Spirit Catholic Radio
Southern Nebraska Register
Spirit Catholic Radio hosted the “Churches of the Bohemian Alps Jubilee Tour” Aug. 19-21, inviting listeners to experience the churches that anchor the community’s heritage.
The “Bohemian Alps” refers to the rolling countryside in Saunders and Butler counties, settled generations ago by Czech immigrants who brought with them a strong Catholic faith, and feature religious beauty that is visible today in their churches.
Over the course of three days, three buses full of pilgrims explored seven historic churches tucked into rural towns, each one rich with history and devotion.
The pilgrimage was led by Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Friend. He shared not only the historical details of each parish but also personal stories, inspiration from the saints, and insights about the challenges and triumphs of the small towns.
“This pilgrimage allowed many of the participants to see where their ancestors settled when they came from the Czech-speaking regions of Eastern Europe and why they settled in this part of Nebraska,” Father Borowiak said.
“Some pilgrims, for the first time, saw the hidden, absolute gems of our Catholic religion within a 40- or 50-mile radius of Omaha and Lincoln. And seeing the incredible architecture, paintings, art glass windows, statuary and other elements that adorn these churches helped them realize why the settlers to these areas put a primary focus on their faith when they homesteaded.”
The tours visited Assumption Church in Dwight – one of the nine pilgrimage sites designated for the Jubilee Year of Hope. They attended Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Brainard. And they visited Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Plasi, St. John Nepomucene in Weston, St. Luke’s Czech Catholic Shrine in Loma, Ss. Peter and Paul in Abie, and St. Vitus in Touhy.
In many places, local parishioners greeted tour participants with photographs and memories, recounting baptisms and confirmations, fires that tested their resilience, or additions built as congregations grew. The architecture of the parishes highlighted the Czech spirit. From soaring steeples to ornate stained glass and altars, and stations of the cross sculpted in wood with Czech writing, the churches stand as living monuments to their ancestors’ devotion.
“Of course, no Czech pilgrimage would have been complete without a taste of tradition,” said Valeri McMahon, marketing director for the Spirit Catholic Radio Network. “Pilgrims enjoyed a hearty Czech lunch at the Oak Creek Sporting Club in Brainard, where the menu featured roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut, corn, rolls, and of course, kolaches for dessert. It was the perfect fuel for a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship.”
Prayer was woven throughout the day. At Assumption Church in Dwight, Father Borowiak described how pilgrims could obtain a plenary indulgence, guiding them through the spiritual steps so they could fully participate in this Jubilee Year opportunity.
“We are grateful to Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln for his blessing on this journey,” McMahon said, “and to the priests who so generously welcomed us into their parishes: Father Matthew Vandewalle, Father Raymond Jansen, Father Steven Snitily, Father Caleb Hile, and Father Carson Kain.”
She said the feedback from pilgrims has been overwhelmingly positive, and many are already asking when the next trip will be.
“For those who couldn’t make it this time, more opportunities are on the horizon,” she said.
