More than 80 years since Fr. Ignatius Maternowski, OFM Conv, was killed in action in the early hours of the morning on June 6, 1944, Friar Martin Kobos, OFM Conv., walked down a country lane in Normandy.
It was the same path walked by Fr. Maternowski all those years ago and, as he walked, Friar Martin reflected on how their Franciscan vocation was just but one piece of their shared history. Like Fr. Maternowski, Friar Martin was born in Massachusetts. Both share Polish heritage. They graduated from the same Franciscan high school, attended the same seminary, and lived in the same friary during their early years as friar priests.
“As I walked down that same street in Gueutteville, Normandy, it became so clear to me that he’s just not a name in a book or a story,” Friar Martin said. “Fr. Maternowski’s story is a very inspiring story, among the thousands from that day. There are bravery and self-sacrifice in abundance.”
Friar Martin was in France this June for celebrations commemorating the life and sacrifice of Fr. Maternowski – the only U.S. Chaplain to die on D-Day. As a member of the 82nd Airborne, Fr. Maternowski was killed trying to establish an Allied aide station protected by the Geneva Conventions of the time. Armed with his chaplain’s insignia and Red Cross armband, Fr. Maternowski used his agency to walk a narrow country lane to negotiate with the Germans. He was killed on his return walk to the infirmary.
Honoring a Brother in Arms
On June 3, 2026, an outdoor memorial service and evening candlelight vigil were held in Normandy honoring the life and service of Fr. Maternowski.
The outdoor memorial service was held at the very site of his death in Gueutteville and expressed hope for peace and reconciliation among all nations of the world. During the service, Friar James McCurry, OFM Conv., spoke of Fr. Maternowski’s sacrifice and how his heroism lives on.
“In his Franciscan heart, he risked his life to be an instrument of peace and justice,” Friar James said during the service. “His was a true martyrdom of charity and peace.”
The evening candlelight service was held in an 800-year old chapel where a stained glass window depicting Fr. Maternowski was installed in 2021. It was the largest candlelight vigil in the history of the event, with a couple hundred in attendance, and individuals spilling into the street to participate. Service men and women from the United States, French, and German armies were in attendance. The service included the recitation of the Our Father and the St. Francis Peace Prayer in three languages, and performances by the 82nd Airborne Choir.
“It’s truly incredible to see such a large number of people from all walks of life coming together, sitting shoulder to shoulder in communion with Fr. Maternowski,” said Joseph Hamilton, Director of the Companions of St. Anthony, who traveled with Friars Martin and James this June. “People are making time for these events because what Fr. Maternowski did is important and his memory really resonates with people.”
A Lasting Legacy
It’s been 82 years since Fr. Maternowksi’s death. While the number of D-Day survivors continues to dwindle at commemorative events, Friar Martin believes the memorial services will continue long into the future.
“We underestimate the impact of the D-Day story here in the States,” Friar Martin said. “Normandy is the epicenter of the rescue of Europe and that has passed down to the next generation.”
The Fr. Maternowski Remembrance Project seeks the support of Companions to help continue memorial events in Maternowski’s honor. This project helps maintain his memorial sites and supports community gatherings that promote the justice and peace Fr. Maternowski died to protect.
“His is a Gospel story,” said Friar Martin. “He laid down his life for his friends.”
More information about Fr. Maternowski and Fr. Maternowski Remembrance Project can be found at www.fathermaternowski.org.