Dear Parishioners:
On June 6th, we will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, OPERATION OVERLORD, commonly known as “D-Day.” Before the invasion began, General Dwight Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, addressed the troops:
You are about to embark on the Great Crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle.
We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Let us be mindful of all those who sacrificed their lives on D-Day but let us also be mindful of all those men and women who have served in defense of our country over the years, including those who serve this very day. As of December 31, 2025, there are approximately 60,000 World War II veterans still alive. One of these veterans is Fr. Zachary Callahan, a priest of our diocese. Fr. Callahan turned 99 years on February 11th, and he was in the U.S. Navy, electrician’s mate, 3rd class. Fr. Callahan resides at the St. Pius X Residence for retired priests in Ronkonkoma.
Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God.
In Christ,
Fr. Brian
PS: A Catholic priest, Fr. Ignatius Maternowski, a 32 year old Army Chaplain, was killed on D-Day by a German sniper. He was a Conventual Franciscan from Ohio who had parachuted in with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
PSS: Father Joseph O’Callahan was awarded the Medal of Honor in WWII. He was the first Navy chaplain to earn the Medal of Honor. A Jesuit priest, he calmly administered aid and led heroic damage-control teams to extinguish fires and dump explosive ammunition when the USS Franklin was devastated by enemy bombs in 1945.