This week in Christian history: ACNA founded, Father Francis dies, Knights Hospitaller lose Fort St. Elmo
Father Francis Duffy dies – June 27, 1932
This week marks the anniversary of when Father Francis Duffy, a highly decorated United States Army chaplain who served in World War I, died at the age of 61.
A native of Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, Duffy immigrated to the United States after graduating from college to teach before he decided to become a priest. He was ordained in 1896.
Duffy eventually was made the regimental chaplain for the New York National Guard’s 69th regiment, a highly decorated unit that was deployed in Europe during World War I.
“Duffy was a source of encouragement and inspiration for his regiment from the beginning. He participated in recruitment at the start of World War I, visiting local Catholic churches and leading mass in uniform to drum up support,” noted the National Museum of the United States Army.
“Duffy offered last confessions to Soldiers before engagements and was regularly spotted in the thick of battle seeking out the wounded. He was reportedly considered for the position of regimental commander by Brig. Gen. Douglas MacArthur.”
In 1937, five years after his death, Duffy was honored with a statue in New York City’s Times Square, both for his service in the military and the surrounding community.
