Reverend Father William E. Corby:
Reverend Father William E. Corby (1833 – 1897) was an American Catholic priest and Union Army chaplain during the American Civil War. He is perhaps most famous for his role in providing absolution and blessings to the soldiers of the Irish Brigade before they went into battle at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
The monument to Reverend Father William Corby, C.S.C., is situated on South Hancock Avenue. Father Corby served as the chaplain to the 88th New York Infantry, a distinguished unit within the renowned Irish Brigade. Crafted by sculptor Samuel Murray (1870 - 1941), the bronze statue stands prominently. This memorial was unveiled on October 29, 1910, and is entirely fashioned from bronze. The sculpture itself reaches a height of approximately 7 feet 8 inches, while its base spans about 9 feet 2 inches in diameter. It rests atop a stone boulder believed to be the very same boulder Father Corby used on July 2, 1863.
Father Corby's role in the Irish Brigade during the Battle of Gettysburg was both symbolic and deeply impactful. The Irish Brigade was a renowned unit within the Union Army, composed largely of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans. The soldiers of the brigade were known for their fierce fighting spirit and a strong sense of camaraderie. Many of these soldiers were Catholics, and Father Corby served as their chaplain. As the Irish Brigade prepared to engage in the crucial battle on July 2, 1863, they found themselves in a perilous situation. Positioned on Cemetery Ridge, they were about to attack the wheat field, where they would face fierce Confederate resistance. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the possibility that many soldiers might not survive, Father Corby took it upon himself to offer absolution and blessings to the entire brigade.
Standing atop a large rock, Corby raised his hand and gave a general absolution to the soldiers, granting them forgiveness for their sins and preparing their souls for the possibility of death. This act was significant because it provided spiritual solace to the soldiers in a moment of intense fear and uncertainty. Many soldiers did not have the opportunity for individual confession due to the imminent battle, and Father Corby's gesture allowed them to receive the blessings of the Church as a group. Corby’s actions were not only spiritually meaningful but also emotionally powerful. His presence on that rock, giving his blessing to the soldiers as they prepared to face Confederate resistance, instilled a sense of courage, unity, and purpose among the men. It became a symbol of his dedication to the soldiers' well-being, both in body and spirit, during a time of immense crisis.
After the historic absolution, mere minutes later, the Irish Brigade entered the fray at Little Round Top and the Wheatfield. Out of the men whom Father Corby had absolved that day, 27 were killed, 109 were wounded, and 62 were listed as missing.
Father Corby's role in providing general absolution at Gettysburg became legendary in the years following the battle. His actions were memorialized in art and literature. In recognition of his contributions, a statue of Father Corby blessing the troops was erected at Gettysburg National Military Park in 1910. The figure depicts Father Corby with his right hand raised in blessing, surrounded by soldiers amid battle. It is a lasting testament to his impact on the Irish Brigade and his commitment to their spiritual welfare during a pivotal moment in American history.
The inscription on a plaque at the base of the statue.
In essence, Father William Corby's contribution to the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Gettysburg was an embodiment of his pastoral care and leadership. His actions not only provided comfort and absolution to the soldiers but also helped solidify the bonds of brotherhood within the brigade. His legacy continues to be remembered and honored as a significant chapter in the history of the American Civil War.
The commanding presence of Reverend Father William Corby, C.S.C., as he would have been seen standing on the rock, overseeing the kneeling men of the Irish Brigade on July 2, 1863.
The hat and gloves are sculpted at the base of the statue of Reverend Father Corby, as he likely would have placed them down while granting absolution to the Irish Brigade.
References:
Archives, A. N. D. (2013, July 2). Rev. William Corby at Gettysburg – University of Notre Dame Archives. https://sites.nd.edu/ndarchives/corby-gettysburg/
Absolution at Gettysburg: Father William Corby, C.S.C. (2022, December 2). https://www.patheos.com/catholic/absolution-at-gettysburg-pat-mcnamara-07-03-2012