50th
Anniversary
Memorial Mass
for
Father
Capodanno
A Memorial Mass marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Staten Island native Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., a Maryknoll missioner, Navy lieutenant and chaplain, is celebrated Sept. 3 at the Father Capodanno Memorial Chapel at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Father Capodanno, whose cause for sainthood is under consideration, died at age 38 in combat in Vietnam on Sept. 4, 1967.
MARY DIBIASE BLAICH
A likeness of Father Capodanno is displayed in the sanctuary during the memorial service, which included a wreath-laying ceremony, following the Mass. Father Daniel L. Mode, author of “The Grunt Padre,” served as principal celebrant and homilist, offering the morning Mass using a chalice of Father Capodanno’s.
MARY DIBIASE BLAICH
Father Mode presents an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis to Gloria Capodanno Holman, 95, the only surviving sibling of Father Capodanno’s nine brothers and sisters. The Mass was standing room only.
MARY DIBIASE BLAICH
Marines from the 6th Communications Battalion, in bottom photo, fire a salute outdoors from the base of the chapel steps at the conclusion of the memorial service.