We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling them before they die. It has to be quick work, no time for ‘trimmings.’ I have positively a pain in my arm giving Absolution and Communions in the morning. I was able to manage Exposition all day last Sunday, which bought in many an erring sheep. I realise that from this on my life will be a martyrdom in a way I never thought of. I have got to love my brave lads almost like my own brothers and sisters. They are so wild and reckless, and at the same time so full of faith and love of God and His Blessed Mother. Yet soon I shall have to see the majority of them blown to bits, torn and mangled out of shape. Our Brigade is leaving tomorrow for France. I am waiting till Friday night, so as to get in all the confessions I can. Do pray I may be able to say daily Mass. I shall carry everything necessary on my back, and so may manage the Holy Sacrifice in the train.
Souls. Father Doyle desired that all the soldiers would be spiritually prepared for death. He gave all his energy to carry out his priestly duties with love and devotion. As he witnessed the loss of so many of his beloved “boys”, he, too, realized he would someday be one of those who would himself, be preparing for death on the battlefield. he patterned his labors after Christ, giving all he could to the very end, willingly and out of sacrificial love.
Father Doyle, please remember, Danny, in America who is on a battlefield of his own where he is fighting powerful cancer.