U.S. Army chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, who died May 23, 1951, in a North Korean prisoner of war camp, will be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for bravery. He is pictured in an undated portrait. CNS photo/St. Louis Review

A few weeks ago, the mortal remains of Father Emil Kapaun were placed inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, Kansas. He had served as an Army chaplain during the Korean War. Thousands gathered to watch as a military honor guard complete with horses solemnly accompanied the flag-draped remains of this priest to his final resting place. He was entombed inside the Cathedral.

Father Emil Kaupaun is an extraordinary example of a leader who sacrificed all for those whom he served. Pope St. John Paul II recognized him as a Servant of God, and his canonization process has been opened. The United States government posthumously awarded him with the Congressional Medal of Honor, recognizing his heroic bravery in battle.

Father Kapaun was a priest of the Diocese of Wichita. He was born on a farm in 1916, and he died in a North Korean POW camp in 1951. Father Kapaun distinguished himself in battle as he risked his own life to help over 40 wounded soldiers. He was noted for carrying the sacraments to the soldiers and he celebrated Mass using a jeep as his altar. In 1950, his unit was surrounded by 20,000 Chinese forces on Nov. 1 during the Battle of Unsan. Rather than evacuate, he chose to stay with the 800 men of his battalion, a number of whom were wounded. He was eventually taken as a prisoner of war. While in the POW camp, fellow inmates remember him for his courage and lifting minds and hearts to Jesus. He died of dysentery in 1951. His remains were later returned through an agreement with the North Koreans, and they were recently identified through DNA.

Father Kapaun is a shining example of a servant leader. He stands in stark contrast to James and John in this Sunday’s Gospel. We find these two Apostles jostling for the positions of honor. The other 10 Apostles are understandably upset in their ambition.

James and John had a mistaken idea that Jesus’ kingdom would be an earthly one. Maybe they were thinking of the riches enjoyed by kings of their day and wanted to enjoy that position of leadership filled with many perks. Jesus corrects them and uses it as an opportunity to explain true leadership according to God’s plan. It is not for the leader to benefit and enjoy comforts. Jesus shows us that the leader is actually the greatest servant. The Lord shows us what servant leadership look like as he accepts crucifixion (a death for the lower class). He suffers, dies and rises again bringing each of us forgiveness and eternal life.

We will all find ourselves in leadership positions. Some will be leaders by vocation, career or many situations in life. A true leader must be ready to sacrifice for those whom he or she serves. That leader must be strong in the virtues of humility and prudence. The true leader must first and foremost trust in God’s plan and his grace. Jesus, give us the grace to serve as leaders in your image!

Father Creagan is pastor of St. Joseph in West St. Paul.

Sunday, Oct. 17 
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time