Ride On, Ride On

December 6, 2021 - LCol John O’Donnell, Canadian Army Command Chaplain

While attending the 3rd Canadian Division Chaplain Exercise FAITHFUL WARRIOR in Edmonton recently, the 3rd Canadian Division Chaplains and I were hosted for an afternoon by the Ceremonial Mounted Troop of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).

Standing in for the Chaplain General, I received a welcoming salute from members of the Mounted Troop. It was amazing to see riders and horses alike snap to attention when I raised my arm to return the salute.

Our visit to the Mounted Troop was by far a big highlight of the chaplain exercise. All of the chaplains really enjoyed the opportunity to experience grooming a horse, learning the history of the Regiment and also ride a horse bareback! The Mounted Troop did a great job of making us feel welcome and instructing us for the afternoon.

It is important for chaplains to learn the history of their units in order to understand their past and how it plays into their present reality, and their overall ethos and purpose, in order to integrate with their units and become a part of the regimental family. In this way, the unit chaplain is better equipped to care for the members whom they are called to serve.

Speaking of history, I note that the Strathcona’s recently adopted a Regimental Prayer for the first time in their storied journey as one of Canada’s great Regiments. Written by former Regimental Chaplain, Lieutenant (Navy) David Jackson, this prayer or “Collect” (to use its formal name) takes into account both the history of the regiment as cavalry, and the present reality as tankers, while using inclusive language in keeping with the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s Policy on Public Prayer. Look for it in the next edition of the Strathcona’s Regimental Manual!

Finally, as I write this brief reflection I note that members of the Strathcona’s recently deployed in support of relief efforts in the province of British Columbia, where many communities have been devastated by floods and landslides. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they work to rebuild and to assist those whose lives have been turned upside down by this catastrophic climate event. May the presence of the Strathcona’s help to remind all British Columbians that Canada and its Armed Forces stand with them in their hour of need.

Caption

Canadian Army Command Chaplain Lieutenant-Colonel John O’Donnell has some bonding time with one of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Mounted Troop’s horses during Exercise FAITHFUL WARRIOR on Nov. 17.

Photo by MCpl Paul Shapka, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Imaging

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