Given the occasion to learn more about Father Capodanno’s Cause for Sainthood, the faith community at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Church in Greenwood, Indiana, increased their attendance at the church’s Memorial Mass.
Jim Recasner, an old Army guy and retired Navy civilian lawyer, reached out to Guild board member Steve Stanley with a desire to increase attendance at the Church’s Memorial Mass by offering the attendees the opportunity to learn more about the virtuous life and heroic death of Father Vincent Capodanno. Together they worked to develop a plan to publicize the presentation after Mass which included Catholic Radio interviews and advertising. During a radio interview, Guild chairman George Phillips was able to his share personal perspective from the battlefield in Vietnam
In the end, all of Jim’s up-front work paid off. There was an increased attendance at Memorial Day Mass. About 170 people were present for Steve’s presentation, and the Guild received a significant financial contribution.
One of the special attendees was a then soon-to-be-ordained Catholic Priest and prospective Air Force Chaplain – hard to believe but he is a Vincent also. Father Vincent (Vinny) Gillmore, 2d Lt, USAFR, has since been ordained at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Indianapolis, with Archbishop Broglio in attendance. It is comforting to know that this new priest chaplain will go forward with the example of Father Capodanno to emulate.
Of course, that is what this Cause is all about – recognizing Father Capodanno as worthy of universal veneration in our Church. God willing and with your prayerful and financial help, we will keep his Cause moving forward!