Memorial Day asks something important of us as Americans: to remember.
Not only the wars fought or the victories won, but the men and women who willingly gave their lives in service to others. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, remembrance feels even more significant. A country cannot endure without memory, gratitude, and an understanding of sacrifice.
This Memorial Day weekend, and in preparation to celebrate 250 years as a nation, we are honored to release No Greater Love (see our America 250 page to locate the film and watch) a new short documentary tribute featuring the four Catholic chaplains who received the Medal of Honor for their heroic witness and sacrifice:
Fr. Joseph O’Callahan
Fr. Emil Kapaun
Fr. Vincent Capodanno
Fr. Charles Watters
These priests entered the horrors of war unarmed, carrying only the love of Christ and the sacred duty to care for the souls entrusted to them.
Even today, military chaplains continue to serve quietly and faithfully throughout the world. Catholic priests are “borrowed” from dioceses across the United States and commissioned to minister to members of the military and their families, both at home and abroad. They celebrate Mass on military bases, hear confessions in combat zones, accompany the wounded, counsel grieving families, and bring the presence of Christ into places most civilians will never see.
As you will witness in this film, throughout history, chaplains have chosen to stay with the suffering even when escape was possible. The stories told in No Greater Love are deeply moving because they reveal this kind of sacrificial love lived concretely.
Fr. Emil Kapaun ministered to prisoners of war in Korea even while suffering starvation and eventual death himself. Fr. Vincent Capodanno ran repeatedly into combat zones in Vietnam to aid wounded soldiers and Marines before being killed while administering last rites. Fr. Charles Watters died carrying wounded men to safety during the Vietnam War. Fr. Joseph O’Callahan ministered heroically aboard the USS Franklin after catastrophic attacks left the ship engulfed in flames.
Their witness reminds us that sanctity is not confined to monasteries or chapels. Holiness can also appear amid smoke, fear, chaos, and sacrifice.
The documentary also includes reflections from Captain Peter Hetzel, former Commander of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who speaks about the sacred responsibility of honoring those laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery and the enduring promise that we are a nation that remembers.
The military chaplains hold a special place at Arlington, particularly at Chaplains Hill, where Fr. Charles Watters now rests among fellow chaplains who served and sacrificed for those entrusted to their care.
This project has been especially meaningful for Good Catholic because we have wanted to tell this story ever since filming at West Point with Fr. Pawlikowski, himself both a former active duty soldier and active duty chaplain. Few people could speak about the vocation and sacrifice of military chaplains with the depth of understanding he brings.
This Memorial Day weekend and in the future, No Greater Love offers an opportunity not simply to remember the fallen, but to reflect on the kind of love Christ Himself described in the Gospel:
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
As we commemorate 250 years of our nation’s history, may we never forget the courage, faith, and sacrifice of those who gave everything in service to God and country.
Explore our 250th Anniversary Collection and discover patriotic and beautiful products to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday!
