The Irish standard., 1913-07-19


Chaplains of the United States Army
and Navy was held in Washington,
there was one representative who was
delighted to be back on the scenes of
his ordination, and this was Rev.
Francis Brooks Doherty, now chaplain
Of the Third regiment Of cavalry, at
present at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Father Doherty is a native Of Bos-
ton, Mass, and was born on Dec. p,
1862; received his early education in
the public schools Of that city. and
graduated from st. Thomas college,
which was the first college affiliated
with the Catholic University. He was
ordained on July Fl, 1895, at the Cath
Ollie University, became member Of
the Paulist community, and for years
was one Of its most successful mis-
sionaries. The record number for a
single non Catholic mission, conduct
ed by him, was reached at Saint Eli
zabeth's church, Chicago, where the
converts numbered 165.
In 1898, on the request of President
Mckinley, and through the earnest
solicitation Of Archbishop John Ire
land, Father Doherty went as q VOL
unteer chaplain to the Philippine ISL
American army, and did great deal
of good work there.
A chaplain is q non -combatant, but
Father Doherty took his place on the
firing line, and fought with the regi-
'ment, side by side with the soldiers.
He was mentioned in four special dis
patches to Washington for distin-
Eulshed ga1lantry In action in the
Philippine Islands, and Major General
received the chaplains at the War de-
partment during their recent congress,
said, in his address, that Father Do
herty and two others were the only
ones who came out alive, after one of
the engagements in the Philippine ISL
ands, but this is not wondered at by
those who are acquainted with this
gallant priest, for they recognize the
fact, that in this lexicon, there is no
such word as "fear.''
Having had taste Of military life,
and with his love for his church and
his country, he entered the regular
army on March 15. 1902, and was ap-
pointed from California, having been
at Staint Mary's Church in San Fran
cisco. He Joined the 18th Cavalry, and
his first assignment to duty took him
back to the Philippine Islands, for his
original tour there was purely volun-
tary. He later on showed his prefer
ence for foreign service in the Islands,
for when his regiment, the 18th Cav
airy, was ordered home to the United
! States, he sought transfer to the 18th
Infantry, which was to remain in the
Philippines for it's tour Of service, and
with this regiment he served for over
seven years.
In 1910 Chaplain Doherty was trans
| ferred to the Porto Rico regiment of
infantry, with headquarters at San
Juan; on June S, 1912, was transferred
to the 26th Regiment of Infantry, and
in February, 1913, he was transferred
at his own request to the 3rd Cavalry,
| which was sent to the Mexican Dor
| der. that he may have more active
service and an opportunity to use his
Spanish, which he speaks fluently.
Father Doherty's service has been
very versatile-in the Philippines, Por-
States, and an assignment at the big
military prison at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas. He has been most success
full as a chaplain; is great credit to
his church and his country, and it has
been said of him, "he loves the army
and the army loves him."
| Father Doherty is now the senior
of the Army Catholic Chaplains, with
the rank of captain, and there will be
great rejoicing when he attains his
majority, which it is hoped will oc-
cur when the next vacancy in that
grade is to be filed.
| When Father Doherty reaches the
age for retirement, it is hoped that he
| may resume his old missionary labors
among the soldiers Of the United
States army, giving missions at the
various military posts.
| While in Washington recently, at the
request of General Wood, and by per-
mission of Mgr. Thomas j. Shahan
he addressed the students of the
Catholic University. concerning the
student camp established by the Uni
ted States government at Gettysburg.
and urged them to attend.