The Field Afar is a feature length documentary (52minutes) produced and directed by Tim Moriarty of Castletown Media and Jake Ehrlich of Reel Hound Media.

Fr. Vincent Capodanno was born on Staten Island, New York, on Feb. 13, 1929. The youngest of 10 children, at the age of 20 he entered the Maryknoll order to become a missionary. In 1958, he was ordained to the priesthood and assigned to work in Taiwan with the Hakka people. After being re-assigned to Hong Kong, he felt called to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Military. In 1966, Fr. Vincent arrived in Vietnam to work with the Marines. He quickly earned the nickname, the “Grunt Padre,” because of his ministry to the “grunts” (nickname for members of the infantry).

In The Field Afar, Veterans recall how Fr. Capodanno was a constant companion to the Marines: living, eating and sleeping in the same rough conditions of the men. He spent hours reassuring the weary and disillusioned, consoling the grieving, hearing confessions, and distributing St. Christopher medals. What his Marines remember most about Fr. Capodanno, was his bravery and fearlessness in accompanying them on eight combat operations.

On September 4th, 1967, he was killed while saying last rites to a dying Marine during Operation Swift. Fr. Capodanno’s heroic actions that day, led to his being awarded the posthumous Medal of Honor. In 2006, the Vatican began an official investigation into Fr. Vincent’s life for possible canonization and sainthood. Today numerous monuments - roads, chapels, ships and organizations are named in his honor.

This film is about the power of courage and compassion, even in the face of life's most harrowing events. The life of Fr. Capodanno speaks to all human beings about the human capacity for goodness. In a world growing ever more weary with cynicism, this is a story to renew the spirit. In the stories told by the Marines who knew him, we gain insight into the tremendous impact a life can have when it is lived in service to others.