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IRAQ-CHAPLAIN Oct-25-2005 (870 words) With photo. xxxn
Chaplain finds spiritual hunger among troops serving in Iraq
By Priscilla Greear
Catholic News Service
ATLANTA (CNS) -- During his two years in Iraq, Army chaplain Father Michael Heninger experienced the critical need for spiritual nourishment in the war zone.
"I had nothing to lose, but I had everything to gain by getting out there and bringing the sacraments to the soldiers and lifting them up and giving them strength and encouragement, and (I knew) that even if I were to die I'd be doing God's will," said the Atlanta archdiocesan priest.
He served as an Army chaplain while on loan to the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.
In an interview with The Georgia Bulletin, Atlanta archdiocesan newspaper, Father Heninger spoke of the special bond created with those whom he met during his two tours of duty.
"I miss the soldiers because they've become my family and you want only the best for them and that they be safe and provided for," he said. "I miss the camaraderie and sense of community that you (develop) through combat."
During the priest's first tour of duty in 2003 with the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., he served during the fall of former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq and celebrated Mass in one of his former palaces. He was redeployed to Baghdad in spring 2004 -- by choice -- with the 1st Calvary Division in Fort Hood, Texas.
Based near Baghdad International Airport on his second tour, Father Heninger would rise each morning around 4:30 or 5 a.m. for "prayer, meditation and preparation" for the day ahead. Then he would set out by helicopter or armored convoy to celebrate Mass at camps around the region and provide religious education, general spiritual support and other needed services.
While the 43-year-old soldier was, as a chaplain, unable to carry a weapon, he was very grateful for his chaplain assistant, Staff Sgt. Salma Burgos, who "put her life on the line to keep me alive."
Together they logged more than 150 missions by convoy or air, he said. "She's as tough as they come, but has a big heart, which is a good combination for that job."
They visited about 485 people each week just in their battalion. Father Heninger also celebrated Mass at the wooden interfaith "1st Cav Chapel" on base, which was hit once by mortar fire when another faith group worshipped there.
"We were all certainly exposed to that constant threat, but we certainly felt safer in the house of the Lord," he said.
In the military about one-fourth of the soldiers are Catholic, but only one out of 12 chaplains is Catholic. During his second tour, there were about five priests serving around Baghdad.
While it's easy for Catholics to become remiss back home about praying and receiving the sacraments, the priests in Baghdad saw clearly how important it was for soldiers who risked their lives to receive the Eucharist in community.
"I have to say that all the people who would participate in the celebration of the Mass, they would come early and not a one would ever want to leave early. In two years I can't think of one who ever walked out early," he said.
"The generals would come to Mass, and they would be highly visible so that soldiers could see that spiritual fitness is key," he added. "This was an important element of staying mentally, physically and spiritually fit -- taking that time for God."
Father Heninger said the soldiers were grateful for the generosity and concern extended by Americans at home, as their prayers and support lifted their spirits and morale. And they delighted in receiving a mysteriously steady flow of notes from schoolchildren.
"I don't know where people got my name, but very often I would just get letters and packages from all over the United States, and we would gladly share anything and everything that came through the mail," he said.
"We would walk around, my assistant and I, with a pocketful of goodies as well as religious items and letters from the kids, and we would all just take time to gather, and one by one the soldiers would open them and read them, and we would all enjoy the moment together," he said. "There's nothing like the words of a young person to make you smile and lift your spirits."
With his obligation to the Army completed, Father Heninger is taking a yearlong sabbatical to focus on spiritual renewal before returning to serve in the Atlanta Archdiocese, where "my feet are firmly planted." Regarding the possibility of re-enlisting, however, it's "never say never," he said.
Certainly his experiences as an Army chaplain during wartime remain with him.
"I don't think you can ever let it go -- between those who died and those you met and the sadness of war. I think (they) will always be on our hearts, and I think you try to grow through it, but it certainly gives me a reason to pause and pray for those other people and to reflect upon what happened," he said.
The priest prays for wisdom for national leaders and the safety of the soldiers and civilians.
"Let's pray our soldiers home by praying for peace," he said.
END
Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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