Pilgrims to march to Pilsen
Staff writer
An annual walk to Pilsen to honor and promote the canonization of Pilsen native Father Emil Kapaun will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the priest’s sacrificial death May 23, 1951, in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea.
Scott Carter of the Wichita Diocese said 400 walkers — the maximum allowed — had registered within 24 hours after registration became available earlier this spring.
Some pilgrims will walk the entire 60 miles during the four-day trip. Others will join them at various points along the way.
They will walk their usual route, leaving Wichita at 7 a.m. Thursday with overnight stops near Whitewater, at Peabody, and at the Kroupa farm northwest of Marion.
After the pilgrims arrive at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen, Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., and the ladies of the church will serve a noon meal.
The Kapaun Museum adjacent to the church will be open for tours all afternoon, according to tour leader Melissa Stuchlik.
After being named Venerable in February, 2025, the next step for the late priest will be to be named Blessed and then Saint.
Promotions will be based on miracles performed in the name of Father Kapaun.