CMA-US Hosts First National Pilgrimage to Capitol for Archdiocese Chrism Mass

Washington D.C. (18 March 2024) - In the first national-level undertaking of this lay apostolate, some sixty service-members and their families from four CMA-US Chapters spanning five states gathered together for the Archdiocese for the Military Services’ annual Chrism Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Members of all ranks from the Army, Air Force, and Navy traveled to the home of the Archdiocese and began their day at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center just steps from the Catholic University of America. There, they were given a private audience with His Excellency, Most Reverend Timothy Broglio, Archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. During this audience, CMA-US President, SSgt Nicholas Cammaroto, USAF, thanked His Excellency for his pastoral support of the Apostolate and expressed hope for its growth in serving Holy Mother Church on military installations throughout the country and around the world.

Following the audience, the pilgrims enjoyed a tour of the center and the chapel led by the Vicar General of the AMS, Monsignor Anthony Fronitero. Here they heard about the causes for Sainthood for Fathers Emil J. Kapaun and Vincent R. Capodanno, two AMS Chaplains who were decorated with the nation’s highest award for heroism, the Medal of Honor. Both were killed ministering to the faithful on the battlefields of the Korean and Vietnam Wars respectively.

After leaving the Pastoral Center, the group shared fellowship over a catered meal at the basilica followed by a tour of the shrine and grounds. Holy Mass was celebrated in the evening, with a parade of dynastic orders, knights and dames, and priests from across the Archdiocese. Holy music from the United States Military Academy at West Point's Catholic choir filled the crypt church of the shrine along with the dense fog of incense. The pilgrimage was organized and hosted by the Our Lady of Peace Chapter #007 from Langley AFB, Virginia.

The Chrism Mass is a special liturgy celebrated once per year with the Bishop or Archbishop of a Diocese along with his priests as their spiritual father. It was in this sacred liturgy that His Excellency, Archbishop Broglio, blessed and consecrated sacred oils for sacramental use over the coming year in Catholic communities on U.S. Military and governmental installations and chapels across the globe, as well as in the nation’s VA Medical Centers.