The world remembered the 80th anniversary of D-Day this past week.
Among those remembering were the various religious groups who played a role in the landings.
A number of priests were involved in the landings, acting as chaplains.
One famous example was Fr. Frances Sampson who later became one of the inspirations for the film Saving Private Ryan. He landed as a chaplain on D Day and was facing execution until a Catholic German Officer recognised him as a priest and had his life spared.
A number of Irish priests were also involved. Fr. Cyril Crean was a chaplain at Normandy and later became the head of the chaplaincy in the Defence Forces, serving twice in the Congo.
One man, Sean Deegan, later became Brother Columba Deegan, a Franciscan. He served fighting at Normandy. In this photo, you can see him returning to the beach decades later.
Another Irish priest, Fr. Jack O’Brien, was remembered by Archbishop Eamon Martin, who travelled to Normandy for the commemorations. Fr. O’Brien was a Columban, who can boast of many martyrs in the 20th Century.
As a related story, we also shared the story on X of the filming of Saving Private Ryan in Ireland. Steven Spielberg invited the Irish army’s chaplain on set to bless the crew and cast, to honour those who died.
My God Bless all who fought and died that day.
