I saw Fr. Mode's 1996 appearance on EWTN w/Mother Angelica. It interested me because my husband, William H. Finein, who passed last Dec. 20 from throat cancer, graduated from Bishop O'Connell HS in the '60's. I found my way to this website and the article about Fr. Michael Quealy. I believe God lead me to this article, on this day, for a reason unknown to me. I am a RCIA student, so all of this is new to me..not Christianity.. Catholicism.
I will pray for Fr. Quealy and you, Fr. Mode and I will not forget November 8 and the journey I took today.
God's Grace be with you.

I knew Chaplain Capodanno in Vietnam. I was a "No Preference" on religion so he sought me out a couple of times to find out why I had no preference and to encourage me to try Catholicism.

I often saw him striding around the hill and sometimes on operations as I was with C Co. 1st Battalion, 5th Marines and he was our chaplain.

I never did go to his mass as we were so worn out by 20 hour days, 7 days a week, I never even knew what day it was. I regret it and know I missed something, but i did chat with him a couple of times.

My new baby is in intensive care and stops breathing. I have prayed to Chaplain Capodanno to watch over him .... My baby is doing much better. Thank you Chaplain for looking after my "littlest Marine" as you did your teenaged Marines in our hour of horror.

Went to church last night and copies of "The Grunt Padre" were on sale. Our church earlier in the week had a chaplain from Air Force speak. I didn't have money that night to purchase book,so I got it after church. Started reading last night before going to bed. Before I knew it was going on 2:30am. Finished it this afternoon.
Coming from a military family, I couldn't put the book down! My dad was a WWII Navy veteran who ran around with the Five Sullivan Brothers. My one brother retired Colonel with the Army,my other brother a retired Captain with the Navy. I have a first cousin who saw active duty in VietNam about the same time as Fr. Capodanno. He retired as a General in the USMC. I presently have a nephew in the Navy, third generation!
I also had numerous Uncles who served our country in WWII.
The book is excellent! The Canonization of Fr. Vincent will be awesome...it is not if but when and I pray soon!
What an incredible story!
What a saint in the grunt padre!
Sincerely,
Joan (Draude) Brayer
Janesville, Wisconsin

I learned of Father Capodanno several years ago and then read The Grunt Padre. It was obvious that he found his calling and his mission in Vietnam. He totally forgot about himself and entered fully into the lives of those he served.
What a great example of a man who gave up everything for love of others.

I recently tore up my right knee and have asked Fr. Capodanno for his intercession for a healing. Though I count myself personally unworthy of healing, if it is God's will, I will be sure to report any healing.

I was with Father Capodanno durn "Operation Swift". 5th Marines
God bless you, and rest in peace, Bob Filice

I am visiting an old friend, Dolores Graziuso, who lives on Staten Island. I go walking along the boardwalk of South Beach each morning and have to cross Father Cappadano Boulevard. I just wanted to know who this person was. I am amazed at his bravery and how dedicated he was to his role. He was so handsome and what a shame he died so young. God bless him.

I just found out about Fr. Vincent through the article in Our Sunday Visitor. I will pray and ask him to intercede for healing the wounds of many Vietnam vets. That he will intercede for blessings on Maryknoll Missionaries, that he will intercede for a renewal of the Catholic priesthood in North America and Western Europe. Especially in this Year of the Priest, Fr. Vincent is a vital reminder to us about the true nature of the Catholic priesthood.

Over 10 years ago, I called radio station, WREF in Connecticut, and delivered a short story on the padre. After I finished, a woman called the station and told the host that she was on her way to church, heard the story, and wanted to inform the program that she was married by him just before he left for Nam! It touched my heart when the host mentioned it off the air. He gave his all for God, Family and country. A grandslam if there ever was one.

I have read the book the "Grunt Padre" and I would like to know if there are any relics of Rev. Vincent Capodanno?
I want to pray and ask for his intercession for a young man with CANCER.
(Mission Capodanno responds: Be assured of our prayers as well. However, at this time in the process, there are no relics of Fr. Capodanno available. Only holy cards are available to the public and can be ordered by following this link: http://www.vincentcapodanno.org/resources/holy_cards/.)

8/24/09
Welcome Home Father Vince! Semper Fi!

We just learned of the Mass in the Crypt on 9/3/09 and regrettably are unable to attend but we shall offer our Mass in the morning for Father Vince and all his bro Marines, living and deceased. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you this day.

God bless Fr Vince and his family.
God bless America and our men and women in uniform. May God be with them this day.

Kath
Kathleen Fennell, PA-c, RN former Army Nurse, RVN Vet 68-69
Roger G Fennell, MD former Army Medic, RVN Vet 68-69

Have finished reading The Grunt Padre -- do not ask me how I learned of Father Vince because I simply cannot recall. I do know I felt compelled to read this book -- again I don't know why.

Finished reading the book (one sitting) and now will pray during my Hour of Adoration at St Francis parish here in town for Father Vince's sainthood path.

I will be sending copies to my Iraqi Marines; I participate in the Adopt a Marine program and have been doing this since Desert Storm. The life of a soldier is not easy and the life of a chaplain even more so.

I was watching a program one night on television about Fr.Vincent Capodanno. I was touch by his spiritual courage. I cried at one point, because I feel like I lost one of my brother in arm myself. His spirit and his courage will be with me from now on. God bless him and his family. God bless America and those who serve in the Arm forces.

I served with Bravo Company, 1stBn, 5thMar from Sep'67 to Sep'68. Got there 5 days after Father Vince's death so I never met him. I have visited the chapel at Camp Pendleton named after him. His memory will live in the hearts of members of our unit always. I have met and spoken with Father Dan Mode and have read his book "The Grunt Padre". We all appreciate his efforts in getting Father Vince's story told. Sincerely, Dominic Westfall, USMC

Our Knights of Columbus District Deputy told us about your website. I'm glad I found it. I'm passing it along to my son, who is in Navy EM ‘A’ School in Charleston, SC, and to my other Catholic friends who are in the Armed Forces.

I am please to announce that the Knights of Columbus's newest Assembly is the Fr. Vincent R. Capodanno Assembly #3167, in Harrisburg, PA. The Assembly has a potential membership of about 200 with 65 currently transferring in. It's our honor to spread the name of Fr. Capodanno and Fr. McGivney (our founder) and help in any way to aid their causes for Sainthood. I will keep you updated on the Assemblies progress.

Vivat Jesus
Terry Shingara
District Deputy
Hispanic Council Development

While serving in the Marine Corps I had the honor of serving with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, Fr. Capodanno's regiment. At the Battalion HQ there are pictures of all of the Medal of Honor winners who served in the Battalion. I must have read his story a hundred times, every time I was at the CP I would read about all the CMH winners for a little inspiration and motivation. Fr. Capodanno's story is an inspiring story of heroism and courage. he gave his life for the Marines that he loved so dear. Fr. Capodanno has inspired me to convert to Catholosim.

I'm a real devotee of Fr. Vincent's - as with so many, I learned about him from EWTN's presentation of the life of Fr. Vincent. I purchased "The Grunt Padre" and I've heard its author, Fr. Daniel Mode, discuss this great priest. I pray Fr. Vincent will be canonized soon. I'm also proud he received the Medal of Honor. He really is a SAINT.

Father Capodanno was an amazing individual and Chaplain. Although I did not know Father Capodanno personally, I did serve in the USAF during the Viet Nam era.

There is a growing need to those serving and fighting for the USA and Freedoms to have someone they can go to for their Spiritual needs.

Because of this great Spiritual need, I am honored to devote an hour of Eucharistic Adoration for The Canonization Cause Of The Servant Of GOD Rev. Vincent Robert Capodanno. In addition, I renew the Hour for Father Capodanno with each visit I make.

Father Capodanno look down on all defending our freedoms. We pray for their safe return. God Bless.

Back in 1966, I was assigned to bravo Co. 1/7. We were on the far end by Phuoc Thien. Our unit was quite low on boots, pants, shirts etc. A fellow Marine and myself had a chance to go to battalion HQ, across the song tra bong river. One big issue was that all the wise guys in bttl supply would not give us any boots, pants, etc, to take back to co HQ. These were for several marines that needed the resupply. Our last resort was to go to the Chaplains office. You met us out in front of your hootch, we spoke about our problem and we went back to Bravo Co. with all the supplies we needed. It was years later that I learned of your sacrifices. Your great courage proves well of the guidance of the Divine.... The Holy Spirit guided you .... You certainly occupy a special place in our Mighty God's Kingdom. I will be going back to our Co. and batt. area the 23 rd of this month, making my yearly travel back to Vietnam... I pray Father Capodanno, put in a word for me to our Lord for safe travel and a productive trip. Simper Fi Marine, with highest respects, Daniel Howard Thomas Bravo Co. 1/7, battle of phuoc Thien Nov. 22 1966

I always knew that Vincent was a great man. My mom, his niece, would always tell me such great things about him. I just recently learned of this website for him, and reading all of these other Guestbook entries really makes me realize that he was truly a remarkable man. He's always in my prayers. ---Maeve Shanahan