“There are more sacramental moments than we know.” —Brian Doyle
Beside a canvas shelter marked only
with a single white crucifix, khaki-clad
Marines kneel before a makeshift altar.
A chaplain in chasuble and stole invokes
the Savior’s presence in Eucharistic prayer.
Palm fronds and tree limbs shadow vulnerable
bodies. A jacket, belt and canteen hang
from an overhead branch. Not far away,
the Coral Sea churns as waves score the beaches.
On this Resurrection morning, in domed
and marble chapels across the ocean,
families pray for loved ones’ safety
and an end to war. This dated black
and white photograph shows men
with heads bowed and hands clasped
in prayer. Worried and weary faces
suggest a lull in the battles scattered
across the Solomon Islands
from Guadalcanal north to Bougainville.
The eyes of the priest are closed for a moment,
a respite in the ongoing bloodshed. Here,
a chaplain performs his sacred duty
while Japanese troops may lie quite near,
plotting the next round of slaughter.
Confounding mystery and grace,
the Marines worship in peace.
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I almost certain that my maternal uncle, Captain Harry. B. Barker, Third Marine Division, Ninth Regiment, Third Battalion, Company L was in attendance at this Easter Mass. In speaking with one of the Marines a few years ago that was in his Company, he told me that Uncle Harry sang the “Ave Maria” to his fellow Marines around a campfire in New Zealand. Although this Marine was a Mormon, he said that it meant so much to him that his Captain sang to him and the other Marines.
On July 21, 1944, Uncle Harry was killed in action on Guam. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his valor.
I am graduate of Saint John’s, class of ’72.
Wow, thank you for sharing that story about your uncle!
This is a fine and moving poem that reminds us of the awful sacrifices of war–the people who made and make them, as well as the consolations offered by religion.
Stella,
Do you have a photo of the Mass that you could share with me?
Greg
Greg, I have three photos that I found online. I can’t remember the exact source. I am not sure how to attach them here. You might try to Google images for Mass on Bougainville.
Just sent you pictures I have on my computer.