July 1: An Honorary Irishman

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is July 1st, and our story is An Honorary Irishman. The Confederate artillery barrage began around 1 p.m. Not until the evening of July 1, 1862, however, was the Phyton Irish Brigade, the 69th New York Infantry of the Union Army, ordered to proceed to Malvern Hill, where General Robert E. Lee had launched yet another frontal assault at retreating Union forces.

As the men marched toward the battle, their chaplain, Father Thomas Ouellette, S.J., marched with them. Born and raised in Canada, the French-Canadian Jesuit completed his seminary studies at St. John's College, then remained in New York until his orders sent him to Europe in 1857.

Once the American Civil War began, Ouellette returned to New York to volunteer for the military chaplaincy. There, the French-Canadian was appointed to a unit composed exclusively of Irish-Americans. The Irishman, however, grew to respect their French priest. Although he was a martinet about religion, he was an egalitarian martinet who would chastise a colonel for swearing as quick as he'd chastise a private. More importantly, O'Welt was fearless in battle, standing always in the line of fire, so he could be closest to the men who needed him most.

When others urged him to fall back, he dismissed them. I'm more than a soldier in McClellan's army, O'Welt would say. I'm a soldier of Christ. Well, it proved that at the Battle of Malvern Hill. As night fell and men fought by the light of bursting shells, Ouellet waged in to open fire. With a lantern in hand, he moved from wounded man to wounded man, asking, Are you Catholic, and do you wish absolution? One badly injured man answered, No, but I would like to die in the faith of any man who has the courage to come and see me in such a place as this.

Captured by the Confederates before the battle's end, but soon released, O'Wallet continued to serve as a chaplain until 1865. He then spent the remainder of his life working in American and Canadian parishes, as well as Native American missions.

Father Ouellette's example shows that standing with those in need, physically, spiritually, and morally, can transform fear into faith. In every challenge, we are called to prioritize service over safety, embodying the presence of Christ for those who need Him most.

Identify someone in need of encouragement or support, and reach out today. Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader Podcast. Join us tomorrow, July 2nd, for another story of faith and courage in America.