National

FR. CAPODANNO, MILITARY CHAPLAIN

Feature-length documentary is a story of courage and compassion

By Staff     12/11/2019

“The Field Afar” is the story of Fr. Vincent Capodanno, a Maryknoll priest who became a chaplain to the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was killed in action and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.  He has been put forth for consideration for sainthood. 

Born on Staten Island, New York in 1929 he was the youngest of 10. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1958 and then felt called to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Military. In 1966, Fr. Vincent arrived in Vietnam to work with the Marines.  

According to the documentary film’s website: “The Field Afar” recalls how Fr. Capodanno was a constant companion to the Marines: living, eating and sleeping in the same rough conditions of the men. He spent hours reassuring the weary and disillusioned, consoling the grieving, hearing confessions, and distributing St. Christopher medals. What his Marines remember most about Fr. Capodanno, was his bravery and fearlessness in accompanying them on eight combat operations.” 

The site’s description of the film continues: “In 1967, Fr. Capodanno was killed while saying last rites to a dying Marine during Operation Swift. In 2006, the Vatican began an official investigation into Fr. Vincent’s life for possible canonization and sainthood. Today numerous monuments – roads, chapels, ships and organizations are named in his honor.” 

The film’s website offers: “The film is about the power of courage and compassion, even in the face of life’s most harrowing events. The life of Fr. Capodanno speaks to all human beings about the human capacity for goodness. In a world growing ever more weary with cynicism, this is a story to renew the spirit. In the stories told by the Marines who knew him, we gain insight into the tremendous impact a life can have when it is lived in service to others.” 

Castletown Media has partnered with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission to release the feature length  documentary to select ABC-TV affiliates. The film will air November 17th  2019, through January, 2020.