40 Fathers and Sons Go On Pilgrimage!

(August 21, 2025) By Captain Ishmael

Walking in the Footsteps…
A Trip to Emil Kapaun’s Hometown On Saturday, August 9, Troop 3 of Kansas — Kapaun’s Boys — set out on a special journey: a pilgrimage to the small farming community of Pilsen, Kansas, hometown of Venerable Emil Kapaun. Fathers and sons gathered in the crisp morning air at the departure point in Atchison, their gear stowed, hearts ready for a day steeped in faith, fraternity, and history.

The drive to Pilsen took us through Kansas’s rolling hills and open plains, giving the boys a glimpse of the same rural beauty that shaped the young Emil Kapaun. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church — the parish where Kapaun was baptized, served at the altar, and later celebrated his first Mass as a newly ordained priest.

Inside the church, we admired the beautiful Czech-inspired architecture, the stained glass that glowed in the afternoon light. Our guide shared stories of his life: his tireless service as a chaplain in World War II and the Korean War, his unshakable courage in the POW camp, and his ultimate sacrifice for his fellow soldiers.

We prayed together at Fr. Kapaun’s memorial, offering intentions for our troop, our families, and for the virtue and bravery to live our Catholic faith with the same conviction he did. Fathers and sons had the opportunity to make a quiet personal visit to the museum in the parish center, which displayed artifacts from his life — from his chalice and vestments to the humble bicycle he rode between parish visits.

After our time in prayer and learning, we enjoyed a simple picnic lunch together on the church grounds, swapping stories and sharing laughter. The boys ran in the grass while fathers spoke about what it means to lead our families in holiness, inspired by the example of Fr. Kapaun.

The pilgrimage closed with a group prayer and a pledge to carry Kapaun’s spirit of service and sacrifice into the coming year of Troop 3 activities. We left Pilsen grateful — not only for the chance to learn about a heroic priest from our own Kansas soil, but for the shared time as fathers and sons journeying together toward sainthood.