This February 3rd marks the 60th anniversary of the sinking of the troop ship USAT Dorchester and the heroic acts of Fr. Washington and three other military chaplains.

Fr. Washington left for military service from St. Stephen Church in Kearny where he was an assistant pastor. This coming Sunday February 2nd, the 12 noon mass will be dedicated to Fr. Washington. This mass is attended by military fraternal organizations from throughout the state, such as the VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, etc. They are an impressive sight, this Greatest Generation of men and women, some of whom still wear their original uniforms, and stand at attention or parade-rest throughout the mass while holding American and organizational flags, their chests ablaze in color from unit citations and personal awards for bravery and heroism.

The mass is to be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Most Reverend Charles J. McDonnell who was an Army Chaplain and retired with the rank of General.

In the rear of the St. Stephen Church is a bas-relief of Fr. Washington and the special commendation presented posthumously to the families of the chaplains by Congress. Just below the Rose Window is a special set of stained glass windows dedicated to Fr. Washington, which include a scene of the sinking of the ship, and Fr. Washington dressed in robes holding a chalice. The emblems of the army, navy, marines, and army air corps are to either side. The window can best be seen from inside the church by looking up to the choir loft.

A contingent from his old neighborhood at this mass would be a wonderful gesture of keeping his memory alive. After the mass you can travel across the new Kearny - Belleville Bridge and travel through Branch Brook Park, look for the White Lady tree, the places you played at, the corners you 'hung out' on, then travel past St. Rose of Lima Church and think of Fr. Washington once more before you hop on Rt 280 and head home. If you can't make it on that day please try to say a prayer for him and the other chaplains, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Rev. George L. Fox, and Rev. Clark V. Poling.

Our parish is about to celebrate it’s centennial in 2004. Our pastor, Monsignor Michael Desmond, is going to ask the town officials to change the name of the street alongside the church, which the rectory fronts on, from just Washington Street (for the first President) to “Fr. John P. Washington Place”.

I’m sure I’ve posted this web site link before but just in case you’d like to take another look…….

http://www.homeofheroes.com/brotherhood/chaplains.html

Thanks for the excellent info, Dan, and for this photo of the stained glass window. It's splendid.

that this Sunday, Feb. 2nd is the special memorial mass at noon at St. Stephen's Church in Kearny. Monday is the actual date of the event from 60 years ago. If you cannot make it to the mass, please keep him in your prayers.

Thanks for remembering my mother's brother - it has been a number of years since the family has been invited to participate in the annual memorial mass for the Four Chaplains in St. Stephen's Parish in Kearny. When my mother was still alive, she was always contacted by someone (probably from the Catholic War Veterans) and notified of the date. We attempted to attend and bring her with us (weather and her health permitting)and have missed this memorial for the past few years since her passing.

I would appreciate being kept informed regarding the change in the street's name and your next planned memorial mass.

Dear Ms. Brunetti......I've sent you an e-mail. Please look for it with this e-mail address. Thank you.