Holy Rosary in Houston hosts several events to celebrate veterans

U.S. Marine veterans participate in a 21-gun salute during a memorial service marking the 55th anniversary of the death of Maryknoll Father Vincent R. Capodanno at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, N.Y., Sept. 4. Father Capodanno, a native of Staten Island, was killed while ministering as a U.S. Navy chaplain to wounded Marines on a battlefield in Vietnam. A biopic of Father Capodanno’s life will be screened at Holy Rosary Parish in Houston on Nov. 18 during a series of events celebrating veterans. (CNS photo)

HOUSTON — Several events to celebrate Veterans Day are set for Nov. 4 to 18 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located at 3617 Milam St. in Houston.

On Nov. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the parish will host Sister Deidre Byrne, POSC, the 2012 University of St. Thomas commencement speaker and is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, who will present an address called “Preparation for the Battle Ahead of Us,” a pro-life message about the road ahead in pro-life ministry.

At 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 11, the parish will host a Veterans Day Mass celebrated by Father Ian Bordenave, OP, a veteran, along with a celebration for all veterans and their families. Those who arrive early will receive a Veterans Day pin. After Mass, a reception will be held upstairs in the parish hall.

Then, at 7:15 p.m., Sister Byrne will lead a “Rosary for the Nation,” with each bead of the Rosary praying for a different U.S. state. At 7:45 p.m., Sister Byrne will speak about how, inspired by the faith-filled lives of her parents and mentored by Mother Theresa of Calcutta, she realized her vocation while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces as a medical officer.

On Nov. 18, the church will host a veteran vocation series with Lay Dominicans Wendy Clark, OP, and retired Major Celia Clay, OP, as they present the inspiring stories of military chaplains, Father Emil Kaupan, a Korean War veteran, and Father Vincent Capodanno, M.M., a Vietnam War veteran.

Both military chaplains have been put forth by the Military Archdiocese of the USA for canonization as saints and declared “Servants of God.” After the presentation, the 90-minute EWTN movie “Called & Chosen” about Father Capodanno’s life will be shown.