Father Vincent Capodanno


	Saints and Soldiers The Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno - The "Grunt Padre" An Independence Day Tribute to our Army Chaplains Capt. Strichker, Lt. Dunnigan, and Father Capodanno (picture courtesy of JD Murray) Every year as Independence Day approaches, we anticipate gathering with family and friends for parades, fireworks, and picnics. We are commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Reminiscing, firework displays and patriotic hymns have us standing united “One Nation under God,” as we give thanks for our founding fathers, the gift and blessing of the freedom we enjoy, and for the courageous self sacrifice of many who fought for our great Nation. It is also an opportunity to turn our hearts and prayers to our brave Army Chaplains who truly serve God and Country. An awe inspiring example for us is the Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno. Vincent Robert Capodanno was born February 13, 1929 in Staten Island, New York. On June 7, 1957, he was ordained by the late Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York and Military Vicar of the United States Military Ordinariate. As a young man Vincent was familiar with the missionary work of the Maryknolls and Catholic Foreign Mission Society. Growing up in this spirit, Father Capodanno sought permission in 1965 to join the Navy Chaplain Corps to help the increasing number of Marine troops in Vietnam both spiritually and medically. He served 1965-1967 in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division while quickly gaining the nickname the “Grunt Padre” and becoming a constant companion and much needed friend of the troops. During Operation Swift in the Quang Tin Province of Vietnam, Chaplain Capodanno gave the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 4, 1967. Despite the North Vietnamese ambush and hours of heavy gun fire, the heroic Grunt Padre rushed to the side of his wounded and dying brethren, administering last rites and attending to emergency medical needs. Father himself severely wounded with his own hand almost severed, noticed a wounded soldier pinned down by an enemy gunner. He rushed to the aid of his fellow comrade to give spiritual and medical attention. Although unarmed, Father Capodanno took 27 bullets by close enemy fire while selflessly and courageously giving his own life as a heroic servant and Soldier of Christ. In 2002 Father Capodanno’s Cause for Canonization was officially opened and a Public Decree of Servant of God was issued by the Archdiocese for the Military on May 21, 2006. Catholicmil.org for full biography and updates on Father Capodanno’s Cause for Canonization CatholicMil is inviting all to attend the September 3rd Mass for Fr. Capodanno, LT, CHC, USNR and Servant of God. 7pm at Crypt Church of the National Shrine, Washington, D.C.

Mary's Project Catholic Publishing Inc.

P.O. Box 708

Sioux Falls, SD 57101-0708

(605) 251-2422

HISTORY

Established and Launched Sunday, October 19, 2008 (World Mission Sunday)

The Feast of Saint Isaac Jogues and The North American Martyrs,

Month of The Most Holy Rosary of The Blessed Virgin Mary, and Month of The Missions,

During the Year of Saint Paul, June 28, 2008 - June 29, 2009.

PATRONAGE

Mary's Project under the care, protection and special Patronage of:

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady CoRedemptrix, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Guardian Angels, St. Joseph, St. George, Pope Blessed John XXIII, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Benedict, St. Philomena, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Teresa Bracco, St. Louis Marie Grignion DeMontfort, St. Charles Borromeo, Blesseds Jacinta and Francesco, Blessed Miguel Pro, Blessed Josephine Bakhita, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Blesseds Louis Martin and Marie Zelie Guerin, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Isaac Jogues and The North American Martyrs, and Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko.