United States – Catholic Military Prayer Book, 1942

Description

This American military prayer book is called “My Military Missal” and is a Catholic missal used by soldiers in the armed forces during World War II. It was part of the spiritual equipment given to Catholic soldiers to help them practice their faith while on duty.

Background and Purpose:

This missal contains the Catholic masses from the authorized “Missale Romanum”, used by military chaplains.

The book was intended for American soldiers and sailors who participated in World War II and contains practical advice for practicing the Catholic faith during the difficult conditions of war.

It was easy to carry and hard-bound to withstand field conditions.

Contents and Features:

• Instructions for following the mass even if a chaplain was not available.
• Prayers and devotions, including the Our Father and other traditional Catholic prayers.
• “World Mass Clock,” a unique feature that helped soldiers know where Masses were being held around the world, so they could pray in unity with the Church.
• Advice to Catholic soldiers on how to live a devout life even in the brutality of war, including seeking a chaplain, praying daily, and holding fast to their faith.

Significance during World War II:

Military mass books like this one were an important part of the spiritual and moral support for soldiers at war.

They were printed and distributed by the National Catholic Community Service (NCCS) or other Catholic organizations in cooperation with the U.S. Armed Forces.

Many World War II veterans kept these books as a memento of their time in service.

Collectible Value and Historical Significance:

These books are now collectible items, especially for those interested in military history and religious artifacts from World War II.

They provide insight into how religion and spirituality played a role in the lives of soldiers during the war.