May 2017 Dear Friends of the Cause for Father Vincent Capodanno’s Canonization: Thank you! - We recently wrote to let you know of the Guild’s financial need to meet additional expenses for development of the documentary on Father Capodanno’s life. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to those who quickly responded to our appeal with contributions, as well as to all of you who continue to support this worthy cause with your prayers, devotion, and in many behind-the-scenes ways. Important dates: • First, the official closing of the Diocesan Phase of Father Capodanno’s Cause for Canonization will take place at the 23rd Annual Memorial Mass of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. We thank God for all who have worked diligently to bring the Diocesan Phase to a close. o Mass Date / Time: Sunday, May 21, 2017, 4:30 pm o Location: The Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, with His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, as the main celebrant and homilist o Reception following Mass: Located in the Edward J. Pryzbyla Center, at The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC o RSVP Required: Please complete the RSVP form on the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA webpage at http://www.milarch.org/memorialmass/, by May 10, 2017. •
Second, this year’s anniversary celebration of the Memorial Mass for Father Capodanno marks the 50th year since Father’s heroic death on a Vietnam battlefield. Due to the expected attendance at this milestone celebration, please see details below for submitting your RSVP. o Mass Date / Time: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 6:30 pm o Location: The Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception o RSVP Required: Please contact Mary Preece at mpreece@milarch.org, or 202-719-3642 by August 4, 2017. Documentary Update - Progress on the documentary is on schedule, thanks to our very generous donors. • All interviews have been filmed and are currently being edited. • We have started filming the reenactments: o Completed scenes include: Father Capodanno’s childhood, discussions with other seminarians and priests, Father’s time in Taiwan and Hong Kong. o Next phase – (June 1st to 5th) - filming the combat recreation of Father Capodanno’s last day with his Marines in Vietnam. Several of the Marines who were with Father on the battlefield that fateful day will make the trip to California to train the actors and ensure the scenes are accurately depicted. • Review and Finalize - Between June 6th and August 15th , the final documentary will be finalized and reviewed by the Guild Board and EWTN. • National broadcast - The Documentary will be broadcast by EWTN on September 4, 2017, the 50th anniversary of Father Capodanno’s death. • Special showings will be made by request for select audiences. The documentary will also be available for sale through the Father Capodanno Guild website.
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Board Members - The Guild has recently welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors. • •
Thomas V. Draude, a retired Marine Brigadier General, husband, father, and grandfather, has enjoyed extensive and distinguished military and post-military careers in leadership positions. Tom joins the Guild from Tampa, Florida. Linda Capodanno Sargent is Father Capodanno’s niece by marriage. She has devoted herself to positions as an attorney, teacher, and consultant who implemented numerous innovations in childhood education. Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother who joins the Guild from Clearwater, Florida.
Guild Presentations •
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On February 17, 2017, Guild Board Member, Don Campbell and his wife, Ann Marie, spoke about the life of Father Vincent Capodanno with interested attendees at the Mid-Atlantic Congress for Catholic Leaders in Baltimore, MD. Along with presenters who spoke on the importance of ongoing spiritual revitalization in the Church, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, expressed his gratitude and blessings to Catholic faith formation leaders, who in spite of secular social pressure, continue to teach the faith on U.S. Military installations worldwide. Guild Board Chairman, George Phillips describes having the honor of presenting the life of Father Capodanno this past Wednesday, May 5, 2017, to the combined Knights of Columbus of the NYPD from the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The group included three Catholic priests who were NYPD Chaplains. George stated, “After dinner, I began talking. Very quickly - the chatting came to a stop; and I had everyone’s attention for the next 40 minutes. The presentation was very well received. Donations were gratefully accepted, as were requests from attendees to speak to other groups, including Diocesan seminarians. It was a great night!” Note: We look forward to receiving your recommendations for upcoming events and conferences you’re aware of that could benefit Father Capodanno’s Cause for Canonization.
Share the “Good News” - A message for those who might consider sharing the “good news” of Father Capodanno’s life and the Cause for his Canonization with groups in places throughout the USA - you are needed! Our Board Chairman has created easy-to-use presentation materials, and you will receive both training and support. If you’d like to discuss the possibility, please email to ahholland3@comcast.net, providing your contact information and preferred way for contact. Email Address – We are committed to using every penny of your contributions the best possible way to further the Cause. If you agree to share your email address with us to ahholland3@comcast.net, we will distribute our regular communications with you via email - saving costs for paper, printing, time to stuff envelopes, and postage. Thanks in advance for helping us to keep you informed!
May the Lord and Father Capodanno continue to bless and watch over you!
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