Military services archbishop to celebrate Memorial Mass at DC basilica for navy chaplain who is now a Servant of God
Father Capodanno died ministering to Marines on a Vietnam battlefield, leaving a legacy of courage and faith that continues amid his cause for canonization.
The annual Memorial Mass for Father Vincent Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain whose cause for canonization is underway, will take place Sept. 3 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Father Capodanno is remembered for his valor in ministering to U.S. Marines in South Vietnam’s Quế Sơn Valley, according to a July 22 press release from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
The Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the shrine’s Crypt Church. AMS Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who celebrates the memorial Mass annually, will serve as principal celebrant and homilist. The Mass is open to the public, and military personnel who attend are encouraged to wear the uniform of the day.
Father Capodanno’s tireless ministry to Marines during the Vietnam War earned him the nickname “the Grunt Padre,” as Zeale News previously reported.
On Sept. 4, 1967, the 38-year-old chaplain was serving with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division, during Operation Swift, when Marines came under ambush by the North Vietnamese Army.
During the ambush, Father Capodanno provided medical and spiritual assistance to wounded and dying Marines. Even after a mortar wounded his arms and legs and severed part of his right hand, he refused medical attention and continued ministering, according to his Medal of Honor citation.
Father Capodanno was killed Sept. 4, 1967, amid ministering in harm’s way during the conflict.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor. The Church formally opened his cause for canonization and proclaimed him a Servant of God in 2006.
