06/06/2026
The parish church of Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy is now famous for what happened there on June 6, 1944: D-Day. Private John Steele of the 82nd Airborne parachuted into town, was injured by flak, and dangled from the pinnacle of the church.
He faked being dead for two whole hours, until the Germans took him prisoner. Later, he was able to escape and rejoin his unit.
Today, these events are commemorated by the "Parachute Memorial," which still dangles from the church steeple. It's a tribute to all the soldiers who fought to liberate Europe.
As our St. Mary on the Lake family, let's pray today for all soldiers who have died in the defense of basic freedoms.
