Remarks by Fr. Larry Sherdel
Father Corby monument
Gettysburg battlefield
October 4, 2003
The statue of Father Corby shows the priest giving general absolution to the troops before they went into battle. The words of absolution are as follows: "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his son, has reconciled the world to himself, and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the church, may God grant you pardon and peace. I absolve you from your sins in the name of The Father, and of The son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Of course, these words would have been spoken in Latin by Father Corby, but the men would take those words to heart, for they knew what they meant.
The Irish Catholics going into the battle on this field would have had Mary, the Mother of God, on their minds and in their hearts as they prayed silently: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen"
Let us pray: Oh Lord, our great and mighty God, you are strength for all ages and we praise your wonderous name. We, members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, their family members and friends, have gathered here on this hallowed ground to honor those who have influenced our lives and the way we live in this great country. We pause to remember what happened here and to reflect on those awesome events that changed the life of our nation
How sad your heart must have felt when brother fought against brother and father fought against son. Prayer was being directed to you from all parts of the battlefield, as well as from the tense and fearful hearts of loved ones throughout this nation. You are wonderful, God, in that you heard all of these prayers, and answered them according to your Holy will. Not all could be saved from death; some hearts had to break, but peace returned, and the terrible crime of slavery was abolished from our land.
As Father Corby stood here to bless the troops who were to fight, and pardon the sins of all those who were to die, we ask your blessings upon us, that we may take up the sword of justice and fight for what we know is right -- that which is good, that which is from you, our God. As they found strength and guidance in your mercy and love, which Father Corby shared with them, show us the way to accomplish your will in our lives and strengthen us as we work for justice. May your strength and love continue to guide the people of Ireland wherever they may find themselves in this great world, your gift to us, and may the souls of those who have died, rest forever in your care.
Grant continued peace to us, O Great God: Peace to our families, peace to our Nation, and peace to the World.
All these things we ask in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, Forever and Ever. Amen.
May the blessings of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come upon you now, and remain with you forever. Amen.
Fr. Lawrence Sherdel
Division Chaplain
AOH - Pvt. Barney Devine Division 1
Gettysburg, Pa.