The success of the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of the Bay of Biscay was marked by the successful launching of the invasion force into Normandy. The justification of the overall war against Nazi Germany was clearly seen in the opening up of the European death camps by the Allied troops.
For me, the personal focus was in my visits to Poland and eventually to Auschwitz.
My initial visit to Poland in 1976 was to study the life, work, teaching and sacrificial death of the Franciscan priest Maximilian Kolbe who volunteered to die in the place of another prisoner and who cared for nine other condemned men in the death house in Auschwitz.
I am glad I took seventeen years of preparation before going to Auschwitz. Even then it was a daunting experience. I found peace in prayer at the death cell where Father Kolbe and the other nine died.
Saint Maximilian's forgiveness of his murderers, saying "Love triumphs over all" and his special devotion to Our Lady has inspired the development of Our Lady's House of Prayer For All Nations.
Fr Kevin V Joyner