Hundreds of pilgrims endured rain, wind, and sun in their 60-mile trek from Wichita to Pilsen, Kansas, as part of this year’s Kansas Camino. The pilgrimage commemorates Fr. Emil Kapaun, an Army chaplain who was a prisoner-of-war.

Participants began their journey on May 30 at the Church of the Resurrection and concluded it on June 2 at St. John Nepomucene Church, Fr. Kapaun’s childhood church.

J.P. Brunke highlighted the challenges faced due to changing weather conditions: “It rained on us for five hours, then we had a breeze going, and then it got really hot,” he said. Pilgrims also ate millet, reflecting what Fr. Kapaun and other prisoners-of-war consumed.

Brunke noted that Eucharistic Adoration was available at a stop in Peabody and expressed amazement at the diverse group of participants: “They come from different walks of life for many different reasons.”

Fr. David Voss participated with fellow soldiers from Fort Riley: “There was great energy, great joy, and good spirituality this year,” he said.

A fellow soldier carried a 35-pound rucksack but allowed others to help if they offered: “Some of the high school girls told him, ‘I want to try carrying it.’ So they put it on like a soldier,” Voss recounted.

Fr. Voss thanked organizers Chuck and Ellie Kissling for their years of service with the pilgrimage snack truck and acknowledged Teresa Jirak and her family for taking over this duty.