Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Father Patrick Dolan, a priest for the Archdiocese of Louisville and a retired member of the U.S. Army National Guard, is aiding Catholics in navigating military life during his retirement. He serves on the executive committee of the Apostolat Militaire International (AMI), a lay apostolate that convened last month for its 59th annual general assembly in Mombasa, Kenya. The event saw participation from individuals representing 18 countries across four continents.

The apostolate is an international group of Catholic military members who create a supportive environment through the lens of the Gospel and church teachings. This support helps members understand and address spiritual, moral, and social issues typical of military life.

“They help each other to stay Catholic,” said Father Dolan, who served as a chaplain and rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Army National Guard before retiring.

AMI is recognized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Its members also advise the pope on various matters.

During the general assembly, participants discussed caring for military families under the theme “Military Service with a Human Face.” The U.S. delegation presented on preventing post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans.

Father Dolan shared insights from his nearly three decades caring for Army National Guard members. He discussed ways to help military personnel reintegrate into their communities after deployment or war.

When service members return from deployment, he noted, “they come back changed.” Anger, grief, and guilt can become dangerous if not addressed properly. “We found three tools that work,” he added.

The organization has been supporting its members for close to 60 years since its founding after World War II in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route ends in Compostela where St. James the Great is believed to be buried.

“Lay people (who were members of the military) were meeting each other at Catholic shrines” around the world," said Father Dolan. "They decided to put a group together that has delegates from everywhere to help them stay Catholic… It’s a wonderful bonding between different branches of the military.”

While addressing serious matters at its annual general assembly, AMI also allows host nations to showcase unique aspects of their country. In Kenya, participants visited wildlife at a game preserve that had once been a Portuguese military fort from the 1500s.

For more information about this lay apostolate, visit www.apostolatmilitaire.com/.