 | | | Archbishop Edwin O'Brien (Courtesy of The Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A.) | |
Close up with Archbishop O’Brien
Favorite book The New Testament, Second Corinthians. We hear in this book about the light shining on the face of Christ and shining in our hearts and joining into our own lives. Moses on Sinai having to cover his face because of the light. Saul seeing the light on the road to Damascus. This is the light of Christ at work in our lives through grace and faith. It’s grace working in us, not something we accomplish.
Also…- Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
- Witness by Whittaker Chambers
- Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton
Favorite hymn Oh, probably Faith of Our Fathers … and … O God, Our Help in Ages Past.
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Archbishop Edwin O’Brien heads The Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A., serving 375,000 military personnel, 900,000 family members, and 300,000 Coast Guard and reserve personnel. About 1,000 chaplains cover a lot of ground in the diocese – and so does Archbishop O’Brien. It’s not unusual for him to hit 30 military bases in 4 countries in 60 days. O’Brien began his military career almost by accident when he was assigned to West Point right after ordination in 1965, and was named archbishop of the military archdiocese in 1997. On October 1, he will succeed Cardinal William Keeler as archbishop of Baltimore.
CD: War is such a wrenching experience for families…O’BRIEN: Yes, it is. A family that survives the pressure has to be a very strong family. And families certainly are affected more and more. Years ago, about one-third of our young military personnel were married. Now, it’s the reverse. Many marry just before they go to Iraq, and there’s immaturity there, and a lot of them don’t come through (those marriages). Our chaplains will tell you family counseling takes up most of their time.
CD: Does war deepen a person's faith or shatter it? O’BRIEN: It does both. I read a story in the news about a Protestant chaplain who lost his faith. I can see how someone witnesses the terrible bloody reality face to face and that happens – it’s got to test one’s faith. That is why the motivation has to be very strong to serve. Every chaplain is very clear about one thing: I’m willing to sacrifice my life in service for the cause of peace.
CD: What do you want Americans to know about your diocese, your chaplains, your parish? O’BRIEN: So many people only have the vaguest idea of who we are: Wherever the military serves, that’s where we have jurisdiction. I know Americans appreciate the military. But if they knew it as I know it, they would really love the military.
The culture of generosity and authenticity is profound. Seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds come in lost. After two or three years, by and large, they are transformed. They are willing to give themselves away for a higher good. That’s in all of us, but that must be brought out. And the military does that. The dominant theme throughout the community is that I serve, and it rubs off on families.
