New book released on Father Emil Kapaun
"A Saint Among Us," a book about the life of Father Emil Kapaun, has just been published by the Father Kapaun Guild in an effort to promote the cause for his canonization.
Father John Hotze, director of the Guild, was delighted about the new edition.
"It will help educate another generation of Catholics about the deep love Chaplain Kapaun had for his men and how he sacrificed himself to help his soldiers — physically and spiritually," he said.
He hopes anyone who does not know the story of Father Kapaun will consider buying a copy.
While working on the dedication of a statue of Chaplain Kapaun, the committee realized that because it has been more than a half-century since his death, many were too young to remember their native son.
He was born and raised in Pilsen, but many had forgotten details about his life and others were new to the area and diocese.
"We started out putting together a brochure when somebody said this is almost the start of a book," said Rose Mary Neuwirth. "That person was right."
Neuwirth and other members of the Father Kapaun Memorial Committee compiled the book. They were assisted by the California Sisters of Ramona. Carol Kelly, editor of Officers Magazine, Cincinnati, Ohio, edited the material.
"It was a lot of fun," Neuwirth said, adding it was difficult to decide when to stop gathering information and actually publish the book.
Two thousand copies were printed by Print Source Direct in Hillsboro. Proceeds from the sale of the books will be used to further the cause of Father Kapaun's canonization.
The 170-page book sells for $25, plus $3 for shipping and handling. To order, contact Rose Mary Neuwirth, 2035 290th, Marion KS 66861, at 620-924-5282.
