I have been privileged to attend Mass in Ven. Emil Kapaun's home Parish and to know people who knew him personally as a boy and as a Priest.
From Aleteia
By ChristineRousselle
'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey,' detailing the sacrifices of combat chaplains — with a focus on Fr. Emil Kapaun — is now available to buy or rent on Apple TV.Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey can now be purchased or rented on Apple TV, with more streaming providers coming soon, says its website.
The film tells the story of America's combat chaplains — the men and women of various faiths who tend to the spiritual needs of members of the military. Interwoven through the film is the story of Venerable Fr. Emil Kapaun, a Medal of Honor recipient who died in a Korean prisoner of war camp.
Kapaun's remains were identified in 2021, eight years after he received the Medal of Honor. His return to his hometown in Kansas and his funeral is shown in the film. He was declared "venerable" in 2025.
Military chaplains display "real-life bravery and selflessness" every day, Fr. Tom Gibbons, C.S.P., one of the film's executive producers, told Aleteia.
"The witness they give in serving people of all different religious and cultural backgrounds is a witness to the best of both the American spirit and the Catholic faith," he added.
"As a minister myself, I was most moved by the experience of healing that the chaplains themselves need as a result of their service, and the hope they provide by going through the brokenness we all have and coming out more whole on the other side."
Chaplains, said Gibbons, "give a 'real world' example of faith that transcends ideology and religious background, that brings everyone together in their most urgent moment of need."
The stories of the combat chaplains, Fr. Kapaun's nephew Ray Kapaun told Aleteia, are especially needed during these times.
"The life of combat chaplains is all about giving yourself in service for others," said Kapaun. "They run into battle without a gun and their only protection is their faith. Their belief and their love for their fellow man or woman."
Combat chaplains, noted Kapaun, "do not question or look for accolades when performing their duties. Their only mission is to help others survive, heal, and thrive."
Watch the trailer here.
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