Priests in Uniform
Catholic Military Chaplains in the First World War
James Hagerty
This moving and vivid account recalls the dedicated ministry of priests who ministered to men engaged in a war without precedent.
The First World War brought dramatic changes to military chaplaincy. As the size of the armed services increased so too did the demand for chaplains. Over 5,000 Christian and Jewish clergymen served as chaplains and of these 800 were Catholic priests. Despite the huge size of the Royal Navy and the large number of Catholic sailors, far fewer priests served as naval chaplains.
Priests exchanged their normal routine for theatres of war. All chaplains lived in the same conditions, experienced the same dangers, and witnessed the same carnage as the men they served. Chaplains celebrated Mass, administered the sacraments, tended the wounded, buried the dead and brought spiritual comfort to men in need.
Their commitment earned them respect and admiration. Some chaplains were killed, others were wounded, gassed or died of natural causes. Many were decorated for bravery. It was not a ministry for the faint hearted and their wartime accounts and post-war reflections bring home the true nature of their apostolate. As they worked with those of other denominations, the seeds of ecumenism were sown for a few.
Dr James Hagerty has written and lectured extensively on Catholic military chaplaincy and Priests in Uniform is a work of meticulous research. It is a moving testimony to the unique and brave ministry of many priests and a fitting centenary tribute to the Catholic Bishopric of the Forces.
978 085244 906 6 500 pp £25.00 Hardback
No Ordinary Shepherds
Catholic Chaplains to the British Forces in the Second World
War
James Hagerty
Over 900 chaplains served all branches of the armed forces throughout the war. Relying
on evidence that includes hitherto unseen personal records and papers, James Hagerty
tells the many and varied stories of unarmed priests who willingly went into battle
alongside the men and women they had volunteered to serve. This book follows Dr Hagerty’s
groundbreaking history of Catholic chaplains in the First World War, Priests in Uniform,
described by The Tablet as ‘a comprehensive and compelling portrait’.
978 0 85244 955 4
512 pages
£25.00 Hardback