A group of pilgrims embarked on a 75-mile journey through Kansas between March 18-21, initiated by a desire for spiritual growth and inspired by seminarian Deacon Nicholas Samsel. Fr. Michael Brungardt, who leads three parishes in Rice County, implemented the pilgrimage for the men and young men of the local parishes. The pilgrimage was launched from the Fr. Juan de Padilla Cross near Lyons and concluded at Pilsen.

Participants, including John Kuhn, Gary Vogt, Jose ‘Freddy’ Rodriguez, Junior Briseño, and others, experienced a dynamic range of weather conditions during the four-day trek. Starting their days with mass and spiritual guidance, the pilgrims encountered both favorable weather and challenging blizzards with high winds. Despite the rigorous third day, which required covering 27 miles, the group persevered.

This spiritual journey allowed participants to reflect on their faith, facing physical challenges that mirrored life’s adversities. Upon arriving in Pilsen, the journey that tested their endurance also served as an internal pilgrimage of faith exploration. Evenings were marked by talks and local parish hospitality, such as in McPherson, where Deacon Hap Ramsey spoke about Venerable Emil Kapaun, providing homemade rosaries for the journey.

Fr. Brungardt explained the pilgrimage as an homage to Fr. Juan de Padilla, a Spanish Franciscan missionary, and to Fr. Emil Kapaun, with both men representing devotion and sacrifice. Florence Barles, one of the pilgrims, remarked on the journey's unique opportunity to connect with Christ's sufferings and Fr. Kapaun’s life of self-sacrificial love. The pilgrimage tested their limits and fostered virtues such as perseverance and courage.

Barles highlighted how the experience removed distractions, fostering fraternity and recognizing reliance on God for strength. The pilgrims offered their physical efforts as sacrifices, seeking to glorify God and deepen their spiritual lives. “Ultimately, the Holy Spirit has called each and every single one of you here to be on this pilgrimage for a reason,” Barles stated.

Engelland, one of the pilgrims, also serves as a youth leader at St. Paul Parish in Lyons. The journey ended with a shared sense of accomplishment and spiritual growth, fulfilling the inspirational vision initially proposed by Deacon Samsel.