Father Adam Marchese, the parochial vicar of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, recently gets promoted as captain of the U.S. Army Reserves. In the past, Father Marchese served as an army chaplain.
Honoring Army Chaplain
In a report with The Florida Catholic, St. Margaret Mary Catholic school first honored the vicar with a school mass. Father Marchese wanted to share the special moment with the students of the Catholic school.
The vicar shared that the students and the faculty were glad to see him advancing in the army. He shared that there was one seventh-grade student who said the school mass was his favorite one.
Father Marchese added that there were parents who cried during the service. He told the news outlet that his promotion meant something to them.
With his new success in life, he hoped to inspire the students with their vocations. The vicar added that he prayed the school would produce some military chaplains.
The vicar will report for active duty in 2023. He admitted he was already cherishing the fruits of his vocation.
Father Marchese added that he already bonded with many shoulders. He shared that he reached out to those who did not identify with any religion.
Chaplain’s Duties
He told the news outlet that what he found unique was that the attitude in the room changed when he entered the room.
According to Father Marchese, the soldiers in his unit always joked that they never could be angry with the chaplain.
He said that this was the gift of chaplaincy. Father Marchese added that soldiers were comfortable sharing their life stories with him.
Lt. Col. Jeff Harvey promoted Father Marchese. Harvey is also a parishioner of the Winter Park church.
He told the news outlet of the importance of Army chaplains in the military.
He stressed the weight of responsibility chaplains carried. Harvey admitted that the chaplains had a lot on their hands.
Chaplains had many people to minister to. Many soldiers often relied on their chaplains for spiritual guidance.
He added that these soldiers confided in their deepest fears. Many of his men often needed reminders that there was still a God.
Harvey explained that his soldiers left their lives on the line. Death was something they often encountered. They needed reminders that God was present.
Finding One’s Vocation
In a previous report with The Orlando Diocese, Father Marchese was ordained into the priesthood on Jul. 25, 2020.
He shared that he knew that his dream was to be a chef when he was ten years old. He never dreamed of entering the military or becoming a priest.
The vicar added that he went to culinary school and even served at The Ritz Carlton. He admitted that he felt no fulfillment despite living out his childhood dream.
He remembered asking God how he could serve the church. Father Marchese said God whispered to him, encouraging him to join the priesthood.
Father Marchese hesitated at first but prayed for guidance. Soon, he found the answers to where God wanted him to be.
During his ordination, he shared that he became sure of who he is in Christ.
More from Crossmap: Salvation Army Orlando launches 'Angel Tree' program to benefit struggling seniors
