Onward Christian Soldiers - The role of military chaplains

Serving in the Armed Forces can be very challenging - especially on active service in times of conflict. Military chaplains minister to our servicemen and women - and their families - in the British Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. They provide the very best operational, spiritual and pastoral support. No two days are the same for the 'padre' but a big part of the job is to offer a listening ear to whoever needs it - whether that's facing a life-or-death situation on the front line or on a base back at home. In this feature, we hear from a high ranking officer in the British Army - Lieutenant-General Patrick Sanders, Commander of the Field Army and a number of serving military chaplains. The contributors were recorded at the 60th International Military Pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Lourdes in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. May 2018.