CV NEWS FEED // Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio will celebrate the annual Memorial Mass for Servant of God Father Vincent R. Capodanno at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, at the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.
The Most Reverend Broglio, who is the archbishop for the Military Services, USA, and the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will be the principal celebrant and homilist for this year’s Mass, which marks the 57th anniversary of Fr. Capodanno’s death.
Fr. Capodanno was killed in Vietnam on September 4, 1967, while ministering to US Marines in South Vietnam. Despite being unarmed and already seriously injured, he ran to aid a wounded corpsman and Marine. He was killed by enemy fire, sustaining 27 bullet wounds, while faithfully performing his final act of service.
Besides earning the Navy Bronze Star medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and the Purple Heart Medal, Fr. Capodanno’s bravery and dedication posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the US.
In May 2009, the Catholic Church officially proclaimed him a Servant of God, formally initiating his cause for canonization.
The public is welcome to attend the memorial Mass in celebration of Fr. Capodanno’s valor and self-sacrifice in the service of God and Country.
