Readings:
Jeremiah 17:14-17
Psalm 18:1-6,18-20
1 Corinthians 15:12-22
John 10:11-18
Preface of a Saint (2)
PRAYER (traditional language)
Almighty God, our sure defense: We give thee thanks for thy servant[s] Frederick Howden, [N.___] and all military chaplains who provided comfort and inspiration in time of battle; and, following the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, laid down their lives in the service of others. Inspire and strengthen us, also, for the duties of life still before us, that we may be faithful to the end; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
PRAYER (contemporary language)
Almighty God, our sure defense: We give you thanks for your servant[s] Frederick Howden, [N.___] and all military chaplains who provided comfort and inspiration in time of battle; and, following the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, laid down their lives in the service of others. Inspire and strengthen us, also, for the duties of life still before us, that we may be faithful to the end; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Lessons revised at General Convention 2024.
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FREDERICK HOWDEN, JR.
PRIEST AND CHAPLAIN OF THE ARMED FORCES, 1942
Episcopal military chaplains care for their flock of men, women and children stationed in countries around the world, as well as bases in the US. In times of battle, chaplains often accompany their unit – only without any weapons – in order to provide pastoral care, sacramental rites and the comfort of prayer under extreme stress. They ably administer rites and logistical assistance in field hospitals and Veterans centers, National Guard postings, and frequently a parish at home.
The ministry of The Rev. Frederick "Ted" Howden, Jr, stands out among many heroic chaplaincies. He was twelve years old when his father was consecrated Bishop of the Missionary District of New Mexico and Southwest Texas, and the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. His father ordained him Deacon at St. Clement's Church in El Paso, Texas on June 10, 1928 and Priest, also at St. Clement's, on January 13, 1929. Ted Howden immediately began to serve several congregations in New Mexico, traveling great distances between them.
When World War II broke out Fr. Howden held the rank of Captain in the New Mexico State Guard, a unit predominantly made up of Hispanic, Latino and Native American soldiers. He was the Chaplain to the 200th Coast Artillery when it was federalized and sent to the Philippines in September 1941. He walked across the hills, from battery to battery, holding open-air services and distributing candy, soap, and cigarettes he had foraged for the troops.
At the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor to Japanese forces in April 1942, Fr. Howden and his fellow soldiers were made prisoners of war and were forced to endure the Bataan Death March, during which some 18,000 died. During imprisonment in several prison camps, his heroism and faith were always apparent through the care he provided. Howden often gave his own portion of food to others whom he insisted needed it more. He died of dysentery and starvation-induced pellagra on December 11, 1942, and was buried by his men in a small cemetery in the shadow of the Mindanao jungle, about a mile from the camp. His family would not learn of his fate until June 1943. After the war, in 1948, his remains were reinterred in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
From the Journal of Convention, 2022 |