The Atterbury Crier - September 24, 1943
Build Shrine in Prisoner of War Camp

At the Prisoner of War camp, the Italians are constructing a Shrine, dedicated to the Blessed Mother, where the men might worship at any time. The huge tree stands behind the Shrine, adding beauty to the surroundings.

Catholic Shrine is Constructed by Italian Prisoners of War

Italians are shown decorating the Shrine in the Prisoner of War camp, assisted in their work by Chaplain Maurice Imhoff, second from left. The workman at the left is painting a Holy Picture on the wall, and those at the right are "touching up" the altar and floor. (US Signal Corps photo)

Of their own initiative, the prisoners of war have designed the building and done all the work. Chaplain Maurice F. Imhoff, assigned to the camp, has aided them in their ideas and has furnished them small Holy pictures which they have copied and enlarged on the inner walls of the Shrine.

The permanent altar in the Shrine has been painted so that much of it looks like marble. Also a smaller altar has been constructed and this is placed at the front of the Shrine for the celebration of Mass in nice weather.

Approximately 98 percent of the prisoners of war here are Catholic and most of them gather around the Shrine when Chaplain Imhoff conducts Mass.