Father Capodanno

 

Today is the anniversary of Fr. Vincent Capodanno's death 46 years ago in Vietnam.  Known as the "Grunt Padre,"  you can read and hear more about him here .   He's a native son of New York and served as a Navy Chaplain to the U.S. Marines.  He was awarded a Medal of Honor for his faithful heroism.

After reading about Fr. Capodanno, it might, for some, be a strain to the imagination to conceive of a military without such as the Grunt Padre to offer strength and support to embattled and dying soldiers.  But, the imagination need not strain after reading this document from the current White House, especially this paragraph referencing the freedom of members of our military to worship as their consciences dictate.

Expansion and Implementation of Protection of Rights of Conscience of Members of the Armed Forces and Chaplains of Such Members: The Administration strongly objects to section 530, which would require the Armed Forces to accommodate, except in cases of military necessity, "actions and speech" reflecting the "conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the member." By limiting the discretion of commanders to address potentially problematic speech and actions within their units, this provision would have a significant adverse effect on good order, discipline, morale, and mission accomplishment.

That is, religious observance, faith, worship, could have an "adverse effect" on order.  Fr. Capodanno, pray for us!

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