This simple farm boy from Marion County grew up just like any other child in the early 1900s. He was raised a Catholic, attended school, worked on the family farm, and probably behaved much the same way as many other children.

Father Kapaun would go on to college and the seminary to become a priest. He had a calling to serve his fellow man in the military. And what a calling that was.

Who would have known that this man from simple means would become such an important person in so many soldiers’ lives? His self-sacrifice saved many lives, even though it meant his life would end at an early age.

When visitors come to Pilsen like they did Sunday, they believe they are walking on holy ground. They can’t believe they are in the church that Father Kapaun said Mass and served.

After all of these years, the boy from the town of Pilsen may be named a saint.

When I recently heard the story told by Rose Mary Neuwirth of how the statue of Father Kapaun came to be and the annual recognitions were planned, it made me realize what the power of a small group of people — sometimes just one person — can have.

But then again, organizers are getting help from a higher power.

— Susan Berg