It has just come to my attention about the suspension for the cause to make Father Vincent Capodanno a saint in the Catholic Church. He was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y. The reason is that more needs to be known about Father Capodanno and his spirituality. Father Capodanno was killed in Vietnam at 38 as a Naval Reserve lieutenant who served as chaplain for the Navy and the Marines. He was killed on Sept. 4, 1967, in a battle in the Queson Valley in Vietnam with 26 bullets from an enemy gunner. He was killed while caring for wounded Marines and praying for them. He was a priest and a missionary. In my opinion he gave his life while serving others. I myself am 73 and had served in the Navy during the Vietnam era. I am Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 in Douglaston, and also a member of American Legion Post 103 in Douglaston. As such I firmly believe Father Capodanno's cause for sainthood should proceed by the Catholic Church to be named a saint. He was honored by the military with many awards after his death and now it is time for the church to do the same.

Sincerely Yours
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose, N.Y.