Catechism (CCC 1816) “The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it.”
Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:7 “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Father Capodanno (a letter to a newly widowed friend) “To remain faithful, patient and hopeful in times of great suffering is truly the test of our love of God and trust in Him as our Father.”
Testimony Rev. William Richter, MM (fellow seminarian and close friend) “He is an unforgettable example to me of someone who followed the call to serve, wherever it might eventually lead him, a call that refused to go away.”
Reflection Father Capodanno’s faith was not theoretical; it was lived publicly, professed under fire, and whispered into the ears of dying Marines. He lived his Faith and always put his trust in God.
Prayer Intention Lord, strengthen our faith that we may profess Christ boldly even amid fear.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 1818) “The virtue of hope … keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment.”
Scripture St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 5:5 “Hope does not disappoint.”
Father Capodanno (Sermon during Mass in Vietnam) “Any little bit of joy or happiness that we have here is but a taste of the eternal happiness we’re going to have in heaven.”
Testimony Chaplain Stanley Beach (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “We spent Easter Sunday morning ministering to those men. It made a deep impression on both of us and those moments of looking into the eyes of Marines who were experienced with death, gave us a greater appreciation of the hope of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ… He had tears in his eyes when he shared that experience.”
Reflection Hope is not denial of suffering—it is the certainty that Jesus is Lord even in the trials.
Prayer Intention Lord, when discouragement threatens us, anchor us in the hope of the Resurrection.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 1822) “Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.”
Scripture John 15:13 “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Father Capodanno (Letter to his brother weeks prior to his brother’s wedding) “Love is the most precious thing we shall ever know in this life or in the next… Love makes the sacrifice possible, and the sacrifice makes the love enduring.”
Testimony Thomas Panian (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “There was never a sin so great… that it could not be shared freely and fully with Father Capodanno. I have never met his equal in human empathy.”
Reflection Charity is sacrificial love. He gave his rosary, his raincoat, his time, his rations, his gasmask—finally his life.
Prayer Intention Lord, teach us to love in deed and truth.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 1806) “Prudence is “right reason in action”… It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with his judgment.”
Scripture Wisdom 7:7 “Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.”
Father Capodanno (Regimental Speech) “Each of us has been given talents… Are we using these to the best of our ability?”
Testimony Ed Fitzgerald (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam and recommended him for the Bronze Star) “He instilled proper attitudes in the minds of the men toward the Vietnamese, and toward each other… More than one young NCO patterned himself upon the examples of leadership and bravery set by Chaplain Capodanno.”
Reflection Prudence is not caution; it is right judgment ordered to the good of others.
Prayer Intention Lord, guide our decisions that we may act justly and wisely.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 1807) “The just man… is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of conduct towards his neighbor.”
Scripture Proverbs 21:3 “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Father Capodanno (from the application to Maryknoll about his future work as a foreign missionary) “It will mean hard physical labor with and for a group of people I may never have heard of before.Their lives, both troubles and joys will be my life.”
Testimony Raymond Leidich (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “He treated the villagers with compassion and comforted them at every opportunity.”
Reflection Justice gives each his due. Father Capodanno gave spiritual care to all.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 1808) “The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death…It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause.”
Scripture Psalm 118:14 “The Lord, my strength and might, has become my savior.”
Father Capodanno (from the application to Maryknoll about his future work as a foreign missionary) “Any personal sacrifices I may have to make will be compensated for by the fact that I am serving God.”
Testimony Henry Hernandez (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “He was kneeling beside Capt. Walker, exposed to enemy fire, whispering in his ear, as he did to all Marines that were wounded.He would say some words of comfort, that medical help was to come and a prayer.”
Reflection Fortitude is love stronger than fear.
Prayer Intention Lord, grant us courage to stand firm in times of difficulty and hardships.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 1809) “The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good…”
Scripture 2 Peter 1:5-6 “…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion…”
Father Capodanno (sermon during Mass in Vietnam) “God has given us life that we should live it fully, live it completely, live it happily.”
Testimony Joe Trischetti (served Father Capodanno’s final Mass in Vietnam) “…he spoke of trying to grasp some pleasure in life… his sermon made good sense.”
Reflection Temperance orders desire toward eternal joy rather than fleeting comfort.
Prayer Intention Lord, help us to seek the joy that comes from serving You.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 2546) “The Word speaks of voluntary humility as ‘poverty in spirit;’ the Apostle gives an example of God’s poverty when he says: ‘For your sakes he became poor.’”
Scripture Matthew 23:12 “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Father Capodanno (from a letter to a priest at the Military Ordinariate) “Chaplains’ work has only one disappointing aspect: the days are too short, and time moves too quickly for the men to do all there is to be done, and all that we’d like to do.”
Testimonies Gerald Turley (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “He attracted people. And yet in that group, he would be the humblest guy there.” Basile Lubka (served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “He never spared himself…He exhibited those rare qualities of humanity selflessness, and humility that are seldom achieved, even by Chaplains…”
Reflection Humility does not seek recognition; it seeks to serve.
Prayer Intention Lord, deliver us from pride and make us servants of all.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Catechism (CCC 2100) “The only perfect sacrifice is the one that Christ offered on the cross as a total offering to the Father’s love and for our salvation. By uniting ourselves with his sacrifice we can make our lives a sacrifice to God.”
Scripture John 10:11 “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” {suggest using NABRE version of John 10:11}
Father Capodanno (from the application to Maryknoll about his future work as a foreign missionary) “I’ll be separated from my family and friends and all things I’m now accustomed to for indefinite lengths of time during which all my efforts will be devoted to the people I’m serving.”
Testimony Joseph Pilan, MD (a doctor served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam) “Father Capodanno tried to get between harm and us. The good shepherd he was.”
Reflection The culmination of virtue is a total selfless gift. Father Capodanno lived as a priest unto the end.
Prayer Intention Lord, teach us to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice for those entrusted to us.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Through the intercession of Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno,
Grant us a faith that walks by trust and not by sight.
Anchor us in hope that does not disappoint.
Inflame our hearts with charity that gives without counting the cost.
Give us prudence to choose the good,
Justice to honor the dignity of every person,
And fortitude to stand firm when fear presses in.
Teach us temperance, that we may seek eternal joy over passing comfort.
Clothe us in humility, that we may serve without seeking recognition.
And form within us the heart of a shepherd,
ready to lay down our lives in daily sacrifice
for those entrusted to our care.
Through Father Capodanno’s witness,
form in us the virtues that shaped his life.
Lord, if it be Your will,
Continue to advance Father Capodanno’s Cause within Your Church,
that his witness may strengthen and inspire all.
For You called Your Servant, Father Vincent Capodanno
to be a shepherd amid danger to bring peace,
a priest and missionary among warriors to care for them spiritually and sacramentally,
and a witness to Christ’s love unto death.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
