Servant of God Vincent Capodanno

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Servant of God Vincent Capodanno
Feast Day
Liturgical Class
Patronage Military chaplains, Marines, Vietnam War veterans
Birthplace Staten Island, New York, United States
Death Place Quế Sơn Valley, Vietnam
Cause of Death Martyrdom (killed in action)
Primary Shrine Saint Peters Cemetery, West New Brighton, Staten Island, New York


Vincent Robert Capodanno Jr. (13 February 1929 – September 4, 1967) was an American Roman Catholic priest and Maryknoll Missioner who served as a U.S. Navy chaplain during the Vietnam War. Known for his selfless dedication to the Marines he served, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on September 4, 1967, in Quế Sơn Valley, Vietnam, where he was killed in action while ministering to wounded and dying soldiers during a fierce battle.[1] The Catholic Church declared him a Servant of God in 2006, marking the first step toward potential canonization, recognizing his life of heroic virtue.[2]

Born in Staten Island, New York, Capodanno felt a calling to the priesthood early in life, entering the Maryknoll Missionary Seminary in Ossining, New York, in 1949.[3] After serving as a missionary in Taiwan and Hong Kong, he joined the Navy Chaplain Corps in 1965, motivated by a desire to serve soldiers in Vietnam.[4] His tireless pastoral care earned him the nickname “Grunt Padre” among the Marines, reflecting his deep connection with enlisted men.[5] Capodanno’s cause for canonization continues, with a reported miracle involving the healing of a Florida woman with multiple sclerosis under review by the Vatican.[3] His legacy is honored through memorials, including a statue in Gaeta, Italy, and the USS Capodanno, a naval ship named in his honor.[2]

Biography

Birth

Vincent Robert Capodanno Jr. was born on February 13, 1929, in Staten Island, New York, to Italian immigrant parents, Vincent Robert Capodanno Sr. and Rachel Basile Capodanno.[3] As the tenth and youngest child in a devout Roman Catholic family, he was raised in a close-knit household in the West New Brighton neighborhood, within the Parish of St. Peter’s.[5] His parents instilled values of charity, perseverance, and faith, nurtured through regular attendance at Mass and community involvement in their local Parish. The cultural and religious environment of Staten Island’s Italian-American community shaped his early spiritual development.[4]

The early loss of his father at age 10 was a pivotal moment for young Vincent, deepening his awareness of life’s fragility and the importance of faith.[5] This event, coupled with the influence of prominent Catholic figures like Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, fostered a sense of spiritual purpose.[4] Growing up during World War II, Capodanno was exposed to themes of sacrifice and patriotism, which resonated with his burgeoning sense of duty to serve both God and others. His childhood home, located in a vibrant Diocese, became the foundation for his lifelong commitment to Christian service.[5]

Early Life

Vincent Capodanno’s early life was marked by a strong Catholic upbringing in Staten Island, where he attended St. Peter’s Boys High School before graduating from Curtis High School on February 4, 1947.[3] His family’s deep faith and the community’s emphasis on Roman Catholic traditions influenced his decision to pursue a religious vocation. While working as an insurance clerk, he took night classes at Fordham University, a Jesuit institution in New York City, further enriching his intellectual and spiritual formation.[3] During a spiritual retreat in 1949, Capodanno confided to a friend his desire to become a priest, a calling that led him to the Maryknoll Missionary Seminary in Ossining, New York.[5]

At Maryknoll, Capodanno underwent rigorous training, including studies in Illinois and Massachusetts, preparing him for the challenges of missionary work.[3] The Maryknoll emphasis on self-sufficiency and service in austere environments resonated with his disciplined character. His time at the Seminary was formative, blending academic rigor with spiritual growth, as he studied theology and embraced the Maryknoll mission to “Go and Teach All Nations.”[4] His early exposure to global conflicts and the teachings of figures like Fulton J. Sheen reinforced his commitment to a life of self-denial and service, setting the stage for his later missionary and military endeavors.[5]

Occupation

Before entering the priesthood, Vincent Capodanno worked briefly as an insurance clerk in New York City while attending night classes at Fordham University.[3] This secular role provided practical experience and a glimpse into urban life’s challenges. His work as a clerk was not his true calling, but it allowed him to support himself while discerning his vocation. His time at Fordham, a prestigious Jesuit institution, exposed him to a broader intellectual tradition, complementing his spiritual aspirations.[3]

After entering the Maryknoll Seminary in 1949, Capodanno’s “occupation” shifted to preparation for the priesthood. Ordained on June 14, 1958, by Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York, he embraced the life of a missionary priest.[3] His assignments in Taiwan and Hong Kong involved teaching, pastoral care, and evangelization among indigenous and local communities.[4] In 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, ministering to Marines in Vietnam, earning the nickname “Grunt Padre” for his dedication to enlisted men.[5] His work combined spiritual guidance with practical support, such as distributing St. Christopher medals and hearing confessions in the field.[6]

Vocation

Vincent Capodanno’s vocation as a priest and Maryknoll Missioner was rooted in a desire to serve God and others through missionary work. After his ordination in 1958, he was sent to Taiwan, where he ministered to indigenous mountain communities, learning their language and customs to spread the Gospel.[4] His time in Hong Kong, working in a school, further honed his ability to connect with diverse populations. Capodanno’s missionary zeal was inspired by the Maryknoll ethos and the book Radiating Christ by Raoul Plus, which guided his ministry.[5]

In 1965, Capodanno felt called to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, driven by a desire to support soldiers in the Vietnam War.[6] Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, he provided spiritual and emotional support under grueling combat conditions. His ministry included administering sacraments, counseling soldiers, and offering comfort in the face of death, often at great personal risk.[1] His commitment culminated in his ultimate sacrifice, embodying the Christian ideal of laying down one’s life for others.[4]

Death

Vincent Capodanno met his end through martyrdom on September 4, 1967, during a fierce battle in Quế Sơn Valley, Vietnam, as part of Operation Swift.[1] Serving as a chaplain with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, he ministered to wounded and dying Marines under heavy enemy fire. Despite sustaining severe wounds to his arms, legs, and hand from a mortar explosion, he refused medical aid, choosing to continue aiding his men.[1] While rushing to assist a wounded corpsman pinned down by an enemy machine gunner, Capodanno was struck by a burst of gunfire, suffering 27 bullet wounds, and died on the battlefield.[1]

His selfless actions, including administering Last Rites and dragging wounded soldiers to safety, earned him the posthumous Medal of Honor on January 7, 1969, as well as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.[1] Capodanno’s death was a profound loss to the Marines, who revered him as the “Grunt Padre.” His body was laid to rest in Saint Peters Cemetery in West New Brighton, Staten Island, New York, where his grave remains a site of veneration.[3]

Significant events

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Staten Island, New York, United States
  • Death location icon Death location: Quế Sơn Valley, Vietnam
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location:
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Parishes

Vincent R. Capodanno

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Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Vincent R. Capodanno as a Servant of God began on May 19, 2002, with the initial investigation conducted in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.[3] CatholicMil (later renamed Mission Capodanno) acted as the petitioner, with Daniel Mode, Capodanno’s biographer, named as postulator.[3] On May 21, 2006, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien announced Capodanno’s designation as a Servant of God during a Memorial Day weekend ceremony in Washington, D.C..[2] The investigation included a review of his life, writings, and testimonies from those who knew him, focusing on his heroic virtue and service.[7]

In 2013, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, O’Brien’s successor, renewed the cause, appointing the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild as the petitioner and Andrea Ambrosi as Roman postulator.[3] The archdiocesan phase concluded on May 21, 2017, when Broglio sealed the inquiry’s findings for submission to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.[7] The process involved a tribunal, led by Msgr. Thomas Olszyk, which interviewed witnesses and examined Capodanno’s writings.[7]

Venerable

As of 2025, Vincent Capodanno has not been declared Venerable by the Catholic Church. In 2022, a Vatican advisory panel recommended suspending his cause, citing concerns that his heroism was more battlefield-related than religious and that the Maryknoll order was less involved than the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.[3] The Father Vincent Capodanno Guild and postulator Nicola Gori are addressing these objections, with Archbishop Broglio appointing a historical commission to document Capodanno’s pre-military spirituality.[3]

Beatification

Vincent Capodanno has not been beatified, and no date has been set. A reported miracle involving the healing of a Florida woman with multiple sclerosis, credited by Bishop Gerald Barbarito of the Diocese of Palm Beach in 2019, is under consideration for beatification.[3] The Vatican continues to evaluate this miracle and Capodanno’s life to determine if he meets the criteria for being declared Blessed.

Canonization

Vincent Capodanno has not been canonized, and no second miracle has been verified. The Catholic Church requires a second authenticated miracle after beatification for canonization. The Father Vincent Capodanno Guild encourages reports of favors or miracles attributed to Capodanno’s intercession to support the process.[4]

Miracles

Miracle for beatification

In 2019, Bishop Gerald Barbarito of the Diocese of Palm Beach credited Vincent Capodanno with the miraculous healing of a Florida woman with multiple sclerosis.[3] The woman, whose condition was deemed medically incurable, experienced a sudden recovery after prayers were offered to Capodanno.[3] The case underwent a year-long investigation by the Diocese, including medical evaluations and testimonies to rule out natural explanations. The findings were submitted to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.[3]

This reported miracle is a significant milestone in Capodanno’s cause, as beatification requires one authenticated miracle.[4] The Vatican is reviewing the case to determine if it meets the criteria for a supernatural event. The Father Vincent Capodanno Guild continues to collect testimonies of favors to strengthen the cause.[4]

Miracle for canonization

No second miracle has been verified for Vincent Capodanno’s canonization. A second miracle, required after beatification, must be authenticated by the Vatican.[4] The Father Vincent Capodanno Guild solicits reports of healings attributed to Capodanno’s intercession, which could qualify as the second miracle.[4]

The absence of a verified second miracle reflects the ongoing nature of Capodanno’s cause. Supporters point to anecdotal reports, such as a Vietnamese nun’s recovery from advanced cancer, as potential candidates for investigation.[6] The Vatican’s rigorous process ensures any miracle will be thoroughly vetted.[4]

Other notable miracles

  • A Vietnamese nun reportedly recovered from advanced cancer without medical explanation, attributed to Capodanno’s intercession, though this case remains under investigation by the Vatican.[6]
  • Corporal Ray Harton, wounded in Vietnam, described a moment of profound peace when Capodanno comforted him during battle, an experience he considered miraculous, though not officially recognized.[8]

Patronage

Vincent R. Capodanno is considered a patron of military chaplains, Marines, and Vietnam War veterans, reflecting his dedicated service to soldiers in combat.[4]

Feast day

As of 2025, Vincent R. Capodanno has not been assigned an official feast day, as he has not been beatified or canonized. His life is commemorated annually on September 4 through a Memorial Mass celebrated by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C..[9]

Veneration

Vincent R. Capodanno is venerated through annual Memorial Masses, prayers, and novenas, particularly by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild.[9] His grave at Saint Peters Cemetery in West New Brighton, Staten Island, New York, is a pilgrimage site for devotees, especially Marines and veterans.[3] Relics, such as personal items, are venerated, though no first-class relics are widely distributed due to his status as a Servant of God.[4]

Capodanno is depicted in artworks, including an oil painting by Douglas Rosa at the Chaplain School in Newport, Rhode Island, and a bronze statue by Antonio Pierotti at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island.[3] A modern sculpture in Gaeta, Italy, also honors him.[2] The EWTN documentary Called and Chosen: Father Vincent R. Capodanno (2017) and the biography Armed with Faith: The Life of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM (2018) have popularized his story.[3] His veneration influences military and Catholic communities, with memorials like the Vincent R. Capodanno Memorial in Champion, Wisconsin.[3]

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

  • No known works were authored by Vincent R. Capodanno.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Vincent R. Capodanno". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/vincent-r-capodanno. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Father Vincent R. Capodanno Remembered". Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. 2013-09-04. https://www.milarch.org/father-vincent-r-capodanno-remembered/. 
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 "Vincent R. Capodanno". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_R._Capodanno. 
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 "Home". Father Vincent Capodanno Guild. 2023-09-18. https://www.capodannoguild.org/. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 Mode, Daniel L. (2000). The Grunt Padre: The Service and Sacrifice of Father Vincent Robert Capodanno. CMJ Marian Publishers. ISBN 978-1890718039. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Production Underway on Documentary Film about Vietnam War Hero Father Vincent R. Capodanno". Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. 2016-06-23. https://www.milarch.org/production-underway-on-documentary-film-about-vietnam-war-hero-father-vincent-r-capodanno-m-m-servant-of-god/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Progress on Cause for Canonization". Father Vincent Capodanno Guild. 2017-05-23. https://www.capodannoguild.org/progress-on-cause-for-canonization/. 
  8. ↑ "Archbishop Broglio Invokes Spirit of Vietnam War Hero Father Vincent R. Capodanno". Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. 2015-09-04. https://www.milarch.org/archbishop-broglio-invokes-spirit-of-vietnam-war-hero-father-vincent-r-capodanno/. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Archbishop Broglio to Celebrate Annual Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno". Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. 2024-09-03. https://www.milarch.org/archbishop-broglio-to-celebrate-annual-memorial-mass-for-father-vincent-r-capodanno-mm-servant-of-god/. 
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