RELIGION IN THE FRENCH ARMY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 31, 12 January 1916, Page 8

RELIGION IN THE FRENCH ARMY

I should like to note down here (writes the author of a chapter on "Ileligion in the French Army," in a book published by direction of the Rector of the Catholic Institute of Paris) the observations I have made during a six months' campaign on the religious sentiments of the army. First one must notice the respect the soldier has for the priest. I have read in some papers that one wonders if the military chaplains might not adopt a costume which would leave more freedom to their movements. But what a pity it would be to give up the simple and popular French cassock! One can simply tuck it up in one's girdle and walk with ease. On the battlefield, as in the ambulance or cantonment, the soldier recognises the sacerdotal costume, which reminds him of his cure, his village, his home, his first communion. He respects and salutes it.

"In our division the chaplains do not wear the three stripes, and yet they receive the salute from all the men, and most of the sentries present arms before them. The chaplain is certainly the friend, the confidant, the benefactor, la maman, but he is first of all and above all the priest. This respect for the priest the soldier also shows for the house of God and for everything which has to do with [worship. The entry of troops into church is always very long. Many of 'whom arrive long before the hour fixed for our ceremonies. But they hardly apeak, or unly exhange words in a low voice."