“War is the ultimate human failure,” says Capt./Fr. John Nemanic. Not a sentiment I expect to hear from a military chaplain but Fr. John is adamant. “Human beings are called to be in communion with one another; to love and help each other. I had to grapple with this.” As we continue the interview, he expands on this conflict. Barely nine months ago, Fr. John was a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Calgary. Now he is a chaplain serving in the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada (RC Milord Canada) under the supervision of Bishop Scott McCaig. The RCMilord is described as “a diocese of massive dimensions” serving not only military members and their families at home, but also wherever the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have a presence around the world. Fr. John is simultaneously an officer, serving under a military chain of command including the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS). This branch of the military, which Fr. John describes as similar to Alberta Catholic schools in that it serves all faiths. According to the National Defence website, “CAF chaplains attend to the needs of all members of the CAF and their families, whether they identify with a particular Faith Tradition, have no specific spiritual/faith practice, belief or custom, or are spiritually curious.” In some ways, this is similar to parish work, caring for the spiritual needs of all CAF members, those who are Catholic, those from other faith backgrounds or those who have none. The pluralism found within the CAF reflects that seen in Canadian society as a whole, so chaplains have to be prepared to deal with all of it. Fr. John says, “As individual chaplains we’re told to be faithful to our faith traditions, so I might refer for example, a same-sex marriage request, to another chaplain. The chaplain might also refer military families to the local (secular) parish, for example, for sacramental preparation or for French-language Mass. He also liaises with other houses of worship nearby to be able to refer different faith adherents appropriately. It’s an environment of ecumenism and outreach into which chaplains are rigorously initiated. Fr. John felt a calling to the military as early as his calling to the priesthood. His father served in the Yugoslavian army, so after Fr. John was ordained in 2008, he considered serving as a reservist. However, he found the commitment unsustainable with full time parish work. In 2017, his yearning to serve for the military resurfaced during centennial celebrations of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Eventually, he applied to the RCChS and began a long process of interviews, physical tests, evaluations, educational qualification assessments and personal reference checks. “This was also to test the call,” Fr. John says, “A lot of it was prayer.” Once he was accepted, he was posted to Garrison Petawawa in Ontario (population 19,000 including 6,000 people directly connected to the base). He then began 13 weeks of basic training from 5 am to 10 pm. It was a tough regimen designed to emphasize teamwork and endurance under adversity, as well as essential fighting skills. Chaplains do not carry weapons, although they do have to learn how to safely disarm them. They also do not command any personnel but bear an officer’s rank so they can minister to members at all levels. Chaplains have authority, and an obligation, to present significant issues from the rank-and-file to higher-ups. They also preside at religious services and form part of the group which delivers news to a family following an incident. It was during basic training that Fr. John experienced a memorable moment. Among his fellow trainees, who ranged in age from 19 to 50, one approached him expressing suicidal thoughts. Fr. John arranged for mental health support for the person. He remembers being awed and humbled by the “power of the padre”, to be trusted with a confidence at the outset of his training. Not all his experiences were as positive. While visiting the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa during Basic Training, he paused in front of a large display of instruments meant to kill and maim. “My stomach churned,” he says, “I wondered, ‘am I enabling this by serving in the CAF?’” With the help of an advisor, he came to understand differently. “Canada’s interests in going to war are noble: to defend our country and defend those who need our help.” He goes on to say that Jesus met violence with acceptance when he submitted to being crucified. Chaplains can provide solace to those who’ve had to kill and those suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Fr. John explains that soldiers have to accept what the military terms ‘unlimited liability’ which means they cannot refuse an order even if it places them in dire danger. Officers have to deal with issuing such orders. Even peacekeepers, who are not permitted to fire unless first fired upon, can encounter terrible situations which they are powerless to affect. “It’s such a conundrum to support CAF members but not believe in war,” Fr. John says. “Only God can bring creation out of chaos. Pray for peace in our hearts and homes. Pray that there is no more war and no need for the military but pray also for our soldiers.” Fr. John ends our interview the same way he began it, with gratitude to Bishop McGrattan for “putting me on loan to the military”. He says fervently, “I would never have found peace until I knew if I could do this. God has put me in a place where I can really help people.”
13 Comments
Kris Renger
6/26/2023 08:57:23 am
Well done Fr. John! I can’t think of anyone better suited to this important mission!
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Katherine Glasgo
6/26/2023 09:40:43 am
Congratulations Fr John, May God bless you on your mission. 🙏❤️
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Claudia dT
6/26/2023 12:39:40 pm
God bless you and your work in the military Father John, we miss you at SMCC.
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John Wu
6/26/2023 05:39:41 pm
Make God hold you all in the palm of his hands. May you be in the shelter of God's wings as prayed for in the Sunday night prayer. Take care of yourself also.
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Maggie Piechotta
6/26/2023 07:05:25 pm
Father John was our parish priest here in Chestermere. He was an amazing Pastor, and I am so proud of how his faith encompasses everything and everyone. Blessings Father John!
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annie wesley
6/27/2023 06:59:17 am
Congratulations, Father. Great example for all of us. Warrior for Christ. You will be in our prayers.
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Vicki (St. Mary's)
6/27/2023 02:07:25 pm
I am so very happy to get an update from Fr. John Nemanic and learn more about his new role. It is wonderful to hear that you are following your calling. Fr. John, you will be in my prayers. God bless and keep you safe.
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Eugene
6/27/2023 03:11:02 pm
Thank you for sharing.
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Roland
7/3/2023 12:07:38 pm
Keep up the work, Father John. It’s very demanding; we discussed it.
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Pam VDM
7/3/2023 03:31:42 pm
Father John I am inspired by your strength and tenacity to always follow the Holy Spirits guidance no matter the cost to yourself - you did that in our parish and I see that you are doing the same on this mission. You look beyond the easier path to one that is less traveled and thus bears much more fruit in the struggle of it. God bless you on your journey with courage, wisdom and strength of faith and calling!
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Celeste Harrison
7/3/2023 04:31:02 pm
Lovely article about you, Father John. We are praying for you and for your ultimate mission of peace. You so often spoke about us being a field hospital, and here you are! Ministering to so many hearts! And you would also quote: but your nets out into the deep…and here you are, putting your nets out into the deep. You are a man of faith who lives his faith for all to see. Thank you for being such a faithful, inspiring witness!
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Peggy M
7/3/2023 09:33:19 pm
It’s wonderful to hear from you! Thanks for sending pics too. We miss you but are happy you are pursuing your dream. Without a doubt, you will make a memorable and valuable contribution to CAF as you also did at SMCC. May God bless and protect you always. 🙏
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Lisa
7/4/2023 03:32:19 am
The CAF are lucky to have you! You are a beacon of light in dark and uncertain times. The struggles you must have to endure are trying but your strength and faith in God will and have helped you through it all to achieve this mission. You are so very missed at SMCC, so very much! But we continue to pray for you and think of you. Our children will be thrilled to hear an update. May Hod protect you and continue to give you the strength, courage, passion and love on your journey.
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