Through the effort of the Association U.S. Normandie, Mémoire et Gratitude, Fr. Maternowski is honored at two sites. A stunning stained-glass window hangs in the Cauquigny Chapel in the town of Amfreville, which was the site of intense fighting on D-Day. A mile away, in the hamlet of Gueutteville, there is a permanent memorial on the country lane at the site of his tragic death. Both sites honor the life, heroism, and sanctity of Fr. Maternowski and are gathering points during D-Day commemorative activities.
A stained glass window was installed in Cauquigny Chapel, Normandy, France, in 2019 designed by the Beyer Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Fr. Maternowski's body lay on the country lane in Gueutteville, Normandy, France for three days following his death. A memorial now honors his bravery at the site where he was fatally shot.
Click here to learn more about the stained glass window and what the symbols represent.
Friar Martin Kobos, OFM Conv., who was instrumental in the development of the memorials, said of the army chaplain:
“Fr. Maternowski is a holy example of Franciscan generosity and part of a tradition of Friars to serve as military chaplains. Our Friars have always faced dangerous risks in spreading the Gospel message. We go where we are needed and called.”
