Let me share with you about Fr. Vincent Capodanno . I am grateful for his service and all those who serve in our military. The testimonies that I read from his fellow Marines were heart felt and you can just tell that they loved him.
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| Fr. Vincent Capodanno |
I am just there with them – I walk with them and sit with them; I eat with them and sleep in the holes with them – and I talk with them – but only when they are ready to talk. It takes time, but I never rush them.~ Fr. Vincent Capodanno to his division chaplain, David Casazza.
Because of his ability to stay close to the men he served and to endure the same hardships, he earned the name The Grunt Padre
He’s remembered for the actions of selfless sacrifice to the men he served while in Vietnam. In his final battle there even after being wounded twice himself, he continued giving last rights, aiding the wounded and encouraging them.
He’s quoted as saying:
Stay calm Marine. There will be someone soon to help us… God is with us all here.~Fr. Vincent Capodanno
If you can please VIEW HERE: Documentary: Fr. Capodanno from Mission Capodanno.
How important it is that someone fill this role to minister to servicemen on and off the battlefield and to make God present to them there! To endure what they endure and suffer as they suffer for the sole purpose of supporting and aiding them is the role of the Military Chaplain. Fr. Vincent Capodanno was one such man and a dedicated priest who so willing lived out the Lord’s words: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Important dates on Fr. Capodanno:
- Born Feb. 13, 1929
- Ordained June 7, 1958
- Served as Missionary to aboriginal Taiwanese for 7 years
- 1966 commissioned as U.S. Navy Chaplain and reported to 7th Marines in Vietnam
- Fr. Capodanno dies Sept. 4, 1967 during Operation Swift while ministering to a wounded marine even after being himself wounded in the face and arm/hand.
- Jan. 7, 1969 he is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition for his actions in Vietnam, Operation Swift.
- May 21, 2006 Fr. Vincent Capodanno is officially recognized by the Catholic Church as Servant of God– the first step toward beatification.
I am truly grateful for Fr. Capodanno’s love and example of selfless service. It gives me strength and courage. I’m also grateful today for:
- Snow.
- Deployments: how they bring us closer together and keep us grateful for one another.
- Homeschooling and all it’s flexibility during sickness and deployments.
- My Na Na’s Homemade Chicken Soup making me feel better.
- Our military men and women. Especially our chaplains for enduring with us.
- Guardian angels.
and Linked up @: The Army Chap’s Wife
Relevant Resources:
Mission Capodanno
You Tube Video: Remembering Fr.Capodonno- Interview with Fr. Capodanno’s Brother
Maryknoll Video about Fr. Capodanno– Excellent summary of his life of service.
The Grunt Padre
Biography Fr. Capodonno: Archdiocese for the Military Services
