Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services is calling for prayers ahead of a key Vatican review of the canonization cause for Venerable Father Vincent Capodanno, a Navy chaplain who was killed in 1967 in Vietnam.
The Capodanno Guild website states that after a 2022 review of the investigation on Fr. Capodanno’s life, the Dicastery for the Causes for the Saints requested additional information about his life and recommended a suspension in the cause. The upcoming review marks a significant next step after several years of work responding to that request.
According to a March 26 emailed press release from Mary Preece, vice postulator for Fr. Capodanno’s canonization cause, Archbishop Broglio’s call for prayers follows the historical commission’s submission of responses to concerns brought by Theological Consultants in Rome about the advancement of the cause.
The Theological Consultants, representing the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints, will review the responses in May.
Preece said Archbishop Broglio has also approved a novena for the process, available on the Capodanno Guild website.
Preece said the novena’s intention is “Lord, if it be your will, continue to advance Father Capodanno's Cause within your Church, that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.”
As Zeale News previously reported, the Marines whom Fr. Capodanno accompanied in the field nicknamed him the “Grunt Padre” because of his unwavering service and care. In September 1967, Vietnamese troops ambushed the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, whom Fr. Capodanno was serving at the time. He cared for the injured and dying, but was injured in the process, losing part of his hand. The injured priest continued dragging wounded soldiers to shelter and administering the Anointing of the Sick.
According to the Capodanno Guild, “During the course of this ambush, Fr. Capodanno ran into the open in order to assist a wounded corpsman. The enemy opened fire upon Fr. Capodanno and he died faithfully performing his final act as a good and faithful servant of God.”
He was declared a Servant of God in 2006 and remains beloved by many who serve in the armed forces.
Preece said that many supporters of his cause for canonization will begin praying the novena on the first day of Holy Week, March 30, because Fr. Capodanno arrived in Vietnam during Holy Week 60 years ago.
The Capodanno Guild also offers several prayers asking to obtain a favor through Fr. Capodanno’s intercession, one of which Archbishop Broglio authored. They can be found here.