Wonderful News Regarding Father Kapaun's Journey to Sainthood

By -
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” says Jesus (John 15:13).

We just learned that Father Emil Kapaun's cause for sainthood has just taken another step. He is now "Venerable" which is the second of the four-step path to being named an official saint. Fr. Kapaun was a Kansan from the little town of Pilsen (north of Wichita) who became the parish priest at St. John Nepomucene in Pilsen. After a few years he felt called to serve in the U.S. military. During the Korean War, as a POW, he gave his life to save his fellow prisoners. The story of his life is here. 

In March 2021, his body was found -- in remarkably good condition -- and identified. A genuine Catholic funeral mass could finally be held -- in a full 5,000 seat arena and to a national television audience on EWTN. I mention that because of the priest's incredible story of self-sacrifice has been recognized nationally due to the work of the survivors of that inhumane POW camp. His remains are in a crypt at Wichita's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Note: Sainthood does not imply a person lived a perfect life or anything close to it. That is impossible for we humans. For non-Catholics: a rigorous process is in place to evaluate whether a person is worthy. A brief summary is below.

First, a person who lived a life of holiness dies, and after a waiting period (usually five years), a cause for their sainthood is opened. Evidence of their virtuous life is gathered, and if approved by a bishop and the Vatican, they’re named "Servant of God." Next, the Vatican reviews their life* and writings; if deemed heroic in virtue, they’re declared "Venerable." Beatification follows, requiring a verified miracle attributed to their intercession, earning them the title "Blessed." Finally, canonization, making them a saint, requires a second miracle, confirming their place in heaven and worthiness of universal veneration. The process blends rigorous investigation with spiritual tradition, often taking decades or centuries.

* Martyrs, as Father Kapaun was, follow a slightly different process where special emphasis is placed on the cause of and type of death rather than a person's lifetime. 

The entire announcement is here. 

Excellent story from The Wichita Eagle. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Overnight Tornado Forecast Posted at 7:05pm

By -
Image
Here is the tornado forecast for the rest of the night (till 6am CST). Red, hatched = high risk of strong tornadoes. Yellow, hatched = enhanced risk of strong tornadoes. Blown = significant risk of tornadoes.  This will be the last update of the night. Tornado Watch until 2am. Please make sure you have ways of getting warnings of tornadoes and 80 mph winds.  6:15pm  NWS believes the chances for tornadoes and damaging winds are increasing in Mississippi. They also say they are going to extend the tornado watch to the east later this evening.  5:35pm: The northwest part of the tornado watch has been cancelled Here is the area where tornadoes are more likely from 4:30 to 7:30pm. From Atmosphere Analytics Rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Tornado Watch till 9pm If you live in these areas it is vital  to monitor the weather until the watch expires at 9pm  Note the forecast is for "numerous strong tornadoes." A very rare "particularly dangerous situation" ...
Read more