Father Kapaun's Miracles - Inspiring True Story Book by Ignatius Press | Catholic Faith, Military Chaplain Heroism & Spiritual Growth

This 50-minute documentary produced by the Wichita Eagle Newspaper tells the extraordinary story of a Korean War chaplain simultaneously awarded the Medal of Honor (although it hadn't happened when this documentary was filmed in 2009, President Obama gave him the award posthumously in April 2013) and up for consideration as a canonized saint in the Roman Catholic Church. This man was Father Emil Kapaun, a Kansas-born priest who served as an army chaplain in WWII and Korea. The film deftly weaves the narratives of his life, his war exploits, and his current cause for sainthood with a touching depth of emotion. It even includes Kapaun's own voice from old radio sermons he gave. Interviewees include a young man who recovered from a fatal pole vaulting accident in college (he missed the mat and landed on his head) after his family prayed to Father Kapaun; this alleged miracle is being reviewed by the Vatican as possible evidence for Kapaun's canonization. The young man's mother and family are also interviewed. Also included are comments by the local Catholic bishop (Diocese of Wichita) and priest who is promoting Kapaun's cause for sainthood, as well as interviews with people who knew Kapaun in Kansas. But the most impressive thing about this video are the firsthand accounts of American GIs who served with Kapaun in Korea, including one elderly man Kapaun saved from being shot by a Chinese officer. This segment of the film is genuinely touching as the army veterans recall Kapaun's heroism and their love for him. The film concludes with an epilogue about Kapaun's then-nomination for the Medal of Honor (look it up on the White House website if you want footage and text of President Obama's remarks at the ceremony where he ultimately gave the medal to Kapaun's nephew) and cause for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church, where Fr. Kapaun is currently a "servant of God" as his case proceeds. If you want to learn about the impact that military chaplains have in battle, or simply about the process of making someone a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, then this is absolutely the best documentary you will find anywhere. I showed it in class to 14-year olds and they were riveted by the whole thing.Father Kapaun as been inspirational to me. A true follower of Christ.Father Kapaun shows what Christian love for your brother is!!Father Emil Kapaun was born in Kansas, the son of Czech immigrants, and raised on a farm. He volunteered to be a military chaplain during the Korean War, and after only 5 months serving in Korea, Father Kapaun and his unit were captured by the Communists. It was in the prison camp that God used this humble, courageous priest to serve his people, keeping up their spirits, sneaking out at night to steal food for the starving prisoners, praying with them, giving the dying the sacraments, and suffering repeated tortures,, until Father Kapaun became ill and was taken to the camp "hospital", where he was martyred. Through eye-witness accounts of his uncommon valor (which earned Fr. Kapaun the Medal of Honor) and the research completed on behalf of his cause for canonization, we are introduced to the extraordinary life of Servant of God Emil Kapaun, a simple priest who lived Christ's teaching, "There is no greater love than this, that a man give up his life for another." This is a compelling, inspiring film.This book is the compelling story of US Army chaplain Emil Kapaun who was captured in Korea in 1950 when thousands of Chinese Red troops came poring over the Yalu River. Fr. Kapaun was loved and respected by his fellow POW's of all faiths for his sacrifice and devotion to the men who were POW's with him in the most grueling of conditions ie: freezing cold, near starvation, poor medical treatment and constant Communist indocrination. He died in May 1951 and his remains have never been found. He was recently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Obama after more that 60 years. Efforts are being made to have him named a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. This story has special meaning as we honor those who have given their lives this Memorial Day weekend.When reading any of the books on the life of Fr. Kapaun, I find myself unable to put them down and wanting to re-read them. Fr. Kapaun was such a bright light on this earth. His view was unique to a Saint and the sacrifices he made on behalf of his fellow man, fellow military men is awe inspiring. In all of the books I have read on our religious men and women, no one's life has touched my heart and soul as did that of Fr. Emil Kapaun and the influence he had on so many. His unshakable faith in God inspires and warms the heart. If only we could all be like Fr. Emil Kapaun!Very interesting story. Captivating. Had never heard of the man and he lived in Kansas until the Korean War.Well done documentary. The personal interviews of fellow American POWs in the North Korean death camps were especially moving. Father Kapaun is finally awarded the Medal of Honor in part because of this documentary. He may well become the first saint recognized by the Catholic Church awarded the nation's highest wartime honor.