Focus on History

A Padre in Jump Boots

Details: Created on September 13, 2011; Written by Lawrence P. Grayson

At 1:15 am, on June 6, 1944, most people in German-occupied Normandy were asleep. Then, from the west, came the increasing drone of aircraft engines and of anti-aircraft fire. The largest air armada ever assembled was passing over and now began to drop thirteen thousand paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, while offshore, five thousand ships carrying 200,000 men lay waiting. Operation Overlord had begun. It was D-Day!

Fr. Joseph O'Callahan: The Bravest Man

Details: Created on August 17, 2011; Written by Lawrence P. Grayson

“Mrs. O’Callahan, your son is the bravest man I ever saw.”
What went through this mother’s mind as she listened to Capt. Leslie Gehres, commander of the USS Franklin? Her son did not fit the stereotypical image of a hero. He was more scholarly than athletic, more likely pictured in front of a classroom than in the midst of a combat zone. But, a hero he was.

Fr. Emil Kapaun: The Good Thief

Details: Created on August 09, 2011; Written by Lawrence P. Grayson

Held captive by Chinese troops in a North Korean prison camp, Fr. Emil Kapaun’s faith never wavered. While he was willing to forgive the failings of prisoners toward their captors, he allowed no leeway in regard to the doctrines of the Church. He continually reminded prisoners to pray, assuring them that in spite of their difficulties, Our Lord would take care of them.

Catholic Military Chaplains: America's Forgotten Heroes

Details: Created on July 14, 2011; Written by Major James A. Harvey III

War has been present with mankind in his fallen nature since departing from the Garden of Eden. And throughout history Catholic chaplains have served those fighting on the battlefield.

Garcia Moreno, President of Ecuador, Writes to His Holiness Blessed Pius IX

Details: Created on June 03, 2009; Written by Gabriel Garcia Moreno

In this letter, President Garcia Moreno supplicates Blessed Pius IX like true son asking a favor from a father. It is one of those great documents of history which inspires Catholics to imitate heroes of times past.

American Tradition, Family, Property: Fighting the Counter-Revolution