yet visited West Point you should do so especially this time of year. I live in Connecticut. I am about 45 minutes to one hour away from the Hudson. It is well worth the trip. The foliage this time of year is stunning.
JPG
why would any public instituition have a chapel? surely any organization around since the founding of this nation would know that the founding fathers never intended for faith to play any role in any public
Life or government institutions.
Hmm, if I didn’t know better I’d think that all available evidence contradicted my infallible premise. Maybe i should get fitted for a juidicial robe!
Father, you were right by me today! I wish I had known it was you passing by. I was out with the dogs cleaning and clearing planting beds and cutting down my frost ravaged tomato plants.
I hope you are enjoying your visit to my (current) home state. Do try some crab bisque soup! it’s perfect this time of year.
Stephen M. Collins said “I believe this is not the case. As I understand the history, Massachusetts was the first state legislature to have a vote on secession – but it didn’t pass. Maryland then had a vote in their legislature, which passed, but Pres. Lincoln sent Fed. troops to the capitol to keep the citizens from doing anything about it.”
Mass. threatened to leave the Union in 1803 over the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1814 over issues resulting from the War of 1812.
The Maryland legislature actually held a vote in 1861 after South Carolina voted to leave the Union, but decided against secession. Martial law and large amounts of Federal troops stationed in Maryland thereafter kept Maryland in the Union. However, Maryland contributed approximately 25,000 soldiers to the South (as well as 60,000 to the North.)
My stomping grounds as well–Crofton, MD. I always enjoy the USNA church bulletin and the info it includes about the Church. Plus, I like to see the reminder not to eat meat on Fridays.
Gerry
Lovely pictures father. I spent 11 years growing up in Annapolis and my brother attended the Academy. I still have fond memories of attending Midnight Mass there one Christmas. (My brother was drafted into helping count the collection once Father spotted him, a mid, in the gallery.) The Chapel is stunning in person and your pictures really got the scale right.
Father,
As you are in the neighborhood, may I mention that there is now a “collegiate” Council of the Knights of Columbus at the U.S. Naval Academy? I believe Fr. Logan is the Chaplain. West Point has had a Council for quite some time so this was a great “coup.” Also, the FOCUS missionaries are on the USNA campus and apparently doing superb work. We need more priests who are former military!
D.v.