Denver Catholic

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 | DENVER CATHOLIC 16 T he witness of a holy priest has a pro- found effect on those around him. Standing in the person of Christ, the priest is uniquely positioned to lead others to Jesus and bring Jesus to his people regardless of the circumstances or difficulties. Servant of God Emil Kapaun serves as a powerful example of that truth. KAPAUN'S EARLY LIFE Servant of God Emil Kapaun was born in 1916 to Czech immigrants in the small farming community of Pilsen, Kansas. For someone who rarely ventured far from home, he grew up with a remarkable missionary heart. Inspired by the example of courageous priests and religious of the Columban mission- ary society in China, Kapaun felt called to bring Christ's love far and wide. Initially ordained to the priesthood in 1940 for the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, he quickly found his calling to serve in the Armed Forces, serving as an Army Chaplain in World War II and, more notably, the Korean War. When I was ordained, I was determined to 'spend myself' for God. I was determined to do that cheerfully, no matter in what circumstances I would be placed or how hard a life I would be asked to lead." FATHER EMIL KAPAUN THE 'SHEPHERD IN COMBAT BOOTS' Realizing that the peace of Christ can reign even amid the horrors of the battlefield, the "Shepherd in Combat Boots" was determined not to play it safe. He was known for venturing to the front lines to bring hope to his "boys," whether in the form of an apple, an extra drink from his canteen or a prayer. During firefights, he would crawl to reach the wounded on the battlefield to give an anointing and to drag the living to safety. Somehow, he managed to do this with- out a scratch, although his trusty pipe was shot out of his mouth by a sniper, and he had to jump into muddy ditches many times. N E W B O O K No Bullet Got Me Yet The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun by John Stansifer

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