Definition of the Chaplain

Chaplain: A legally ordained minister who provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and comfort to individuals, military and civilian, and their families in time of need, and who is authorized to perform sacerdotal duties and ceremonies wherever, and whenever, needed. Chaplains are people who share God's love and care with those in need wherever people are.

History of the term Chaplain

The origin of the title chaplain goes back to an old legend of Saint Martin of Tours (ca. 316-400). Martin, a soldier, with a group of well-dressed companions, met an unfortunate beggar shivering in his rags on a bitterly cold winter night at one of the city gates of Amiens. The others passed by heedless of the cries for alms. Martin, touched with compassion, opened his purse but found it empty. He drew his sword and with it divided his heavy cloak with its ample folds. One half he gave to the beggar and kept the other for himself. That night Martin, in a dream, saw Christ clad in that half cloak and was so moved by the vision that he sought baptism. Soon afterwards he abandoned his military career and devoted himself to the church. In time he became the patron saint of France, and his cloak was kept as a sacred relic by the French kings and was often carried with them into battle. The word "chaplain" is derived from the French word Chapelain, originally the officer appointed to watch over the sacred cloak (medieval Latin, cappa or capella). While the skeptic may question the authenticity of the legend, yet one can accept the spirit of mercy and compassion exemplified by Saint Martin as being in full harmony with the spirit of Christ. Today it is assumed that this attitude of brotherly love is one of the inherent characteristics of all chaplains.