Hundreds of pilgrims are gearing up to spiritually connect with Servant of God Emil Kapaun during the upcoming pilgrimage from Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2. The pilgrimage, known as the Kansas Camino, will see participants walking 60 miles from the Church of the Resurrection in Wichita to St. John Nepomucene in Pilsen.

Scott Carter, the coordinator of the Father Kapaun Guild, expressed excitement about the diverse participation in the event, stating, "We had an incredible number of pilgrims from out of state last year – about 20 states. It’s a great response to see people from so far away wanting to join us. It’s great to see the mixing of Catholics from the diocese with those from outside of Kansas to honor Father Kapaun."

Carter emphasized the significance of retracing Father Kapaun's steps, both in Kansas and during his service as a chaplain in Korea and a prisoner of war. "The great thing about that is it helps you come to know his personality by entering into life here in the Kansas plains but also what he did in Korea. He took his roots here to serve God wherever he was called," Carter explained.

With last year's pilgrimage reaching capacity with nearly 300 participants, Carter noted that there are flexible options for those interested in joining the Kansas Camino. "There are options to join partway through, or just walk part of it," he reassured.

Prayer holds a central role in the pilgrimage experience, according to Carter. "We pray together as we journey and bring our prayer intentions along to Father’s home parish where we end with a Mass in Pilsen. We also stop along the way and listen to stories about Father’s life," he shared. Carter highlighted the pilgrimage as an opportunity for meaningful conversations, connections with fellow Catholics, and a break from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life to listen to the divine voice.