Canonization cause opened for Marine chaplain who died in Vietnam

Catholic News Service ^ | May 23, 2006 | Nancy Frazier O'Brien

[siunevada]

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- With the permission of the Vatican, the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services has begun an inquiry that could lead to the canonization of Maryknoll Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain who died in 1967 while serving with the Marines in Vietnam.

Msgr. Roland A. Newland, chancellor of the archdiocese, made the formal declaration of the opening of Father Capodanno's cause May 21 during the 12th annual Memorial Day Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

With the declaration, the New York-born priest also receives the title "servant of God." A tribunal set up by the Archdiocese for the Military Services will gather information about Father Capodanno's life and virtues for eventual presentation to the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes.

Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, head of the military archdiocese, was the main celebrant for the Mass, attended by more than 1,500 people.

In his homily at the Mass, Father Louis V. Iasiello, a rear admiral who is chief of Navy chaplains, said Father Capodanno "is more than a person of extraordinary military accomplishment. ... He is also a Christian who lived an exemplary life of extraordinary virtue, a person who, through the testament of his life, offers all believers a model of faith to inspire them to live, more deeply, their own Christian vocation."

Father Iasiello said it was fitting that the chaplain's canonization cause be opened around Memorial Day, when Americans "take time and honor their dead with flowers, flags, memorial speeches and, of course, with prayer."

"It is no mere coincidence that today, at yet another time of national emergency, and at a time set aside to honor America's heroes, that at this particular time, the church would single out one of these heroes and celebrate their unique contributions to both their country and to us, the people of faith," he added.

Although many veterans left Southeast Asia "with physical, psychological and spiritual wounds," Father Iasiello said, others left "with some positive memories, especially the loving memory of having known a very special chaplain and priest, one who day and night, both in and out of combat, reflected the love and mercy of God in their midst."

Born Feb. 13, 1929, on Staten Island in New York, Vincent Robert Capodanno studied at Maryknoll seminaries and was ordained to the priesthood June 7, 1957. He served for the first eight years of his priesthood as a Maryknoll missionary in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dec. 28, 1965, Father Capodanno asked to serve with the Marines in Vietnam and joined the 1st Marine Division in 1966 as battalion chaplain.

According to a biography on the Web site of the military archdiocese, "Marines affectionately called Chaplain Capodanno the 'grunt padre' for his ability to relate well with soldiers and his willingness to risk his life to minister to the men." "Grunt" is slang for a member of the U.S. infantry.

He extended his one-year tour of duty in Vietnam by six months to continue serving with his men.

Fatally wounded by enemy sniper fire Sept. 4, 1967, he was posthumously awarded the nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."

Memorials to Father Capodanno include chapels, a boulevard, military buildings, a scholarship fund and the USS Capodanno, commissioned in 1973 for anti-submarine warfare and decommissioned 20 years later.

[Grendel9]

A wonderful priest. But does

"an exemplary life of extraordinary virtue, a person who, through the testament of his life, offers all believers a model of faith to inspire them to live, more deeply, their own Christian vocation"

satisfy the criteria of
"Performance of Miracles"?

[stevem]

A wonderful priest. But does

"an exemplary life of extraordinary virtue, a person who, through the testament of his life, offers all believers a model of faith to inspire them to live, more deeply, their own Christian vocation"

satisfy the criteria of "Performance of Miracles"?

No, it doesn't, yet it sounds like a fitting tribute to be used in a homily or to provide a theme for a tribunal convened to build a case.

I have always believed that you can find evidence of performance of miracles by truly great people if you just take a look. I bet there will be a section of the file at the tribunal for just such a purpose.

I also bet the vast majority of miracles ever noted in the history of the world were magnificent things to behold yet beheld in but a small circle. I never heard of this guy until today, and I am already pulling for him.

[A.A. Cunningham]

the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services has begun an inquiry that could lead to the canonization of Maryknoll Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain who died in 1967 while serving with the Marines in Vietnam.

Main Entry: com·pre·hen·sion
Pronunciation: "käm-pri-'hen(t)-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin comprehension-, comprehensio, from comprehendere to understand, comprise
1 a : the act or action of grasping with the intellect : UNDERSTANDING b : knowledge gained by comprehending c : the capacity for understanding fully
2 a : the act or process of comprising b : the faculty or capability of including : COMPREHENSIVENESS
3 : CONNOTATION 3

[Xenalyte]

I think Grendel raises a good question, and your post does not address it.

[Eepsy]

You usually have to open the cause for canonization first so people know whom to report any potential miracles to.

[Xenalyte]

Okay, that's good to know.

Next question: what does that have to do with A.A.C ragging on Grendel's reading comprehension ability?

[Frank Sheed]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1639124/posts?page=16#16

This thread has been rolling all weekend. Fr. Capodanno was posted days ago.

F

[A.A. Cunningham]

*CAPODANNO, VINCENT R.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967. Entered service at: Staten Island, N.Y. Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces. In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lt. Capodanno left the relative safety of the company command post and ran through an open area raked with fire, directly to the beleaguered platoon. Disregarding the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded. When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant Marines. Upon encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machine gun fire. By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

That's for later. Right now, this is a declaration that this man lived a holy life. That's what being named "Servant of God" means, that the church recognizes that that particular person, by his life, has lived a visibly holy life.

Nor is it a declaration that others haven't. But it does mean that he's drawn enough attention to look at more closely.

Sounds like a great role model. We need to show that being dedicated to God is not a role for wimps, wussies, or weaklings. It can be a hard, and heroic thing if done properly.

[A.A. Cunningham]

I think you and Grendel9 are both rather dense if (1) he/she/it doesn't comprehend that the excerpt of the homily of Father Iasiello didn't go into intricate detail regarding the evidence for the cause of canonization and (2) you defend that lack of comprehension. Both of your posts are extremely naive.

An inquiry has been initiated to determine if Father Capodanno merits canonization by the Church. The details of that inquiry, which has just begun, apparently weren't included in the homily. The process of the inquiry is an extremely lengthy and detailed one. If the two of you are curious stay tuned. There will be more information forthcoming at a later date as the inquiry proceeds.

The Reverend Vincent Robert Capodanno Foundation

[A.A. Cunningham]

Thanks but that thread title should read recipients not winners. The Medal of Honor is earned, not won as if it were a stuffed animal on the carnival midway.

[Xenalyte]

I'm not Catholic, so my ignorance (while inexcusable) might be understandable.

I was merely trying to figure out why, in response to a legitimate question, you posted a dictionary definition that on its face had nothing to do with the question Grendel posed.

[bethelgrad]

This man is a hero to chaplains everywhere. Especially former Marines (me) now serving as Navy chaplains.

[Frank Sheed]

Your comment has been pointed out to me. The thought was to remember ALL those who served by pointing out those who have been incredibly recognized. No disrespect was intended. I'm sorry if you are offended. No attempt at a good deed goes unpunished, I suppose.

F

[Frank Sheed]

This was filched from the "What Does the Prayer Really Say" blogsite:

Bedtime Prayer
Of A Catholic Marine Corps Officer

- Luke 18:17-

Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

For ‘ere the daystar rises high
Upon the morrow we must fly
To face again death’s dire hand
And free a distant people’s land.

Upon a shore, on mountain steep,
In desert, snow, or jungle deep,
Through heat, on ice, by land or sea
Marines will ever faithful be.

Our purpose true and mission clear
Will help us face all pain and fear.
Since one we are in heart and mind,
Marines leave none of theirs behind.

For some of us must surely fall,
Tenacious in hard duty’s call.
According to God’s timeless ken
We live, then serve, then die as men.

Our Rosaries and Michael’s sword
Will Anchor, Globe and Eagle guard.
Warm prayers of dear ones, Masses said,
Support our living and our dead.

O Queen of Martyrs! Christ, my Light!
O Guardian angels! Joseph bright!
O Trinity Three Persons One!
For us and foe Thy will be done.

And now I lie on Adam’s clay.
Grim weapons crack and shatter day.
Throughout cold night hot blood must flow.
This hour shall I God’s Judgments know?

Or will wounds heal? Will terror scar?
Will grief my trust in heaven mar?
Youth was shortened, young men lost.
Will what I’ve done merit this cost?

Ash to ash and dust to dust.
Thundering armaments will rust.
Bone and flesh must go to ground,
But none of us by death are bound.

Not ‘till heaven shall I see,
The men who offered up this fee.
Marines long taken from our eyes
At long last glorious will rise.

All the tears that I will shed
Make sense as I behold the Head
Of Him whose Sacrifice was free,
For all, for sinners, on the Tree.

Some losses do merit the cost.
Our loss is great. We mourn our lost.
But I and neighbor must be free.
Paid is the price of liberty.

So, brothers now we lay to rest,
And fix their medals on their chest.
Their mothers I will gently tell
Sons loved them, God, and country well.

We smooth the lines in pale brow,
Then close their final bed and bow
To express gratitude and love
With folded flag, priest’s hand above.

Fathers, wives, and children know
From me that we did love them so.
They’re clear in memory and my dreams.
Christ Jesus save my brave Marines.

In safety now my loved ones sleep.
Let Mighty God our nation keep!
And should I die before I wake,
My soul I offer Christ to take.

[capt.P]

You know, I'd never seen that beyond the first paragraph. Got me all choked up. Thank you!

[Frank Sheed]

Happy to oblige. That poem is a "keeper" in my estimation.

Happy Memorial Day, Captain!

Francis

[siunevada]

Thanks for that poem.

It brought to mind pinning my father's medals on his dress uniform as he lay in his casket at the end of a long life.

[A.A. Cunningham]

It had everything to do with Grendel9s' question, so once again your ignorance has tripped you up.