The Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Good news from Rome: Father Kapaun has been named Venerable.
Bishop Carl Kemme announced that on February 24, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the Decree concerning the offer of life of Servant of God Emil Kapaun.
“As bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, where Father Emil Kapaun was ordained and served and where he is now entombed in the Cathedral, I join his family, our diocesan family, parishioners in Pilsen, his brother priests, men and women in the armed forces, past, present and future, and indeed every one of faith in giving thanks that Pope Francis has advanced his cause by declaring him to be Venerable. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for his intercession in every situation so that many more graces and divine favors will be received because of his powerful prayers. Venerable Emil Kapaun, pray for us!” Bishop Carl A. Kemme
This Decree is a formal recognition that, after a life of virtue, Kapaun freely and voluntarily made the supreme act of charity: offering his life for his fellow prisoners of war. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” says Jesus (John 15:13).
The publication of the Decree opens the door for the investigation of alleged miracles needed as supernatural evidence to further the cause. One miracle will need to be approved for beatification. A second approved miracle, occurring after the beatification itself, will be needed for canonization as a saint.
Over the years we have received testimony of several instances of alleged miraculous intercession by Father Kapaun. Some of these potential miracles date back nearly two decades, while others occurred very recently. One or two will be sent in detail to the Dicastery for Saints in Rome for review by both theologians and medical experts before papal approval is given. This process will likely take many years before beatification could happen.
Bishop Kemme and all of us here at Father Kapaun’s Cause are immensely grateful for your prayers and support. This is a thrilling step, and we can now begin to address Father Kapaun as the Venerable Servant of God Emil Kapaun, or more commonly, “Venerable Emil Kapaun”.
Now, as much as ever, our work is to continue to pray and share Venerable Kapaun’s story. We ask him to intercede for us, that we all may follow his example of hope, courage, and selfless sacrifice for God and the good of those around us.