Views from the Choir Loft

Video • Mass during WW2

Andrew Leung · May 5, 2016

APPY SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION! Today, I would like to share a vintage video of a Mass celebrated by an army chaplain in 1943. This Mass was celebrated in Makin Islands, Kirabati, during World War II. In the video, you can see the soldiers gathering around a jeep that is decorated as an altar.

I just found this video and I watched to whole thing, I am very impressed by the reverent that the priest and soldiers showed during the Mass. The priest wore every single pieces of the vestment. And even though the Mass was celebrated on a jeep, the “altar” was decorated and dressed with linens, altar cards, crucifix and candles. The soldiers also stayed knelt through the Canon and when they receive Communion, even when they are on the battlefield risking their lives. They didn’t miss any little details of the liturgy. It makes me wonder why we can’t show the same reverence nowadays. I think we can all learn from these men!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

About Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung currently serves the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers, and music director at Our Lady of China Church.—(Read full biography).

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