With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Fr Willie volunteered as a military chaplain. He wanted to continue his ministry among working men and to serve those facing the horrors of war and death.
His military service began in November 1915, and he served as chaplain in key battles including the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. He was renowned for his courage, and he won the admiration of soldiers and their commanding officers, both Catholic and Protestant and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery at the Battle of the Somme.
He was respected by German prisoners of war who also benefited from his tender pastoral care. Through his time as a chaplain, he wrote valuable letters to his father which offer an insight into the war and his work. He always retained his cheerfulness and joy, even in moments of great danger.
On the evening of 16 August 1917 Fr Willie raced to save two wounded soldiers; Anglicans from Ulster. As on countless other occasions, he willingly risked his life to save others. As he tried to pull them to safety he was struck by a shell and killed outright.
He died as an ecumenical martyr of charity. Though soldiers initially noted where he fell, his body was never recovered.
Devotion to Fr Willie spread throughout the world in the years after his death, and even canonised Saints, including St Josemaria Escriva and St Teresa of Calcutta, amongst others, have been inspired by him. Many thousands of people have alleged that they have received favours and healings through his intercession.
The canonisation cause for Fr Willie was opened in the Diocese of Meath, Ireland, in 2022.
Courtesy: Father Willie Doyle Association