WHAT: The annual Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, United States Navy Chaplain and Vietnam War hero, on the 54th anniversary of his death on a battlefield in Vietnam. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
WHERE: The Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington, D.C., 20017.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
BACKGROUND: This annual Mass is celebrated for the repose of the soul of
Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, a Catholic U.S. Navy Chaplain who was killed in Vietnam on September 4, 1967 as he gave physical and spiritual aid to wounded and dying U.S. Marines under ambush from North Vietnamese regulars. Father Capodanno posthumously received the Medal of Honor, and in May 2006 the Catholic Church authorized the official beginning of his Cause for Canonization, thus recognizing him as a Servant of God. The Cause is officially promoted by the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild, a private Catholic Church association and not-for-profit corporation.
This will be the first time in two years the Father Capodanno Memorial Mass will be held at its usual location in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Last year, due to social distancing mandates imposed by the District of Columbia, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Archbishop Broglio celebrated the Mass in the small, main chapel of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, home base of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
The Father Capodanno Memorial Mass is open to the public. Arrive early to ensure seating.
Military members are encouraged to wear the uniform of the day and civilians, business attire.
EWTN will broadcast the Mass live across North America. Media coverage is welcomed.
