May 23rd - Fr. Emil Kapaun

 

Today, we celebrate a hero, from a rule Kansas town. Born on April 20^th, 1916 in Pilsen, Kansas, Emil Kapaun was a quiet, hard-working boy, skilled with his hands and superior at his studies. When he wasn’t working on his father’s farm or playing in a nearby creek, he served daily Mass and helped out around the church.

In 1930, his parish priest persuaded his parents to send Emil to Conception Seminary for his final two years of high school. After graduating from Conception, he completed his studies at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis. Before his ordination, he wrote a letter to a friend. The letter clearly indicates his humility, as he said, “The Blessed Mother who was never stained with sin—even She was not called to be a priest of God—and here I am called.” He was ordained on June 9^th, 1940 and assigned as an assistant priest in his hometown parish in Pilsen.

Despite his desire to be assigned to military duty as World War II began, the bishop named him pastor of his hometown parish. The following year, he was permitted by the bishop to join the military, as a chaplain. During World War II, he served in India and Burma. After his discharge from military duty, he attended Catholic University in Washington-- receiving a master’s degree in education. On his return, he was assigned to Holy Trinity, Timken, Kansas.

Following his time in Timken, Fr. Kapaun re-enlisted in the army, and was in the American invasion force that landed in Korea.

On Nov. 1^st, 1950 on all Saints Day, US forces were overwhelmed by enemy Chinese Communist troops. During the retreat, Fr. Kapaun continually ran back directly into enemy fire, to drag wounded soldiers to safety. In the midst of the heavy hand-to-hand combat, he assembled 30 wounded soldiers in a dugout. In the midst of flying bullets, his corncob pipe was shot twice by enemy gunfire.

On Nov. 2^nd, by the end of the day, he saved 15 men. He and another soldier had also retrieved the dead bodies of more than 100 soldiers. After the Chinese rushed the American line six times, the US soldiers, ran out of ammunition, and resorted to throwing rocks at the enemy. The soldiers yelled at Fr. Kapaun, telling him to run, but he refused. When the Chinese entered the dugout, they found Fr. Kapaun administering the last rites to a dying soldier. As the Chinese were attempting to hurt the wounded soldiers, Fr. Kapaun stood up and convinced them to not hurt the soldiers under his care.

While captured, he became known as, the “good thief”, who would steal food and supplies from the enemy, and give the food to US prisoners. Because he forsook his own clothing and food, it rapidly weakened his health. Suffering from pneumonia, malnutrition, and a blood clot in his leg, his health deteriorated rapidly. At the end of his life, when the Chinese cut off all medical care, and deprived him of all food, he was heard whispering the Gospel passage, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.”

In May of 1951, he began to drift in and out of delirium. The Chinese announced they would take Fr. Kapaun to the hospital, which the Americans called, “the dying place”. Before he was taken away, he asked one of the Lieutenants to take over his duties of leading the Catholic prisoners in reciting the Rosary and reading the Bible. He told another soldier, “Tell my bishop I died a happy death.” Fr. Kapaun died two days later on May 23^rd, 1951.

The cause for Fr. Kapaun’s canonization has been officially opened by the Vatican and Fr. Kapaun has been declared a “servant of God”. Through the intercession of Fr. Kapaun, a miracle is needed, so that he may be declared “blessed.”

Today, let us ask Fr. Kapaun to help us to not fear the enemy of our soul. And if need be, may we be ready to lay down our life, as Fr. Kapaun did for our US soldiers.

May we pray and offer sacrifices for religious freedom and we ask Fr. Kapaun to help our country to obtain religious freedom. And so we ask the Shepherd in Combat Boots to intercede for us, as we pray: “Lord, Jesus, in the midst of the folly of war, your servant Emil Kapaun gave himself in total service to You through his service and care of his fellow soldiers. We now ask you, Lord Jesus, to manifest to the world the glory of his sacrifices by signs of miracles and peace. In Your name, Lord, we ask for you are the source of our peace, the strength of our service to others, and our final hope. In Your name, Lord Jesus, we ask. Amen.”