Guest Column: Holy Week in Greenland at the top of the world

June 14, 2026

By Father Zach Kautzky

When I asked what the large metal latches on the doors were for, the answer came, “Those are to keep polar bears out.” Every building was painted in bright colors and had to be entered though a double set of heavy wooden doors.

I had just arrived to Pituffik Space Force Base in northwest Greenland to celebrate Holy Week for Catholic military members stationed there.

For the past 30 years, the Air Force has flown a Catholic priest there to provide the sacraments for Christmas and Holy Week. Due to the small base population and the priest shortage in the Air Force, there is no Catholic priest chaplain stationed there. A Protestant chaplain is assigned to the base and does what they're able to support the spiritual needs of Catholics.  

Pituffik, located 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is the US’ northernmost military installation. It has a small base population of American, Canadian, and Danish personnel. The base provides early missile warning systems, space surveillance, and satellite command and control for senior civilian and military leaders. The base experiences three months of darkness in the winter and 24 hours of sun in the summer. When travelling around base, you’re required to bring an emergency survival bag in case of sudden, violent winter storms. There is a dining hall (the food was outstanding), fitness center, small grocery store, and chapel.

Upon arrival, I visited the Blessed Sacrament chapel. The small room seats 12 people, which brought to mind the Last Supper. I was saddened to see the Advent wreath was still set up and the ribbons of the Roman Missal set to prayers from Christmas -- the last time a priest had been there. 

I have to say it was one of the most meaningful Holy Weeks of my priesthood. On Holy Thursday, the words of Jesus, "I have eagerly desired to share this Passover with you” (Lk 22:15) took on deeper meaning. In the homily, I reminded the faithful that as they longed to received Jesus in the Eucharist for months, the Lord longed all the more for them to receive Him.

On Good Friday as we venerated the crucifix, I thought of the unique crosses these military members carry: separation from family and friends back in the US, the isolated location, and most especially, the absence of Mass and sacraments. 

Easter Sunday Mass was the northernmost Mass celebrated anywhere in the world! I had brought with me a gift for the Catholic community, which were holy cards blessed by Pope Leo XIV a few months earlier at the Sunday Angelus in Rome. In the evening, we went over to the dining hall where the staff had prepared a traditional Greenlandic feast.

This coming Sunday, that faithful group of Catholics will once again gather together, as they do each week, in the Blessed Sacrament Room. They’ll pray the rosary before watching Mass online and making a spiritual communion. Another priest will be sent 7 months from now.

This summer we celebrate and thank God for 250 years as a country. I ask you to remember these military members “At the Top of the World” in your prayers as they carry out of the 24/7 mission of manning radars and monitoring satellites so that we can live in peace and safety.