U.S. Servicemen Reflect on Influence of St. Joseph at Catholic Men’s Retreat in Europe

VALLENDAR, GERMANY – Catholic men stationed with the U.S. Military in Germany—ever vigilant to threats against national security and world peace—took a spiritual breather this past weekend at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center on the peaceful banks of the Rhine River. In that edenic setting in western central Germany, Bishop William (Bill) Muhm, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), welcomed 58 active-duty personnel, contractors, and sons to the annual AMS European Men’s Retreat for those who serve.

The servicemen converged on the historic Marian pilgrimage site at Vallendar from installations throughout Germany, including U.S. Army Garrisons (USAG) Wiesbaden, Stuttgart, and Kaiserslautern, and Ramstein Air Base, for the Feb. 7-9 retreat. In the three days of prayer, reflection, and fraternity, these guardians of liberty focused on the inspiring example and powerful intercession of Saint Joseph, spiritual father to the Lord Jesus. They took part in Mass, prayed the rosary, spent quiet time with Christ in Eucharistic Adoration, went to confession, heard speakers, and held small group discussions focused specifically on how St. Joseph’s example and intercession help those serving the U.S. Military in Europe.

Retreat sponsor David Puzicha-Dunn, a retired American soldier, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and Wiesbaden-based liturgical songwriter, who now holds a management position at the U.S. Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), said the gathering of nearly five dozen was the largest group he has seen in his 15 years coordinating in the yearly retreat. Bishop Muhm commented, “It was inspiring to see dozens of busy men take time out of their hectic schedules for spiritual growth.”

Bishop Muhm, himself a retired U.S. Navy chaplain, currently based in Germany, spoke on the inspiring example and powerful intercession of our Savior’s father on earth. He observed that “fatherhood is not only biological, it is spiritual. That is why Catholics call our priests, ‘father.’ Joseph was and is father to the Lord Jesus and to all Christians.” Father Emeka C. Okwuosa, Ch, Capt, USAF, and Joseph Deichert, Ch, Col, USAF (Ret.), shared their own reflections on St. Joseph. Also participating at the retreat were Fathers John Vianney Ijeoma, CH (COL), USA; Stephen C. McDermott, CH (MAJ), USA; and Alexander B. Scott, CH (CPT), USA.

Bishop Muhm, who serves as Episcopal Vicar for Military Installations in Europe and Asia under His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, gave thanks for the “big success” of this year’s retreat. The dates for next year’s European Men’s Retreat at Schoenstatt are set for Feb. 6-8, 2026. For registration opportunities, keep an eye on the AMS website, www.milarch.org, and subscribe to e-TTENTION, the electronic newsletter of the Archdiocese.