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Navy Chaplain Corps 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Father Capodanno’s life is an example of the pilgrimage of every Christian: to empty oneself as Christ did, to deny oneself even to the point of death in service to another. This was the story of Servant of God Vincent Capodanno, the Maryknoll missionary and Navy chaplain who radiated Christ to those he served and died in an act of heroic love in imitation of the Son of God.

Father Capodanno went above and beyond the call of duty, as a Navy chaplain and as a missionary priest. With little concern for his own safety, he administered last rites and medical aid to fallen Marines. In the course of fulfilling his duty, he was gunned down by enemy fire. He is remembered for his example of fortitude and final act of self-denial and humility.

Servant of God Vincent Capodanno’s life is a testament to heroic Christian virtue. His is a story of constant discernment in following God’s will. He is an example for our time: while the world seeks self-gratification, Vincent sought self-denial; while mankind acts with pride, Father Capodanno showed humility; while the world acts with selfishness, he acted with the magnanimity demanded of all Christians. Father Capodanno isn’t just an example for military chaplains, missionaries, and soldiers. He is an example for all Christians everywhere.

This EWTN-presented documentary, Called and Chosen: Father Vincent R. Capodanno, details the life of the Servant of God. From his birth into a large Italian family living on Staten Island to his missionary work in Taiwan and finally his work as a Navy chaplain in Vietnam, which led to his death, the docu-drama chronicles the heroic virtue of a man who gave his life in service to others.

Father Capodanno was an example of Christ the Servant. His mission was to serve others, a mission that ended in the final act of total self-denial. He listened to others; he walked with others; and he shared in the sufferings of everyone he ministered. In a word, he was an image of Christ to everyone he met. By donating to or joining the guild, you can help support his cause for Canonization.