Eighty-five years after Venerable Father Emil Kapaun knelt beneath the cross in St. John’s Chapel to receive holy orders, Newman University commemorated the anniversary of his ordination with a special Mass on June 9.
The celebration took place in the same chapel where the future prisoner of war chaplain and candidate for sainthood was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1940, when the university was known as Sacred Heart Academy.
The Rev. Ed Herzog, university chaplain, delivered the homily, reflecting on the significance of Kapaun’s vocation and sacrifice.
“It was underneath that cross 85 years ago that Kapaun lay prostrate, symbolizing the beginning of a life given completely to Christ,” Herzog said. “He laid down his life first at the altar — and later on the battlefield.”
The Mass coincided with the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, drawing parallels between her presence at the cross and Kapaun’s lifelong fidelity to service. Herzog encouraged students and staff to follow Kapaun’s example by “laying down their lives in service to others.”
The Rev. John Hotze, vice postulator for Kapaun’s cause for canonization and episcopal delegate for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, spoke after the Mass about the chaplain’s path to potential sainthood. Hotze has served as vice postulator for the cause since 2001.
“Fr. Kapaun was an ordinary Kansan, yet his heroic virtue shows that any of us — right here — can become a saint,” Hotze said. “That’s the beauty of his story.”
Ordained during cathedral construction, Kapaun’s unexpected connection to Newman’s chapel underscores a providential legacy. As a U.S. Army chaplain during the Korean War, he ministered to fellow soldiers even while imprisoned in a North Korean POW camp, earning a posthumous Medal of Honor and widespread devotion.
Hotze also shared rare stories of potential miracles, including a dramatic account from a military doctor who believed a POW returned to life in Kapaun’s arms after being declared dead.
Kapaun was declared venerable on Feb. 25, 2025 by Pope Francis. His canonization cause continues, and supporters hope his witness of faith and courage will lead to sainthood.
“Fr. Kapaun gave everything — his comfort, his strength, even his life — for others,” Herzog said. “Now it’s our turn to carry that legacy forward.”
