February 3
Feast of the Four Chaplains
For the Anglican Ordinariate of Saint George Chaplaincy — The Reverend George L. Fox (Methodist), Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Father John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), The Reverend Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed).
Commemorating Fox, Goode, Washington, and Poling — USAT Dorchester, 1943.
Collect
O God, whose blessed servants George, Alexander, John, and Clark, in the hour of peril and death, gave themselves in loving sacrifice for the salvation of others: Grant unto us such faith, courage, and charity, that we, following their example, may steadfastly serve thee and our neighbour, even unto death; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, the sacrifices and prayers of thy people, which we offer in thankful remembrance of the holy courage and charity of the Four Chaplains; and grant that, strengthened by these holy mysteries, we may abound in faith, hope, and sacrificial love; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper Preface
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. Who dost kindle in the hearts of thy servants the fire of thy love, and didst strengthen thy servants George, Alexander, John, and Clark to minister unto those in danger and despair; who, in the face of death, gave comfort to the fearful, hope to the suffering, and their own lives for the saving of others. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee and saying: Holy, Holy, Holy…
Post-Communion Prayer
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who have received the Sacrament of thy divine charity may be strengthened to serve thee faithfully in peace and in adversity; and, after the example of thy servants the Four Chaplains, may be ready to comfort the afflicted, defend the weak, and bear witness unto thy love in the world; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Optional Commemoration Sentence
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
— St. John 15:13
“Praesens Inter Servientes” — Present among those who serve.