This week in Christian history: Pope excommunicates Venice, Father Francis Duffy born
Father Francis Duffy born – May 2, 1871
This week marks the anniversary of when Father Francis Duffy, the most decorated military chaplain in United States history, was born in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada.
One of 11 children from an Irish-Canadian family, Duffy moved to the U.S. after college to teach before deciding to become a priest. He was ordained in 1896.
Duffy became the regimental chaplain for the New York National Guard’s 69th Regiment, a highly decorated outfit 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.”
For his service during the war, Duffy received the Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Service Medal from American forces, as well as the Croix de Guerre and the Legion d'Honneur from the French military.
In 1937, five years after he died, Duffy was honored with a statue erected in New York City’s Times Square for his service both in the military and on behalf of the surrounding community.
