The Path to Sainthood: Ridgewood Knights Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Fr. Emil Kapaun
photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Knights of Columbus Council #1736
the staf fof the Ridgewood blog blog
Ridgewood NJ, a standing-room-only crowd gathered in Ridgewood, NJ, this past week to honor the “Patron Saint of Soldiers.” On February 12, 2026, the Ridgewood Knights of Columbus Council #1736 hosted a powerful lecture exploring the life, heroism, and the accelerating canonization process of Father (Capt.) Emil Kapaun.
The presentation, titled “Path to Sainthood,” was delivered by Chaplain (Col.) Matt Pawlikowski of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, drawing a diverse crowd of veterans, local Knights, and community members.
Who was Father Emil Kapaun?
Father Kapaun was a U.S. Army Chaplain who served in both World War II and the Korean War. His legacy is defined by his selfless service in a North Korean POW camp, where he risked his life to steal food for starving soldiers and provided spiritual comfort to men of all faiths.
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1951: Died in a POW camp after months of heroic service.
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2013: Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by the United States.
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2025: Formally declared Venerable by Pope Francis—a major milestone toward sainthood.
A Community United in Faith and History
The event saw a massive turnout from across Bergen County, reflecting the deep local interest in military history and Catholic heritage. Notable attendees included:
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The American Legion Post 53
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The Ridgewood Hobbyists
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St. Anne’s Council Columbiettes (Fair Lawn)
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Knights from various local Bergen County councils
Father Pawlikowski’s keynote highlighted Kapaun’s 1993 designation as a “Servant of God” by Pope John Paul II, leading up to the recent decree by Pope Francis that brings him one step closer to becoming a Catholic Saint.
Continuing the Legacy
The Ridgewood Knights of Columbus continue to foster community dialogue through their lecture series. For those interested in the ongoing cause for Father Kapaun’s canonization, the Council encourages local residents to learn more about this American hero’s incredible journey from a Kansas farm to the battlefields of Korea.
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