5 Questions with ... Cause of Venerable Emil Kapaun
In our second installment of our "5 Questions with ... " interview series we have an interview with Scott Carter, who is the Coordinator of the Office of Beatification for the Cause of Venerable Emil Kapaun. As we reported, last month the Holy See announced the wonderful news that Fr. Kapaun was declared Venerable. In light of that great news, we are delighted to bring you this 5-plus edition of our interview series. You can learn more about Venerable Emil Kapaun here on his page at American Saints and Causes. Thank you, Scott, for participating!
(If you are associated with a cause and would like to participate in our interview series, email us or use the form on our Contact Us page.)
American Saints and Causes: Would you introduce yourself and how did you come to work with the cause of Fr. Emil Kapaun?
Scott Carter: My name is Scott Carter. I’m a native of Wichita, Kansas, and I first learned about Father Kapaun as a senior in high school. Our priest chaplain, who taught my Christian Vocations class, gave us a copy of “A Shepherd in Combat Boots” and said, “Here’s a priest from the Diocese of Wichita that you all need to know about.” I came to know more about Father Kapaun while in seminary and developed a deeper devotion to him. I ended up discerning a call to marriage and family, and God was generous with His plan. A couple of people I knew put in a good word for me when Father John Hotze, the Episcopal Delegate for the cause, needed some help due to the growing interest in Father Kapaun, and here I am ten years later!
American Saints and Causes: For those who don't know, who was Fr. Emil Kapaun?
Scott Carter: Venerable Emil Joseph Kapaun was a simple farmboy from Kansas who grew up to be a Catholic priest and Army Chaplain. A veteran of World War II, his holy and heroic reputation developed fully on the battlefields and the prison camps of the Korean War. Known to celebrate Mass on the hood of his Jeep, he risked his life to pray with his soldiers and drag the wounded to safety. For this, he has been awarded our nation’s highest award for valor: the Medal of Honor.
Refusing to leave the wounded, Chaplain Kapaun voluntarily became a Prisoner of War to care for his “boys”. In the cold, dark days of a North Korean Prison Camp, he willingly endured everything alongside his men. By cheerfully nursing wounds, washing soiled clothing, stealing food and picking lice, Father Kapaun coaxed life out of the men’s feeble bodies. By standing up to Communist indoctrination and leading them in prayer he emboldened their listless spirits. Even faced with death by neglect at the hands of his captors, Father Kapaun offering his life willingly, forgiving his captors, and promising to pray for his men. Two years after his death, his fellow Prisoners of War finally returned home, sharing the story of their heroic and saintly chaplain who inspired them to faith, hope and love.
American Saints and Causes: The saints often serve as examples to the faithful of how to follow Christ and grow in holiness. What do you hope people learn from the witness of Venerable Emil Kapaun?
Scott Carter: The life of Venerable Kapaun provides us with so many insights and encouragements of how to live the Gospel. The thing that gets most people’s attention at first is his courage on the battlefield, which is recognized even on a secular level, both here in the US and also in Korea. It is a courage in service of the Gospel and bringing Christ’s love to the peripheries. In the Prison Camp, Father Kapaun’s boldness came out in how he served his men in so many different ways. I think he managed to carry out all 7 of both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy! Also, he leaves us an enduring message of hope- that Christ is with us in our sufferings and can overcome any sorrows, finally pointing us to heaven with his ultimate words.
American Saints and Causes: How has Venerable Emil Kapaun helped you grow in your faith and in holiness?
Scott Carter: Besides all the examples above, the most impactful part of the job is seeing how much the Holy Spirit continues to be at work. It’s incredible to think that 75 years after his death, Father Kapaun is still doing so much good- perhaps even more so now than when he was alive. He is impacting people all over the United States and beyond. I get to hear from people who are inspired by him, or who have received favors through his intercession. Sometimes what even appear to be full-blown miracles. This is such an affirmation for me that God is very much alive and at work in his Church.
American Saints and Causes: The diocese must be excited about the news of the Offer of Life decree. Are there any events planned to celebrate the new venerable?
Scott Carter: Yes, we’re thrilled that the Dicastery for Causes of Saints has issued the decree. In many ways it’s already a first step in confirming what we all believe, and it allows Father Kapaun to continue doing good decades after his death. I think we’re planning to have a few Masses of Thanksgiving- at Father Kapaun’s hometown of Pilsen, at the Cathedral where he is buried, and at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School. A Beatification entails a much bigger ceremony and celebration, but we also want to offer appropriate thanks to God.
American Saints and Causes: A miracle will need to be recognized for beatification. Are there any potential ones under evaluation?
Scott Carter: We do have a handful of seemingly strong potential miracles that people attribute to Father Kapaun’s intercession, which is a great situation to be in. Some of these occurred about 20 years ago, and some just 2 or 3 years ago. Because they might be considered for review in Rome, we can’t go into details, but it seems like Father Kapaun has been working for quite some time.
American Saints and Causes: I imagine some people might be inspired to learn more about Fr. Kapaun now that he is a Venerable, even take a pilgrimage to sites associated with him. Any recommendations?
Scott Carter: We love having people visit. Right now we’re a little spread out, with Father Kapaun’s tomb in the Cathedral in Wichita, and a museum at his home parish of Pilsen, about an hour north, but both spots make for a great pilgrimage. www.frkapaun.org/visit-us/ has more details about that. In addition, there is a 60-mile walking pilgrimage (www.frkapaun.org/pilgrimage/) from Wichita to Pilsen at the beginning of summer every year. It’s challenging and strenuous, but a great way to enter into Father Kapaun’s life.
American Saints and Causes: If someone wanted to, how best could they help support the cause's work towards beatification and canonization of Venerable Kapaun?
Scott Carter: Prayer and sharing Father Kapaun’s story are the best way to support the cause, and we’re happy to send out prayer cards or booklets on his life. We always appreciate donations as well. All of that can be found at www.frkapaun.org.
Thanks again, Scott Carter, for helping us learn more about Venerable Emil Kapaun! Those who wish can donate to the cause here and learn more about their work on their website.