In 1939, at the outbreak of WWII and seven years after having been ordained to the priesthood, Rev. Michael Joseph Dalton (May 5, 1902 - April 6, 2009) volunteered to join the Essex Scottish Regiment of the Canadian Army.Off to St. Leonard’s twin city adjoining Hastings. Scene of last enemy invasion by William the Conquerer 1066.
He also noted at this time that there was real danger in these sea areas of encountering German invaders. As he said: “We trusted in God and kept the powder dry.”
Ecumenical spirit was unavoidable and natural; “To meet our lads, had to mingle with thousands of non-Catholics because of the lack of privacy. Had to sit on an army cot and read my Breviary prayers and non-Catholics were reverently silent. I would tell non-Catholics hours of Service in Protestant Churches. Attendance at Mass and the Sacrements better than at Camp Borden.”
Settling in at St. Leonard’s Father Mike kept a detailed journal. How better to get an accurate feeling of the time and place and the spiritual climate than to quote directly from his words.
He also noted at this time that there was real danger in these sea areas of encountering German invaders. As he said: “We trusted in God and kept the powder dry.”
Ecumenical spirit was unavoidable and natural; “To meet our lads, had to mingle with thousands of non-Catholics because of the lack of privacy. Had to sit on an army cot and read my Breviary prayers and non-Catholics were reverently silent. I would tell non-Catholics hours of Service in Protestant Churches. Attendance at Mass and the Sacrements better than at Camp Borden.”
Settling in at St. Leonard’s Father Mike kept a detailed journal. How better to get an accurate feeling of the time and place and the spiritual climate than to quote directly from his words.
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