(Vatican Radio) As we head into Holy Week, Catholics are preparing for ceremonies
which will culminate with Mass on Easter Sunday. Many people will be celebrating the
Lord’s resurrection with family and friends. But for others such as soldiers on duty
away from home Easter will be a time spent apart from their loved ones. Fr Robert
McCabe is Chaplain to the Irish forces, who participate in overseas missions with
the UN in the cause of peace. He spoke to Lydia O’Kane about the comfort faith can
give serving members especially at this time of year.
“We’ve soldiers overseas
right through the year sometimes, yes, on occasions like Christmas and Easter which
are very key moments for family, very key moments for parish communities in prayer.”
Father McCabe goes on to say, “The chaplain is someone who gathers people regardless
of rank, that’s an important benefit that we bring to our role” At present Irish forces
maintain a presence in countries including the Congo, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Uganda.
Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s interview with Fr Robert McCabe: