I beg all reading this short article to watch this video, detailing the exploits of the Catholic priest, Fr. Emil Kapaun, a prisoner of war held in, what amounts to, a death camp, by the Communist Red Chinese during the Korean War that started on June 25, 1950, and, though not formally ending with a "peace treaty," hostilities did cease on July 27, 1953...
When watching this amazing story, related by Fr. Pawlikowski, as told by eye-witnesses during their struggle to stay alive amid the most brutal of conditions: freezing cold, and lack of food or medical supplies, it reminded me of my father-in-law, who was also a POW in a Red Chinese prison camp for 28 months! (My father-in-law has since passed; I don't know if he ever knew or came in contact with Fr. Kapaun(?)...
As you will hear, Fr. Kapaun, though a Catholic priest, ministered, not only to other Catholic prisoners, but also to any and all that were in the camp with him, keeping up the hope of eventually being freed from that hell on earth...
Eventually, the good and holy Fr. Kapaun died from weakness and extreme exposure to the elements and disease... I hope that Fr. Kapaun was welcomed by our Lord, Jesus, into His heavenly kingdom, never more to suffer. Christ tells us in the Bible, that there is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friends!
I would like to say that the church needs more Fr. Kapauns, now more than ever, to encourage strength and honor, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of family and country...
The Story of Fr. Emil Kapaun — with Fr. Pawlikowski | Good Catholic™
Continue to pray for that strength and honor that Fr. Kapaun so valiantly displayed for his brothers-in-arms before he died...
It should be noted, that Fr. Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his service to his country -- and, most especially, to his men, on the battlefield, and in the hellish prison camps..
Viva Cristo Rey! Bl. Fr. Miguel Pro -- and Fr. Emil Kapaun -- pray for us!
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...
Gene DeLalla
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