Honoring those who died in military service for the United States, Memorial Day reminds us of the beauty of self-sacrifice, particularly in laying down one’s life for the sake of others. On May 17, 2026, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, hosted its annual Pilgrimage and Memorial Mass at the Basilica, remembering those who died and reflecting on their service and sacrifice.
As we observe Memorial Day this week, we hope you’ll take a moment to meditate upon highlights from this Mass and the homily given by Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop of the Military Services, USA.
Called to a Mission of Service
The Mass began with an honor guard of the Knights of Columbus, the posting of colors with representatives from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the singing of the National Anthem. In his homily, Archbishop Broglio discussed how members of the military and the Church are both called to carry out a mission – a mission that is often fraught with unanticipated challenges. Yet as believers, we can have complete confidence in our mission, because it comes from Christ.
“At the Ascension, Jesus gave a clear mission to the apostles, to enter the Church for all time: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.’
The mission is common to all believers, but it cannot always be freely undertaken. In some parts of the world, evangelization is restricted, conversion illegal. In others, belief is ridiculed, secularism dominates, or the gospel is smothered by materialism.
Still, there are many signs that the mission continues. The number of conversions in this country, in France, and in Great Britain, and in missionary lands – never ceases to surprise us. We should be confident in our mission, just as those we honor today were confident in theirs.”
The Ultimate “Permanent Change of Station”
He discussed how just like many members of the military are required to fulfill their duties as they are stationed in various locations across the globe, we as Christians are called to do the same within our own communities until Christ calls us home.
“You all know that part of our overall vocation is sanctity. I’m not talking about being listed in the official cannon of saints, but rather our goal – our ultimate PCS [Permanent Change of Station]. We want to be welcomed in heaven. That is the definition of a saint: a dweller in heaven. That is the reason for the mandate that the Lord Jesus gave to the apostles. That is why we are here – and ultimately what we hope to do in our life journey…
To preach the gospel is for all of us – but the methodology changes according to our specific vocations. We might seem to be thin little pencils, but we are held in the hands of the Omnipotent Artist… We are cells in the hands of Christ’s body, the Church, to do his work on earth.”
Our Prayer for the Military Community
At the end of his homily, Archbishop Broglio called upon the faithful to pray for those in the United States Armed Forces and their families:
“As the Archdiocese for the Military Services, together with friends, we gather to pray for the eternal rest of those fallen in war, and those who have served, returned to a routine, and then died of old age or infirmity. For those who carry the wages of war in their bodies, hearts, and minds… As we pray for them, we do not fail to include the families who have paid the price of service either through loss or illness, or who have accompanied the veteran on the uneven road from battle.
Finally, in this perfect prayer we also remember in a special way the priests who have served the military or the Veterans Affairs department or the foreign service, and have been called back to the Father’s House. Indeed, ours is the land of the free, because the brave have made their home here.”
