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DENVER CATHOLIC | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 A LIGHT IN THE PRISON CAMPS Eventually, those earthly dangers caught up with him. Ambushed and outnumbered by the Chinese entering the war, Kapaun's unit was decimated. Though the chaplain had a chance to escape, he willingly stayed with his men as they were captured. Father Kapaun would eventually die in captivit y, but not before he brought the light of Christ into the darkness of the prison camps. In the camps, all religious services – especially Mass – were forbidden. This would have been a particular trial for someone who is recognized for celebrating Mass in a cornfield on the hood of a Jeep. Yet the time of captivit y brought another aspect of Father Kapaun's priestly ministry to the fore: the ministry of identit y and presence. A priest is more than simply what he does. Yes, the Sacrament of Holy Orders gives a man the abilit y to confer the sacraments for the sake of the Church, but it is much more than just that. Holy Orders conforms a man to Christ in a unique way. It makes him an alter Christus, another Christ. Like Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament leaves an indelible mark on the soul that will not disappear, even in eternit y. When we see a priest, we ought to see Christ present with us. Jesus came to reconcile us with the Father and bring us his love. Yet, we live in a world where God's love is often veiled and can easily be lost in the difficulties and challenges we face. The very presence of a holy priest can help us see beyond the veil. This is exactly what Father Kapaun did in the prisoner-of-war camp. In the hellish conditions where up to t wo dozen men were dying each day, it was easy for men to become discouraged. The realit y of evil was powerfully present. However, Father Kapaun's determination at the time of his ordination – to spend himself for God cheerfully, no matter the circumstances – was a determination to make Christ present. He did this in many ways: boiling clean water for the men to drink, caring for the sick and washing their clothes, picking lice off men who were unable or unwilling, and always being a voice of encouragement and forgiveness. ⊲ His holy courage even led him to celebrate Mass within range of the enemy on several occasions. After Kapaun made his way to a group of soldiers on the battlefield, an officer at the battalion headquarters said, "Father, things are pretty hot here at present, and I don't think you should be up here." Far from deterred, Father Kapaun replied, "Then I think we need a Mass, Captain, and if you can spare the men for a few minutes, I'll say it." Mass was celebrated amid artillery fire and danger, yet the men were all miracu- lously spared. For Father Kapaun, bringing Christ to his men was critical, even if earthly dangers stood in the way. 17