Latin Mass

The U.S. Navy photo above, of the (Tridentine/Latin) Mass of the Ages being said in the Igreja da Candelaria (Candelaria Church) in Rio de Janeiro in 1946, is a reminder of what we have been missing for lo, these past 40 years.

The celebrant of the Mass is an American priest and Navy chaplain, Commander Joseph T. O'Callahan, S.J., MOH (1905-1964).

Yes, MOH -- Father O'Callahan was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on his feast day, March 19, 1945. His citation begins this way:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Chaplain on board the U.S.S. Franklin when that vessel was fiercely attacked by enemy Japanese aircraft during offensive operations near Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945."

Click on this post's title to read the rest of the citation -- you'll be astounded and edified at Father's heroism -- and to learn more about him.