Kapaun walk planned
Staff writer
Holy Family Parish plans a festival Friday to mark Father Emil Kapaun being named Venerable in his move up the ladder toward sainthood.
“The Father has placed us together so that we might share his life, so let’s eat together, pray together, and play together,” the parish’s announcement says.
The festival at St. John Nepomucene Church in Pilsen will include Mass, a meal, and games; a six mile pilgrimage walk to the Kapaun homestead; and a bonfire.
The festival will begin at 6 p.m. and last until midnight, with the walk from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Bright clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a flashlight are recommended for the walk.
The walk is being planned despite a statement by the Wichita diocese that the only sanctioned pilgrimage to Pilsen will be the annual Father Kapaun Walk held in conjunction with Father Kapaun Day the first Sunday in June.
“Other walking pilgrimages are not permitted, especially for groups associated with the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, including school, youth groups, parishes, etc.,” a statement from the diocese says.
“St. John Nepomucene Church, Holy Family Parish, and the Catholic Diocese of Wichita are not responsible for any individual that chooses to walk to Pilsen in pilgrimage. Please note that the roads to Pilsen are either unpaved county roads or roads without sidewalks and that walking is not advised.”