Ray Kapaun, nephew of Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun, poses for a photo in the White House, before the Medal of Honor was posthumously to Chaplain Kapaun at the White House, April 11, 2013.

President Barack Obama awarded Kapaun the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, in 2013. Kapaun grew up in Pilsen and took holy orders to become a priest in that town as a young man.

The third step is beatification, which requires that a miracle be attributed to Kapaun interceding after his death. The fourth step is canonization or sainthood, which requires another miracle.

Kapaun is finally home and laid to rest, as thousands of followers celebrated his life and contributions to the Army and church through a series of public and private events this week.

St. John Nepomucene Church is the home parish of Servant of God Emil Kapaun. He served as a priest here, and locals have fond remembrances of him. Visitors can learn more about his life and heroic ...

On March 2, 2021, Kapaun’s remains were accounted for, and his body is interred in a tomb inside the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Wichita. To read the details of his life and service ...