KNIGH T S O F C O L U M B U S
D ECEMBER 2014
COLUMBIA
Merry Christmas
to you and your family.
LIFE INSURANCE
DISABILITY INSURANCE
LO N G - T E R M C A R E
Find an agent at kofc.org or 1-800-345-5632
RETIREMENT ANNUITIES
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DeceMBer 2014 ♦ VoluMe 94 ♦ NuMBer 12
COLUMBIA
F E AT U R E S
8 Ministers of Mercy Knights offer freedom behind bars as they reach out to the incarcerated with a message of hope. BY CHRISTINA GRAY
12 A Legacy of Protection For nearly six decades, the DiCalogero family has helped Knights of Columbus families obtain financial security. BY JUSTIN BELL
16 Sanctity on Display The Saint John Paul II National Shrine unveils a new exhibit of the pope’s lifelong witness to Christ BY COLUMBIA STAFF
20 Suffering and Hope in the Face of Terrorism Amid violent persecution and social upheaval, Syrian Christians struggle for peace in their homeland BY ARCHBISHOP JEAN-CLÉMENT JEANBART
26 A Christmas Journey The Posada gives parishioners the opportunity to celebrate Christ’s birth and remember the poor BY RICK SNIZEK
Past a replica of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, young pilgrims are seen walking through the new exhibit “A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II” at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine Oct. 22 (see article on page 16).
D E PA RT M E N T S 3
Building a better world The Church seeks to protect the vulnerable by strengthening and supporting Christian families. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON
Photo by Matthew Barrick
4
Learning the faith, living the faith As the first models and educators of prayer, Christian parents help their family face whatever difficulties come their way. BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI
6
Knights of Columbus News Midyear Meeting Underscores Vocation to Fraternity • Supreme Knight and Mrs. Anderson Receive New Evangelization Award • Cardinal Müller Visits Saint John Paul II Shrine • New Supreme Warden Elected
24
Building the Domestic Church Because the family that prays together stays together, we want to learn to pray as a family.
27
Knights in Action
23 Fathers for Good The Holy Father’s favorite movies reflect the transformative spiritual power of human relationships BY DAVID DICERTO
PLUS: Catholic Man of the Month
DECEMBER 2014
♦ COLUMBIA ♦ 1
A Model to Follow TWO DAYS BEFORE Christmas in 1880, a young man named James “Chip” Smith fired a pistol while intoxicated in a saloon in Ansonia, Conn. When Police Chief Daniel I. Hayes arrived at the scene and confronted Smith, an altercation erupted. Hayes was shot in the abdomen and died four days later. For Smith, who was used to getting into trouble while drinking, it took some time for the gravity of the situation to sink in. Brought before the Superior Court in New Haven a few months later, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Father Michael J. McGivney, the associate priest at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven at the time, frequently visited the New Haven jail, ministering to the prisoners. Over the next year and a half, his presence made a profound impact on Chip Smith’s life. The tireless young priest recognized the needs of his flock, especially the vulnerable and those most in need of support. Thus, at the same time that he was establishing the Knights of Columbus to protect the well-being of Catholic families, he also paid visits to Smith on an almost daily basis. In the spring of 1882, Smith told a reporter, “Father McGivney visits me very often, and I think a great deal of him.” On the day of his execution the following September, with Father McGivney at his side, Smith consoled his mother with these words: “Just think if I had been shot that night and died without a moment’s time for preparation; how much worse off I should be than I am now. I have asked God to forgive me my sins, and believe that I shall die a happy death.” In his will, Smith left
Father McGivney the “plant now blooming in [his] cell” — a sign of the eternal hope that the saintly priest helped Smith to discover. More than 132 years later, there are echoes of Father McGivney’s conversations with Chip Smith every time Knights visit the imprisoned (see page 8), performing one of the corporal works of mercy. Similarly, there are many other ways that Father McGivney’s compassion and vision live on in the Order he founded. For example, when Knights of Columbus Insurance agents serve the financial needs of their brother Knights’ families, they help to strengthen the fraternal benefit society that Father McGivney envisioned (see page 12). And as members bear witness to their Catholic faith in society, in their parishes and especially in their families, they are achieving one of Father McGivney’s principal objectives in founding the Knights. These and countless more examples of the Order’s work demonstrate that Father McGivney’s vision, rooted in faith and charity, is not only an enduring foundation, but also a source of creativity. Like the star that guided the Magi to the Christ Child, the Columbian virtues illuminate our path as we face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. And wherever there are people who, like Chip Smith or the immigrant families of 19thcentury New Haven, are vulnerable and in need of hope, we are called to follow the lead of our faithful founder and respond with charity.♦ ALTON J. PELOWSKI EDITOR
Faith Resource: We Have Come to Adore Him The booklet We Have Come to Adore Him: An Introduction to Prayer at the School of Benedict XVI (#405) by Father Andreas Schmidt is part of the New Evangelization Series published by the Order’s Catholic Information Service. Explaining how liturgical and personal prayer form a single act of worship in which we discover why and for whom we are made, this booklet invites us to become students at the “school” of a contemporary master of prayer. To download this and other Catholic resources, visit kofc.org/cis. 2 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
DECEMBER 2014
COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Logan T. Ludwig DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Charles E. Maurer Jr. SUPREME SECRETARY Michael J. O’Connor SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski EDITOR Andrew J. Matt MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Scalisi SENIOR EDITOR ________
Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. ________ HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4580 OTHER INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 FAX 203-752-4109 CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 E-MAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
________ Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER The new exhibit “A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II” features a replica of the Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) mosaic that overlooks St. Peter’s Square.
COVER: Mosaic created by Vatican Mosaic Studio/Photo by Matthew Barrick
E D I TO R I A L
BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
Loving Concern for the Family The Church seeks to protect the vulnerable by strengthening and supporting Christian families by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
THIS YEAR marked the 20th anniverMoreover, there is yet another hard sary of the International Year of the reality we must face: many vulnerable Family and St. John Paul II’s great doc- marriages will end in divorce unless ence the truth of what John Paul II ument on the pastoral care of families. they receive help. wrote in his Letter to Families: “Prayer In that document, titled Letter to There simply must be greater pas- increases the strength and spiritual Families, John Paul II wrote that “the toral care for families at the parish unity of the family, helping the family family is the first and the most impor- level. We must pray that this is one of to partake of God’s own strength.” tant” way of the Church. This is so, he the fruits of next year’s Synod on the Thirteen years earlier, John Paul II said, because Christ has united himself Family and World Meeting of Families. wrote in Familiaris Consortio that Chris“to every particular family in every part We have often heard that the family tian families have the “mission to guard, of the world,” especially to those who is at the center of the new evangeliza- reveal and communicate love” (17). are in “difficulty or danger, This mission comes first lacking confidence or experiwithin the family itself. encing division.” Keenly aware of the evanHe also said, “The Church gelizing role of the family, The family is not only a subject draws near with loving concern John Paul II said the Christo all” families. And he prayed for evangelization. It must also be tian family has a missionary that all families would “feel the character. The family is not an active agent of evangelization. only a subject for evangelizaloving and caring embrace of their brothers and sisters!” tion. It must also be an active We can be grateful that agent of evangelization. Pope Francis, like John Paul II, Christian married couples has the courage to face the hard reali- tion. Our families need an evangeliza- are called to a missionary witness, to ties confronting our families. tion that is new in its ardor, method show each other and their children that The topic of civilly divorced and re- and expression. it is possible to live in a way that is joyful married Catholics has recently gotten Twenty years ago, John Paul II, the and life giving. But the missionary role most of the attention. But the fre- Pope of the Family, presented us with of Christian families in the new evangequency of divorce among Catholics a pastoral approach to these issues. He lization requires a commitment to acraises more fundamental questions: said that we needed to return to the company each other, especially families How are so many Catholics capable early Church’s vision of the Christian that are vulnerable or suffering. of inflicting great suffering on the one family as a “domestic church” in order This is also a goal of Building the person they have promised the Lord to “discover anew” the Church’s “love Domestic Church. that they will always love and protect? and concern for the family.” Discussing our program recently How are they capable of inflicting This is the reason why the Knights with a friend, I received this reaction: enormous suffering on the children of Columbus recently began our new “Strengthening Catholic families, helpwhom the Lord has entrusted to them program called “Building the Domes- ing those who are hurting, reducing because of that promise? And why are tic Church: The Family Fully Alive.” the potential of divorce and transmitincreasing numbers of Catholic couAt the center of this initiative is family ting the faith to our children — how ples not capable of loving with “the prayer and sacred Scripture. In this way, like the Knights of Columbus.” love with which Christ loved each and families — especially those who may be How like indeed! every one ‘to the end’” (Jn 13:1)? vulnerable or suffering — may experiVivat Jesus!
DECEMBER 2014
♦ COLUMBIA ♦ 3
LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
The Family That Prays Together Stays Together As the first models and educators of prayer, Christian parents help their family face whatever difficulties come their way by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori DURING THE YEARS of my sem- homes I visited were the most inary formation, I was constantly chaotic. Toys on the floor, the phone told that happy priests with fruitful ringing, dishes in the sink. These and tried to teach their children to ministries are men of prayer. The couples weren’t trying to run a disor- pray, they rarely, if ever, prayed as a seminary rector, Father Flynn, used derly home; they were simply en- couple. I suddenly realized that they to say, “Give me an hour of prayer gaged with their children. And when and countless couples like them each day and eight hours of sleep, we gathered around the dinner table, needed prayer as much or more than and I’ll do anything the Church asks they’d ask their children to lead the I do. Pretty soon we were talking of me!” And every afternoon we’d see prayer. I came to realize that the fam- about how they could set aside a little Father Flynn, in the midst of a very ily of faith I was called to serve was a time for prayer together each day. busy day, praying before the Years later, these two are now tabernacle. grandparents and recently told After my priestly ordiname they had the same conversaA family should pray for the tion, I was surprised to distion with their adult married cover how busy my life had children. strength to love one another in become. No longer was it the A brother Knight of Columordered schedule of the semibus, Holy Cross Father Patrick good times and bad, as well as nary. Almost every day, I Peyton, used to say, “The famlearned, priests had to change for the strength to meet whatever ily that prays together stays toor even drop their plans to gether.” He promoted the challenges its members face. help those in need. I soon family rosary and conducted learned another, more painful many large public rosary rallies, lesson: When the days got earning him the title the hectic, prayer was often the first ca- lot like those families: chaotic but “Rosary Priest.” He understood that sualty. It was all too easy for this busy joyful, a bit messy but with the right when a family takes time each day to priest to say, “I know I need to pray, priorities in place. invoke the help of the Blessed Virgin but I’m so busy now. I’ll get to it Mary while recalling what the Lord later.” Of course, “later” never quite FINDING TIME TO PRAY said and did to save us, that family arrived. Pretty soon, I found my joy One evening while visiting a young will bond together in God’s love and and strength evaporating. I thank family, the couple put their children be able to withstand whatever comes God that I had a good spiritual direc- to bed and asked me to stay a little its way. tor and mentors to help me put my longer to talk. They told me that they Likewise, St. Paul teaches in Ephprayer life first. dearly loved their children, but as a esians that we should never let the Over the years, I came to another couple they were going through a very sun go down on our anger (cf. Eph realization: You can’t live any voca- stressful time. “It’s endless and we’re 4:26). Mom, dad and the kids tion in the Church happily and fruit- tired,” they said, “and now we argue a should all be reconciled by day’s end fully without prayer. One of the great lot more than we used to.” Out of the — every day, without fail. And joys of being a priest is coming to blue, I asked, “Do you pray?” nothing reconciles like praying toknow many families and spending The couple told me that while they gether. Families should make a habit time with them. Some of the happiest went to Mass together most Sundays of praying before and after meals, 4 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
DECEMBER 2014
LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
and Sunday Mass should be the “source and summit” of their daily prayer. FAMILY PRAYER Someone else who clearly saw the importance of prayer for families was St. John Paul II. He taught that prayer is an essential part of being human and “the first condition for authentic freedom of spirit.” In other words, if we want to form our children into good people, free from sin and free to lead lives of love and virtue, we have to help them open their hearts in prayer. St. John Paul II understood that
PoPe FrANcIS: cNS photo/Paul Haring — St. JoHN oF KANtY: St. John Cantius and the Miracle of the Jug, engraving by Antoni oleszczyński (1794-1878)
HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS
Offered in Solidarity with Pope Francis GENERAL: That the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will. MISSION: That parents may be true evangelizers, passing on to their children the precious gift of faith.
Christian parents have a sacred responsibility to be models and teachers of prayer. In Familiaris Consortio, his apostolic exhortation on the family, he urged families to pray in common — “husband and wife together, parents and children together.” It makes a big impression on children when they see mom and dad praying together. Moreover, while families should certainly keep in mind the many needs of the Church and society, family prayer also “has for its very own object family life itself ” (59). Daily family prayer should not be thought of as an escape from every-
day commitments, but rather as a much-needed source of strength for families to fulfill their responsibilities. This means a family should pray for the strength to love one another in good times and bad, as well as for the strength to meet whatever challenges its members face, whether it’s the big lacrosse game or a tough exam or an illness. The family is rightly called the domestic church, and the church that doesn’t pray is a closed church! Let’s keep our parishes vibrant and our homes joyful by daily tapping into the source of our truth, life and love through prayer.♦
C AT H O L I C M A N O F T H E M O N T H
St. John of Kanty (1390-1473) John of Kęty, also known as St. John of Kanty or St. John Cantius, was born June 23, 1390, in the town of Kęty, located southwest of Kraków, the capital of the Polish kingdom. His pious parents, Stanisław and Anna, recognized their son’s intellectual gifts and in 1413 sent him to study at Kraków’s Jagiellonian University. A serious, humble and amiable young man, John was well liked by his peers and professors alike. In addition to his intense love of learning, he had an ardent faith and was ordained to the priesthood in 1421. After teaching and serving as rector of a school in Miechów, he joined the philosophy department at his alma mater in 1429. He later became the chair of the university’s theology department, a position he held for the rest of his life. John was an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher whose vocation as a priest-professor exerted a profound influence upon his students. He once wrote, “What work can be more noble than to cultivate the minds of young people, guarding it carefully, so that the knowledge and love of God and
his holy precepts go hand-in-hand with learning?” John’s vocation was rooted in his faith and devotion, as he habitually fasted and prayed late into the night. It was his charity, however, that people found most inspiring. He was always careful not to speak ill of others and was known for his generosity toward the poor, even to the point of giving away the shoes or cloak he was wearing to those in need. John of Kęty died on Christmas Eve in 1473. He was canonized in 1767 and remains a popular saint in Poland and in Polish communities throughout North America. In 1969, his feast day was transferred from Oct. 20 to Dec. 23.♦
DECEMBER 2014
♦ COLUMBIA ♦ 5
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
Midyear Meeting Underscores Vocation to Fraternity
6 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
DECEMBER 2014
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson delivers the opening keynote address at the Order’s midyear meeting of state deputies in Baltimore Oct. 31. with the Order’s membership program consultants to set strategic growth plans for their jurisdictions. Discussions highlighted the building blocks already in place for steady, consistent growth: the one new member per council per month recruitment plan; the focus to increase the number of Star Council award winners; and the push to increase the number of First Degree exemplifications. The key to reaching these goals, Supreme Knight Anderson noted, is for more members to invite eligible Catholic men to join the Order. “The vast majority of men who are Knights of Columbus members were asked to join by a family member or a friend,” he said. Anderson also discussed three upcoming international initiatives supported by the Supreme Council: the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2015; the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia that the Order is also cosponsoring; and World Youth Day 2016 in Kraków, at which the Order will once again host a site for Englishspeaking pilgrims.
“The Knights of Columbus is at the center of these three projects, and that should energize what we do this fraternal year and beyond,” the supreme knight said. He likewise emphasized the importance of the yearlong program launched in October titled “Building the Domestic Church: The Family Fully Alive,” noting that it will “encourage family prayer, family closeness, family catechesis and better communication among families.” At the conclusion of the business sessions, the state deputies and their families traveled to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., to view the site’s new 16,000-square-foot permanent exhibit, “A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II” (see page 16). “As we enter this exhibit tonight,” the supreme knight said, “it is an expression, a symbol that the Knights of Columbus has not forgotten St. John Paul II’s words … and that we have remained faithful, worked with him to open wide the doors of Christ and take on the responsibility of the new evangelization.”♦
Photo by Tom Serafin
STATE DEPUTIES from the Order’s 73 jurisdictions gathered in Baltimore Oct. 31-Nov. 2 for their midyear meeting, which focused on membership growth and various initiatives, while at the same time urging participants to promote a spirit of missionary fraternity at all levels of the Knights of Columbus. “When we met in August at the Supreme Convention it was under the theme ‘We Will All Be Brothers, Our Vocation to Fraternity,’” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in his keynote address. “We’re picking up a central theme of Pope Francis’ vision of the Church — a communal fraternity that has a missionary outlook. And that is the theme we are going to carry forward throughout the fraternal year.” The meeting took place just days before the Archdiocese of Baltimore celebrated its 225th anniversary. Established Nov. 6, 1789, it was the first diocese in the United States. On Saturday, Nov. 1, participants gathered for an All Saints Day Mass at Baltimore’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori, who served as the principal celebrant and homilist, noted that the basilica was where the Order’s founder, Venerable Michael McGivney, was ordained to the priesthood in December 1877 by then-Archbishop James Gibbons of Baltimore. “I rejoice every time I offer Mass in this sanctuary where he was ordained a priest,” the supreme chaplain said. The virtues of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism are “the soul of our Order” and can be thought of as “paths to holiness,” he added. “If we root our lives in these four principles, we will soon find ourselves deepening our relationship with Christ.” As the meeting continued with general business sessions, the state deputies participated in breakout sessions, workshops and working lunches
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
Supreme Knight and Mrs. Anderson Receive New Evangelization Award SUPREME KNIGHT Carl A. Anderson and his wife, Dorian, were honored as the 2014 recipients of the Saint John Paul II Award for the New Evangelization, given by the Catholic Information Center to “those who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to proclaiming Christ to all peoples.” The presentation took place Oct. 29 at the organization’s New Evangelization Award Dinner in Washington, D.C. “Dorian and I cannot adequately express to you how very grateful we are to receive this award,” said Supreme Knight Anderson. “But we are grateful most of all for the tremendous work of … the Catholic Information Center, especially in its day-to-day evangelizing efforts here in our nation’s capital.” The Andersons were appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to the Pontifical Council for the Family in 2007, and they are both members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Mr. Anderson serves as a consultor on the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and the Pontifical Academy for Life, and has also acted as a consultant to the Pro-Life Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops since 2002. In accepting the award, the supreme knight pointed to the family as an active agent of evangelization. “Christian married couples are called to a missionary witness — to show every day that it is possible to live the consilium Dei [God’s plan for marriage] in a way that is joyful and life giving,” he said. “But the missionary role of the
Father Arne Panula, director of the Catholic Information Center, presents the Saint John Paul II Award for the New Evangelization to Supreme Knight and Mrs. Anderson at the organization’s Oct. 29 banquet. family in the new evangelization requires one thing more — it requires a commitment to accompany vulnerable families who are suffering.” He added that there must be greater pastoral care and formation of families at the parish level. “We must pray that this will be one of the fruits of the Synod on the Family and of the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.”♦
toP: Photo by elizabeth Dausch — cArDINAl MÜller: Photo by Matthew Barrick
Cardinal Müller Visits Saint John Paul II Shrine CARDINAL GERHARD L. Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 2012, gave an address Nov. 4 to more than 300 seminarians at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C. The gathering took place at the invitation of Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington and included a tour of the new permanent exhibit on St. John Paul II’s life and teachings (see page 16). Welcoming Cardinal Müller and guests, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said that the exhibit was designed to be a formative part of a pilgrim’s visit to the shrine, not only for young people and families, but “especially for seminarians and priests.” Cardinal Müller said the shrine provided an opportunity to “reflect upon the eloquent example of a truly wise
Cardinal Gerhard Müller addresses seminarians at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. shepherd whose priestly heart burned for love of Christ and the Church.” Addressing the seminarians, he said, “I pray that God form your hearts in the pattern of the Sacred Heart, so that you might truly be men of abiding wisdom, priests full of grace and truth.”♦
New Supreme Warden Elected MICHAEL P. Victorino, past state deputy of Hawaii (2012-2014), was elected supreme warden by the Knights of Columbus Board of DiSupreme Warden rectors Oct. 24-26. Michael Victorino A Knight since 1990, Victorino is a member of Maui Council 8578 and Helio Assembly, both in Kahului, Hawaii. He and his wife, Joycelyn, have been married 38 years and have two children and five grandchildren. Their younger son, Shane, is a professional baseball player for the Boston Red Sox.♦
DECEMBER 2014
♦ COLUMBIA ♦ 7
Ministers of Mercy Knights offer freedom behind bars as they reach out to the incarcerated with a message of hope by Christina Gray
espite its medieval appearance and echo-filled interior, San Quentin State Prison’s “death row” is no cathedral. It’s a five-story human warehouse of lost hope squatting on the rocky shores of San Francisco Bay. The words “Condemned Row,” painted in black Gothic script over the front door, serve as a reminder of this reality. Nonetheless, hope is something that Jesuit Father George Williams, the California prison’s Catholic chaplain, has to offer men currently condemned to death for their brutal crimes. Approximately 125 of the 750 maximum-security inmates wait for their turn to attend one of the two Masses offered here each week. Up to 18 at a time shuffle in restraints to the “chapel” — a windowless old shower room retrofitted with heavy metal caging and six rows of bolted down benches. Dressed in both priestly vestments and a Kevlar vest, Father Williams, 56, looks out at his congregation from within a padlocked metal cage of his own, a little larger than a phone booth. The men, many scarred and pale, are silent as they gaze at the consecrated host lifted into the glare of the florescent bulb overhead. Father Williams said it’s at this point in the Mass when he often imagines the light of Christ streaming forth from the host, illuminating the darkness of death row and the souls within. “When I raise the host I don’t see heinous murderers standing in front of me, I see human beings,” he said. “If his body was not given up for them, too, then what difference would our faith make? What a gift I have been given to be able to bear witness to the mercy of Christ embodied in this sacrament in such a dark place.” 8 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
DECEMBER 2014
Whether priests, deacons or laymen, there are thousands of trained Catholic prison ministers and volunteers who share the privilege of bearing Christ’s light to incarcerated communities throughout the United States. And many of them, like Father Williams, are Knights of Columbus who manifest their commitment to charity and fraternity by heralding a message of hope to those who need it most. ‘A PATH FOR HEALING’ Ministry to prisoners is recognized by the Catholic Church as one of the seven corporal works of mercy grounded in the Gospel mandate of charity. In preaching about the Last Judgment, Jesus identified himself with those who are imprisoned: “I was in prison and you visited to me” (Mt 25:36). During his crucifixion, Christ ministered to the repentant criminal on the cross (cf. Lk 23:43). And the Letter to the Hebrews reads, “Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment …” (Heb 13:3). Knights of Columbus serving in prison ministry also have a special model in their founder, Venerable Michael McGivney. In the spring and summer of 1882, Father McGivney was immersed in both parish responsibilities and the work of the fledgling Order in New Haven, Conn. He also paid daily visits to James “Chip” Smith, a notorious young ruffian, in New Haven’s jail. Two years earlier, Smith had killed the chief of police during a drunken brawl and was sentenced to death for the crime. For more than a year, Father McGivney was a faithful visitor and friend to Smith, counseling him back to the Church. With Father McGivney’s permission, a reporter from the New Haven Evening Register visited Smith the week before his execution Sept. 1, 1882.
Photo by lt. Sam robinson
D
Photo by Phillip Parker
Father John Hourican, Emmet “Spike” Hawkins and Deacon Bill Davis, members of the Knights who work in prison ministry, stand in front of the Shelby County Correctional Center in Memphis, Tenn. • Opposite page: The door to Death Row is pictured at San Quentin State Prison in California. “The ministrations of Father McGivney and the Sisters of Mercy have given [Smith] the full consolation conveyed by strong and sincere religious faith,” the reporter wrote. “He has lately had an unwonted animation of countenance and cheerfulness of spirits which can be accounted for on no other ground.” With gratitude to Father McGivney, who stood by his side, the repentant Smith assured his weeping mother that he was meeting a “happy death.” Nearly a century later, Father Williams first felt the call to religious life while growing up in North Haven, Conn., just a few miles away from where these conversations took place. In 1987, at age 30, he left a career in the Air Force to become a Jesuit brother and chose prison ministry as an “experiment” at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Norfolk. It was there, while peering through a narrow slot to talk to a man in solitary confinement, that Father Williams said he “realized that Jesus was showing me his face.” Williams later chose to become ordained to the priesthood because of his experience with prison ministry. A Columbian Squire
in his youth, he also joined the Knights, becoming a member of Mother of Good Counsel Council 1078 in Andover, Mass. “As Knights, we are called to go where people are neglected and poor,” he said. “A lot of prisoners fall into that category.” Father Williams noted that beginning in the 1970s, the U.S. prison system shifted its focus from rehabilitation to retribution. Convicted men and women began cycling in and out of prison — angry, violent, drug-addicted, mentally ill or spiritually empty — essentially coming out worse than they went in. Today, the United States holds the largest incarcerated population in the world, with more than 2.2 million prisoners in state and federal prisons. “New studies confirm what our pastoral experience has demonstrated,” reads a statement titled “Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective” that was published in 2000 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Physical, behavioral and emotional healing happens sooner and with more lasting results if accompanied by spiritual healing. Access to worship and religious formation is … a significant element in rebuilding lives and changing behavior.” DECEMBER 2014
♦ COLUMBIA ♦ 9
10 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
toP: Photo by lt. Sam robinson — BottoM: Photo by ric Noyle
Jesuit Father George Williams, a member of Mother of Good Counsel Council 1078 in Andover, Mass., celebrates Mass for Death Row inmates at San Quentin on Nov. 2, All Souls Day. • Deacon Joaquin “Kin” Borja (right), a member of Father Damien de Veuster Council 6906 in Aiea, Hawaii, stands together with fellow council member Gary Stark and his wife, Linda, outside of Halawa Correctional Facility in Aiea.
DECEMBER 2014
Critics are skeptical of the idea of rehabilitating murderers, rapists and gang members, and prison chaplains sometimes hear that they are “wasting their time.” But most chaplains don’t believe that. Nearly three-quarters of the chaplains surveyed in a 2011 study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reported that they consider access to religious programs to be “absolutely critical” to the successful rehabilitation and re-entry of inmates leaving prison. For his part, Father Williams said that his job isn’t to fix prisoners or undo the damage they have done. He doesn’t proselytize inmates, but rather meets them where they are. “I offer them a path for healing their souls and making peace with themselves and with God,” he explained.
Emmett “Spike” Hawkins, a retired utility worker and member of Whitehaven Council 5062 in Memphis, Tenn., has been volunteering in prisons for nearly 20 years. After completing a Cursillo weekend, a three-day “short course in Christianity,” he began serving as a team member of Kairos, a modified version of Cursillo for the prison community. Hawkins, 66, also serves with a group of volunteers at West Tennessee State Penitentiary, located 60 miles north of Memphis. “We talk about what we believe and go over the Catechism,” he said, “but one of the main things is just to listen. It means a lot to the prisoners to express themselves to someone who cares.” Deacon Bill Davis, director of prison ministry for the Diocese of Memphis and a member of Timothy J. Coyne Council 9317 in Cordova, Tenn., encouraged Hawkins to get more involved. CATHOLIC PRESENCE “He helped me to see there is such a need,” Hawkins said. As a modern Catholic prison chaplain, Father Williams represents An ocean away, Deacon Joaquin “Kin” Borja, a longtime prison a minority in the United States. Only 13 percent of the 1,474 minister at Halawa Correctional Facility in Aiea, Hawaii, similarly state prison chaplains that responded to the Pew survey identified convinced his fellow council members to “adopt” the facility and themselves as Catholic. Nearly three-quarters of them are evan- its 300 medium-security inmates. gelical Protestants aided by a legion of lay “This is more than just a Catholic volunteers. issue; it’s a human issue,” said Deacon The fact that Catholic inmates are more Kin, a member of nearby St. Elizabeth likely to drift away from the faith without Parish and Father Damien de Veuster S KNIGHTS, WE ARE a Catholic presence underscores the need Council 6906. Speaking to brother for more Catholic prison chaplains, as well Knights who are thinking about becomCALLED TO GO WHERE PEOas the need for more lay volunteers to assist ing prison ministry volunteers, he says, and supplement their work. “Pray about it. The love of God will PLE ARE NEGLECTED AND “I have some terrific volunteers — wonovercome your fear.” derful, dedicated people — but we’re not Gary Stark, one of Deacon Kin’s felPOOR. A LOT OF PRISONERS getting all the help we need in prisons,” low council members, agreed to volunFALL INTO THAT CATEGORY.” said Father Harold P. Paulsen, a veteran teer to help coordinate Communion prison minister and retired priest of the services at the prison, which currently Diocese of Tyler, Texas. has no Catholic chaplain. For more than 20 years, Father Paulsen “I wanted to do more than just athas focused on healing prisoners by helping them overcome incli- tend council meetings and fundraisers,” said Stark, 60. By necesnations to evil and crime through Christ. A longtime member of sity, his prison training largely focused on the negative: what not Palestine (Texas) Council 1323, the 83-year-old Boston native “in- to wear, what not to do, what not to say. At first, Stark asked herited” the prison ministries of five Texas prisons and now zigzags himself, “Do I really want to do this? I’ll have to be on my toes the roads of northeast Texas for weekly visits to each facility. all the time.” “You see miracles every time you come,” said Father Paulsen, Soon, however, Stark’s fears were relieved, and his wife, Linda, whose ministry consists of celebrating Mass and the sacraments, completed the training as well. The couple now visits the Halawa counseling, and encouraging prisoners to educate themselves Correctional Facility on a weekly basis. through spiritual and catechetical reading, using materials such “The feeling we get when we leave there each week, you can’t as those published by the Knight of Columbus Catholic Infor- put it into words,” said Linda. mation Service. The Starks’ experience is common among those working in “I get as much K of C literature as I can for every prison I go prison ministry. Though surrounded by concrete and steel bars, to,” Father Paulsen explained. “I have them study as much as pos- they are able to clearly see light amid the darkness. sible, and then they discover the goodness of the faith and of God. Recalling his first walk to death row after his arrival at San Some of the changes are really dramatic.” Quentin in 2010, Father Williams said that when he looked up Since the Catholic Information Service launched a 10-part through the razor wire to the rafters he spotted a dozen redFaith Formation Home Study Course in 1947, more than half of winged blackbirds. the students have been inmates — including 51 percent of the “Their song is a reminder that even in all this oppression and 1,550 students currently enrolled. darkness, God is here.”♦ In addition to the resources that the Order provides, there are many examples of Knights who have found the courage to CHRISTINA GRAY is a reporter for Catholic San Francisco, the volunteer for prison ministry themselves. newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
“A
DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 11
A Legacy of Protection For nearly six decades, the DiCalogero family has helped Knights of Columbus families obtain financial security by Justin Bell | photos by Bryce Vickmark
E
arly in his career as a Knights of Columbus Insurance field agent, Joseph P. DiCalogero visited with Pasquale and Lorraine Bruno, and strongly suggested that they start saving for the years ahead. Raising seven children in Melrose, Mass., the couple was focused on providing college expenses and had not really thought about their own financial future. Now in their early 80s, the Brunos are thankful they heeded their agent’s advice. 12 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
“As far as we’re concerned, whatever he tells us to do, we do,” said Pasquale, who is now in a position financially where he only works because he want to — a few days a week at a food counter he used to own. DiCalogero, 56, a member of Reading (Mass.) Council 1031, served the Knights of Columbus as a field agent for 15 years before working the past 20 years as a general agent. In helping numerous New England families like the Brunos make
Three generations of Knights of Columbus Insurance agents, including General Agent Joseph P. DiCalogero (front row, center) and his father, former General Agent Joseph B. DiCalogero (front right) are pictured. Also pictured are field agents Jeffrey Denehy (front left) and (back row, left to right) Joseph DiCalogero Jr., John DiCalogero, Matthew DiCalogero, Timothy Coskren and Robert DiCalogero. important financial decisions, DiCalogero knows he is walking in the footsteps of many other dedicated agents, including his father, Joseph B. DiCalogero. In fact, three of Joseph B.’s sons — Joseph P., John and Robert — as well as son-in-law Tim Coskren, have become Knights of Columbus agents. Similarly, Joseph P. has ushered in a third generation of agents: his sons, Joseph J. and Matthew, and nephew, Jeff Denehy. For the DiCalogeros, Knights of Columbus Insurance is truly a family affair — and not only because so many of them are agents. The DiCalogeros are acutely aware that Venerable Michael McGivney established the Knights of Columbus in 1882 with an eye to the financial security of members’ families. Father McGivney’s vision continues to inspire their work. For the DiCalogeros, “Insurance for brother Knights, by brother Knights, with brother Knights in mind” is not a cor-
porate slogan; it’s a family motto and a proud legacy that continues to grow. A LONG TERMER At 88, Joseph B. DiCalogero can still rattle off differences between two insurance policies from the 1950s and clearly explain why the Knights’ offering is better. “The insurance was less expensive, and it had more value,” he said. Born in 1926 to Sicilian immigrant parents, Joseph B. grew up in the North End, a Boston neighborhood that he describes as being 99 percent Italian at the time. After serving in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II, he returned to Boston and went to business school. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1949 and began working for the commercial insurance industry a year later. DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 13
Joseph B. soon became more involved with the Knights and at age 26 served as grand knight of Ausonia Council 1513 in Boston’s North End. In 1955, he married his wife, Marion, and two years later began a nearly four-decade career with the Knights of Columbus. “The Knights of Columbus was not my first job, but I knew it would be my last,” said Joseph B. Beginning as a field agent, he worked as the first regional supervisor at the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Conn., and later returned to the field as a general agent, retiring in December 1994. His son, Joseph P., recalls practically growing up with Knights of Columbus Insurance. Starting at age 8, he and his sisters would assist their father by stuffing 8,000-10,000 envelopes for summer mailings. “We knew this was coming every summer, and we hated it,” Joseph P. said with a laugh. From the family’s home in Norwood, a southern suburb of Boston, he often found himself traveling with his dad to council meetings and parishes lugging a projector for presentations. As a second-grade student, he attended the first Knights of Columbus Insurance conference to be held outside of New Haven. As a general agent, the elder DiCalogero would often drive two hours each way to Springfield, in an old Buick with 200,000 miles. One month after the Buick’s axle broke on their street in Norwood, he bought a winning raffle ticket. The prize? A car. “You tell me this is not Father McGivney looking over your shoulder,” Joseph P. said, recalling the incident. Joseph P. also recounted one day when he was 18, when his dad told him to get in the car, but would not tell him where they were going. When they reached their destination, the teen took part in a First Degree exemplification with Norwood Council 252. After studying business at Salem State University, joining his father in the K of C insurance trade was not a complicated decision for Joseph P. He saw the success his father had enjoyed and figured he would try it out while he was young and still unmarried. Thirty-five years later, the Knights of Columbus has been the only career that Joseph P. has ever known. It wasn’t long before Joseph P. married his high school sweetheart, Lauren. She had long been familiar with the Order, since her father was also a member, and she had even shared envelope stuffing duties. As a field agent, Joseph P. could work out of his home, eating dinner with his wife, Lauren, and children before heading out to evening appointments. As an agent under contract and working on commissions, he could dictate his own schedule, allowing time for extracurricular activities, such as coaching youth sports. “That’s why I think a field agent has the greatest job in the world, if you can handle it,” he said. Lauren DiCalogero has also appreciated the community built between the families of agents. 14 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
General agent Joseph P. DiCalogero is pictured in his office at the DiCalogero Agency in Norwood, Mass. “It’s more than just a company you work for. You become good friends with people, you support each other,” she said, citing trips and families taking care of each other’s kids. CONTINUING THE VISION The DiCalogero family’s contributions to Knights of Columbus Insurance and its mission has continued to grow. Joseph P. currently directs 22 field agents who serve Knights in Vermont, New Hampshire and a third of Massachusetts — an area that comprises 170 councils and approximately 23,000 members. When Joseph P.’s sons first showed interest in becoming K of C agents for him, however, he directed them to get other jobs first. “I wanted them to see what it was like outside the Knights of Columbus,” he said. Joseph P. also wanted to make sure the initiative to work for the Knights came from his sons, not the other way around. He knew that Knights of Columbus insurance agents are paid according to how hard they work, and they need to be self-motivated and disciplined in order to succeed. Joseph J., 26, a member of Valencia Council 80 in Milford, Mass., said his father wanted him to get phone experience with inside sales and “build up courage to sit in front of people” in outside sales. He did both in the credit card field before eventually coming on board with the Knights.
Field agent Matthew DiCalogero meets longtime client John Walsh, a member of Norwood (Mass.) Council 252, and his wife, Jaynellen, to discuss their insurance needs. Likewise, older brother Matthew, 29, a member of Methuen (Mass.) Council 4027, described his move to sell insurance for the Knights as a “gravitational pull” after graduating from business school and working in the banking industry. Shortly after starting with the Knights in 2013, he married his wife, Morgan, and appreciates that his career will provide for a family. Although Joseph B. DiCalogero has been officially retired from Knights of Columbus Insurance for nearly 20 years, he and his wife, Marion, continue to stay involved. For instance, they assisted their agent grandsons with stuffing 23 trays — more than 3,000 — of envelopes for their August mailing. “It’s come full circle,” said Joseph P. In protecting the financial future of Knights of Columbus families, the DiCalogeros know that they and other K of C insurance agents are participating in a larger legacy. It began simply, when Father McGivney, a young parish priest at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, conceived of a fraternity grounded in charity to protect the vulnerable. “I think it’s phenomenal how his vision is our vision,” Joseph P. said. Father McGivney probably could not imagine how expansive the fraternal benefit society would become, Joseph P. said. Now a Fortune 1000 company, the Order is on target to surpass $100 billion of insurance in force in 2015, and there is no higher rated insurer in North America. “I think it’s amazing, and it’s just going to continue to grow and grow,” Joseph P. said.
“Still, we’re the best kept secret in the industry,” he added. “People should know more about the Knights of Columbus and what we do. Forget the insurance for a second. We donated $170 million just last year to charities, and we had 130 million volunteer man-hours. That’s unbelievable.” The Order has “a great story to tell,” Joseph P. said. “But we have to get in to see more people, to tell that story.” Longtime client, Rich O’Connell, obtained his first K of C insurance policy when his dad bought one from Joseph B. in the early 1960s. O’Connell has since acquired a handful more policies over the years through the DiCalogeros, a crucial time being when he started his own civil engineering business. Shopping around, he met with an insurance agent from another company. When the agent asked what insurance he carried currently, O’Connell replied that it was with the Knights of Columbus. The meeting was then cut short as the agent started putting away his materials. “I can’t do any better than those guys,” the agent said, according to O’Connell. It is hard to imagine Father McGivney not smiling at that.♦ JUSTIN BELL works for St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Danvers, Mass., and in Boston Public Schools and is a correspondent for the National Catholic Register. He is a member of Denver (Colo.) Council 539. DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 15
16 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
Sanctity on Display
The Saint John Paul II National Shrine unveils a new exhibit of the pope’s lifelong witness to Christ by Columbia staff | photos by Matthew Barrick
T
he Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., hosted a series of events surrounding the Oct. 22 celebration of John Paul II’s first feast day since his canonization last April. Supreme Officers at the event were joined by Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki of Lviv, Ukraine, and other distinguished guests for the official opening of a world-class permanent exhibit on the life and teachings of the new saint. In addition, the celebration offered pilgrims special opportunities for prayer and veneration of the saint’s relics, as well as a chance to view the K of C-produced documentary titled John Paul II in America: Uniting a Continent. Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore was the principal celebrant of an evening Mass preceding the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the shrine’s new 16,000-square-foot exhibit, titled “A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II.” “This evening, we gather in thanksgiving and joy as we celebrate the feast day of St. John Paul II,” said the supreme chaplain in his homily. “Our joy is compounded as we see all about us how this shrine, named in his honor, is progressing. It has already become a place of pilgrimage, prayer and devotion, where many come to seek the powerful intercession of St. John Paul II.” The Supreme Officers, led by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, and the shrine staff, led by Executive Director Patrick E. Kelly, welcomed a number of special guests and dignitaries to the shrine for the events. For Archbishop Mokrzycki, who served as personal secretary to John Paul II from 1996 until the pope’s death in 2005, it was his first visit to the shrine. In addition to concelebrating Mass, Archbishop Mokrzycki led the Divine Mercy chaplet and a procession of a relic of St. John Paul II. The reliquary, which contains a glass ampoule of the saint’s blood, is a centerpiece of the shrine and was entrusted to the Knights of Columbus by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, archbishop of Kraków, Poland. Delivering remarks after Mass, Archbishop Mokrzycki said, “The one who brings us together is St. John Paul II, who continues to be a model of love for God, his commandments, the Gospel and the Church.” DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 17
From left to right: Executive Director Patrick E. Kelly, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki of Lviv, Ukraine, Archbishop Stefan Soroka of Philadelphia (Ukrainian), and Deputy Supreme Knight Logan Ludwig take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new exhibit at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine Oct. 22. He added, “I thank the Knights of Columbus for such a courageous undertaking and I believe that through this shrine you will be faithful stewards of St. John Paul II’s teaching today and in the future.” Supreme Knight Anderson first announced the shrine initiative during his annual report in August 2011, four months after John Paul II’s beatification. A shrine dedicated to John Paul II’s contributions to the Church and society would be located on the site of the former Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, which opened in 2001. Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington gave his blessing to the project and declared the site an archdiocesan shrine. Last March, in anticipation of John Paul II’s canonization a month later, it was designated a national shrine at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In May, Pope Francis, through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed his hope that “the Shrine will open wide its doors to the countless members of the faithful from the United States and abroad who remember St. John Paul with gratitude and affection, and who trustingly seek his intercession and assistance.” Archbishop Lori echoed this sentiment in his homily Oct. 22, noting that John Paul II was particularly close to the Knights of Columbus: “Now we are able to transform this building from a 18 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
center to a shrine, a place of grace and holiness, truth and love to proclaim the message of his life and pontificate within the Church and before the world.” The new exhibit, which marks the completion of phase one of the shrine, invites pilgrims to journey through nine galleries that trace the life, papacy and teachings of St. John Paul II. The multimedia experience includes unique artifacts, audio-visual components and engaging interactive displays in a setting that inspires deep reflection on one of the major intellectual, spiritual and historical figures of the 20th century. Designed by Gallagher and Associates, the exhibit focuses both on the events that shaped the pope and those that he in turn shaped: from his youth in Nazi-occupied Poland, to his ministry as priest, bishop and cardinal, to his dynamic 26year pontificate. “This exhibit is a true testament to the life of St. John Paul II, and will have three purposes,” Archbishop Mokrzycki said. “First, to protect, by securing and systematizing artifacts related to the life of the saint. Then, to educate by cultural, scientific and educational programming, allowing visitors to learn about the person of John Paul II and his teachings. Finally and most importantly, to show the beauty of a life lived according to the Gospel.”♦
Right: Archbishop Mokrzycki blesses a passageway of the exhibit, a replica of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, accompanied by Archbishop Lori of Baltimore and Supreme Knight Anderson. • The expansive exhibit features key themes from St. John Paul II’s life and pontificate, including his Marian devotion (above), his international travels, including World Youth Days (below), and the many saints and blesseds he canonized and beatified (bottom right).
DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 19
Suffering and Hope in the Face of Terrorism Amid violent persecution and social upheaval, Syrian Christians struggle for peace in their homeland by Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart
F
or more than six months, our city of Aleppo, in the northYou may also have heard about the execution of Jesuit Fawest corner of Syria, has suffered from severe water short- ther Frans van der Lugt April 7 in the old city of Homs. A ages, while electricity and telephone services have been steadfast and brilliant proponent of interfaith dialogue in regularly interrupted. On Holy Thursday, April 17, the city Syria for 40 years who had become a symbol of Christianwas the scene of terrible attacks, and the people, horrified by Muslim friendship, Father van der Lugt chose to remain debombings, were unable to leave their homes to attend Mass. spite the ever-present dangers. His death is a great blow to us This past summer, Aleppo was under siege and cut off from in Syria, but it is neither the first nor the only one. the rest of the world for more than 10 weeks. When we consider innocent Christian victims, we can We can barely begin to enumerate the suffering and diffi- speak without exaggeration of several hundred dead, many of culties that the people of Aleppo have had to endure in these them martyrs. We know of at least 10 priests assassinated. The tragic times, which began three-and-a-half years ago. What fate of other priests and bishops who have been kidnapped is started as a peaceful protest movement still unknown. is now a raging civil war and a foreign The ancient village of Ma’loula, a invasion. refuge of Christians since the time of Of course, Aleppo is not the only the Roman persecutions, has seen freEOPLE AVOID GOING city to suffer in this ancient country, quent attacks. Jihadists have vandalwhere St. Paul was called on the road ized churches and convents there, and OUT OF THEIR CITIES OR to Damascus to be the “chosen instrukidnapped 12 nuns in 2013 to terrorment” of Jesus and the tireless deize the population even more. VILLAGES, OR DO SO fender of the Church (cf. Acts 9:15). I The heart-rending images that come would like to draw particular attention to us are the most unimaginable of the ONLY TO MOVE TO OTHER to the fate of Christians who are 21st century. They reflect the indeREGIONS WHERE THEY caught in the crossfire of the ongoing scribable suffering of hundreds of thouviolence and of the consequences for sands of families in mourning, millions HOPE TO FIND REFUGE.” the future of this region. of refugees, and all those who have For the Church, what is most imstayed in their homes and labor night portant is that peace be restored as and day to find food for their children. soon as possible, so that a non-confesIn the recent past, Syria was rather sional democracy may be established. In this way, all Syrians, quiet and safe. Christians lived peacefully in a pluralistic sociincluding its many minorities, will be guaranteed the religious ety with a Muslim majority that was tolerant and even benevfreedom necessary to live serenely as full-fledged citizens in olent. But this inhuman war leaves nothing in its wake, and a the country where they were born and where their ancestors catastrophic, rampant tragedy is annihilating this country. are buried. Today, everything has changed dramatically. The protest movement that began peacefully transformed into an armed UNSPEAKABLE TRAGEDY revolt that spread terror and insecurity throughout the counAmericans are well aware of the savage executions of journal- try. People are afraid to leave their houses; they avoid going ists James Foley in August and Steven Sotloff in September. out of their cities or villages, or do so only to move to other Just a few days after the murder of her son, Diane Foley spoke regions where they hope to find refuge. In perilous zones like these words: “We have never been so proud of our son, Jim. Aleppo and the villages close to Turkey, there are kidnappers, He gave his life trying to expose to the world the suffering of snipers and armed gangs that oppress the civil population in the Syrian people.” areas where the army is not present.
“P
20 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
Photo by Mohamad al-tayb/AFP/Getty Images
A man carries two girls covered with dust following an air strike on the Syrian city of Aleppo July 9. VICTIMS OF INVASION I do not know whether the international community has officially declared Aleppo a “disaster zone,” but I do know that humanly and materially, it has become so. After years of senseless war, the citizens of this great and beautiful city, with its 7,000 years of history and culture, find themselves in a desperate situation. The prosperity that Aleppo once enjoyed has vanished. Countless attacks have destroyed its factories and its flourishing industry, its social and administrative institutions, its commercial area and its renowned souk (marketplaces), its ancient homes, its schools and its hospitals. Aleppo’s ruination means that Syria has lost a major source of economic and social growth, and other cities have suffered similar misfortune. The Arab Christian population remains particularly at risk. These times of great change could deal a fatal blow to our presence and apostolic mission in the region, which can be traced back to the beginning of Christianity. Nearly four years since it began, we have more and more evidence that this revolution is not a protest movement of Syrian citizens seeking freedom and a better life but rather a devastating invasion of our land, more terrible than the invasion of the Huns in the 5th century and the Mongols in the Middle Ages. It is a war of destruction led by nations, using the unrest in parts of Syria to foment a fratricidal war into
which they have injected arms, money and tens of thousands of jihadists and mercenaries. Thousands of European terrorists have even joined their ranks. In the face of massacres of innocent people, kidnappings, refusal to engage in dialogue and massive destruction, we are now convinced that this uprising has nothing to do with freedom and democracy. If this were the case, the Church would have been the first to become an ally in the protests and a leader of those asking for substantial reforms. Instead, we have focused our attention on calling for an end to armed conflict and for dialogue toward a concerted political solution to this crisis that has plunged our country into blood and fire. RAYS OF HOPE The patriarchs of the Middle East, as well as the General Assembly of the Bishops of these Middle-Eastern countries, together with His Holiness Pope Francis, have not ceased to call the believers to prayer, the fighters to calm and the nations to military non-interference. No one can forget the Holy Father’s prophetic call to the entire Church to participate in a day of fasting and prayer Sept. 7, 2013, in the face of growing tensions that included a potential military attack by the United States. The Lord answered the prayers of his Church! He spared the people of Syria and opened paths of dialogue and reconDECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 21
A priest inspects the damage inside a church in Homs, Syria, May 13.
22 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
we ardently pray for the establishment of lasting peace so that our faithful may return again to work and to their normal lives, in an atmosphere of security, serenity and mutual understanding among all the citizens of this beloved country.♦ METROPOLITAN JEAN-CLÉMENT JEANBART is the archbishop of Aleppo, Syria (Melkite Greek Catholic Church), the city in which he was also born. This text was adapted from an address he delivered Sept. 26 at Fordham University in New York City and is reprinted with permission.
• The Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Relief initiative has raised more than $2.5 million for those suffering persecution in Iraq and the surrounding region. To assist with these relief efforts, visit www.kofc.org/Iraq, or send checks or money orders to: K of C Christian Refugee Relief, Knights of Columbus Charities, P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966. • The Food for Syria project, launched last year by Jesus the King Council 15045 in Markham, Ontario, in collaboration with the Melkite Catholic Patriarchate in Syria, has provided food and medical supplies to more than 1,500 families. To aid with these efforts, visit foodforsyria.org.
Photo by omar Sanadiki, reuters
ciliation. The Geneva talks were the first path, and we are praying day and night that it may attain its objective and call for another meeting to promote dialogue between combatants. We ask all of our Christian brothers to join us in prayer that the peace process will succeed and the war will end for the greater good of all Syria. It is evident that the civil war in Syria will overflow into neighboring territories if the conflict continues unchecked. Unfortunately, we notice this happening every day. You can imagine the cruel picture ahead and the tragic consequences for Christian communities in the surrounding countries if this happens. I am therefore convinced that our first task must be to struggle for peace in our land and our region. In his Message for the World Day of Peace last January, Pope Francis stated, “Only when politics and the economy are open to moving within the wide space ensured by the One who loves each man and each woman will they achieve an ordering based on a genuine spirit of fraternal charity and become effective instruments of integral human development and peace.” Recognizing what our Holy Father has called “the transcendent dimension of man,” Christians want a political system that enables all citizens to live in peace and to participate in public life. We know the task is arduous and difficult, but we Christians also know that the Lord never abandons his children. We therefore look forward with a great hope to the day when this Calvary that our country is enduring will end. And
FAT H E R S F O R G O O D
Francis Films The Holy Father’s favorite movies reflect the transformative spiritual power of human relationships by David DiCerto
Photo by John Springer collection/corBIS
A
s you think about movies to watch with friends and family jongleur de Dieu (“God’s fool”), titles often associated with Pope this Christmas season, you might consider taking Pope Francis’ namesake. Francis as your guide for viewing. Perhaps no movie captures the transformative power of an auIn various interviews, the pope has given a thumbs up to at thentic personal encounter better than Gabriel Axel’s parable Baleast three films that helped shape his spiritual and moral out- bette’s Feast, in which the title character, a French refugee and look: Roberto Rossellini’s neo-realist World War II masterpiece former master chef, prepares a banquet for a dwindling Christian Rome, Open City (1945); Federico Fellini’s classic La Strada congregation in a remote area of 19th century Denmark. By her (1954); and the Danish gem Babette’s Feast (1988). loving care for both food and friendship, Babette transfigures the All three are included on the Vatimeal into “a love affair” where “mercy can’s list of 45 “great films” — comand truth” meet. piled in 1995 on the occasion of the The dinner, with its 12 guests, 100th anniversary of cinema. And each clearly contains eucharistic overtones, in its own way illuminates one of the while old divisions are healed by its defining themes of Francis’ papacy: the salutary effects. Beyond the sacramenimportance of encountering others. As tal shades of the feast, the film touches Pope Francis wrote in his apostolic exon other themes near to Francis’ heart: hortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy mercy, openness to being surprised by of the Gospel), “Whenever we encounter God’s joy, community, and a self-empanother person in love, we learn sometying love exemplified by Babette’s thing new about God” (272). symbolic sacrifice of time and effort. In Rome, Open City, Aldo Fabrizi Each of these films communicates plays a heroic Catholic priest named what Pope Paul VI said in a 1967 adDon Pietro who embodies compasdress to artists: Whenever art reveals “in sionate openness to others in his work the human condition, however lowly among Nazi occupiers and resistance or sad it may be, a spark of goodness, fighters. at that very instant a glow of beauty A shepherd who has the “odor of pervades the whole work.” Babette’s Feast (Denmark, 1988) is one sheep” and who is unafraid to “go to the Moreover, all three movies deal with of Pope Francis’ favorite films. peripheries” — to borrow two of Pope wounded characters and sinners who Francis’ memorable phrases — Don no doubt resonate with Pope Francis’ Pietro seeks out those spurned by society. This includes Pina, a understanding of the Church as a field hospital after battle. woman of sincere faith despite moral shortcomings, and her fiIn Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis said he never tires of reancé, Francesco, an honorable atheist hunted by the Nazis. peating the words of Deus Caritas Est, Benedict XVI’s first enAt one point, an S.S. officer pressures Don Pietro to betray cyclical: “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice one of Francesco’s fellow fighters, slyly suggesting that all athe- or a lofty idea, but an encounter with an event, a person which ists are enemies of the Church. Responding with charity, the gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction” (1). priest replies, “I believe that anyone fighting for justice and libThese words, Pope Francis said, “take us to the very heart of erty walks in the ways of the Lord, and the ways of the Lord the Gospel” (7). are infinite.” There’s an old Jesuit maxim about “finding God in all La Strada focuses on another unlikely alliance — between things.” For Pope Francis, that means using anything and Anthony Quinn’s traveling strongman, Zampanò, and the sim- everything — including the popular medium of film — to enple Gelsomina, played by Giulietta Masina. courage just such an encounter with Christ.♦ Zampanò is a brute of violent impulses and base appetites, but he is ultimately changed by his encounter with the humble DAVID DICERTO is a Catholic film critic and co-host of Reel Faith Gelsomina, who epitomizes il poverello (“the poor one”) or le on NetNY, sponsored by the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. FIND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR CATHOLIC MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT FATHERSFORGOOD. ORG .
DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 23
BU I L D I N G T H E D O M E S T I C C H U RC H
DECEMBER Because the family that prays together stays together, we want to learn to pray as a family. There is something very powerful about praying together as a family. Jesus reminded us that where two or three are gathered together in his name, there he is in the midst of them (see Mt 18:20). He also revealed that when we pray with our children, their guardian angels always look upon the face of the Father (see Mt 18:10). Prayer needs to become a regular habit in the daily life of our families. Even when children, grandchildren, siblings, parents and grandparents are far away, they can still pray for each other. When a family prays together, an ocean of grace comes into the world.
In his Letter to Families, St. John Paul II wrote, “Prayer increases the strength and spiritual unity of the family, helping the family to partake of God’s own ‘strength.’”
Bring Song Into Your Home
Special Christmas Project
Immaculate Mary Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing. You reign now in Heaven, with Jesus our king. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. In Heaven the blessed your glory proclaim; On Earth we your children invoke your sweet name. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.
Bring the miracle of Christ’s birth into your home by making a special Nativity set, or crèche. As a family, design a manger scene in Bethlehem. Throughout Advent, have family members place a different figure in the manger and meditate on the meaning of this humble place where God became man. Prayer Project
Pray the Psalm of the Month during every Sunday of the month at your family prayer space. On the last Sunday of the month, discuss as a family which verse stood out most for each member. How lovely is thy dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yea, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at thy altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise!
Council-Wide Event: Movie Night December’s movie is The Muppet Christmas Carol. Before the movie begins, ask your families to share images of their Nativity scenes.
THIS IS THE SECOND MONTH OF BUILDING THE DOMESTIC CHURCH: THE FAMILY FULLY ALIVE, A K OF C INITIATIVE FOR FAMILIES. 24 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
cNS photo/Debbie Hill
Psalm of the Month (Psalm 84)
Praying together as a family is a great way to experience the presence of God in our everyday lives. While there are many ways to pray, using Scripture as the center and focus of family prayer time can be fruitful and instructive for everyone. • Place a Bible in your family prayer corner. • Gather as a family and begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance and understanding of God’s Word. • Read the Sunday Gospel or daily readings aloud (usccb.org/readings). • Allow some time to reflect on the passage, and then share a few words about it. • End with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of God’s living Word.
BU I L D I N G T H E D O M E S T I C C H U RC H
Council-Wide Event: A Christmas Celebration
Youth group members at St. Dominic Parish in Swansea, Mass., play the parts of Mary and Joseph during a Posada celebration in December 2013.
Meditation
Photo by Scott Indermaur
Prayer needs to become a regular habit in the daily life of each family. Prayer is thanksgiving, praise of God, asking for forgiveness, supplication and invocation. In all of these forms the prayer of the family has much to say to God. — St. John Paul II, Letter to Families (1994), 10 Mary appears therefore as the supreme model of personal participation in the divine mysteries. She guides the Church in meditating on the mystery celebrated and in participating in the saving event by encouraging the faithful to desire an intimate, personal relationship with Christ in order to cooperate with the gift of their own life in the salvation of all. …
During Advent, councils throughout the Order organize a traditional Christmas celebration known as La Posada (see article on page 24). In the 16th century, Franciscan missionaries from Spain promoted the Posada in the New World with the goal of introducing the faith. It continues to be popular throughout the southwestern United States and all of Latin America, and it is a rich tradition for Knights and their families to share. The celebration consists of prayer, a play and a party for families, parishes and whole communities. It is a celebration that children and adults can enjoy together, as well as those from different cultural backgrounds. A booklet titled The Posada: An Advent & Christmas Celebration (#9898-E,S) provides all that is needed to conduct this Christmas celebration with your parish and council families. Copies of the booklet can be viewed in digital format or downloaded at kofc.org/posada, or ordered from the Order’s Supply Department. Your council can also benefit those in need this Christmas season by asking attendees to bring a nonperishable food item or an unwrapped toy to the event as a donation.
We could add that for the People of God, Mary represents the model of every expression of their prayer life. In particular, she teaches Christians how to turn to God to ask for his help and support in the various circumstances of life. Her motherly intercession at the wedding in Cana and her presence in the Upper Room at the Apostles’ side as they prayed in expectation of Pentecost suggest that the prayer of petition is an essential form of cooperation in furthering the work of salvation in the world. By following her model, the Church learns to be bold in her asking, to persevere in her intercessions and, above all, to implore the gift of the Holy Spirit. — St. John Paul II, Audience, Sept. 10, 1997
Questions for Reflection 1. During my day, what are some times when I could take a minute to “touch base” with God through prayer, perhaps asking his help or simply thanking him for his love and his presence? 2. Just as talking can build a relationship, the different kinds of prayer mentioned are all ways to grow closer to God. What kind makes me most aware that God is near and a part of this life he has given me? 3. How is our family touched and shaped by the prayers of all of its members?
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A COMPLETE LIST OF MONTHLY THEMES AND MEDITATIONS, VISIT KOFC.ORG/DOMESTICCHURCH. DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 25
A Christmas Journey The Posada gives parishioners the opportunity to celebrate Christ’s birth and remember the poor
D
ecember snow flurries swirled about St. Dominic Church in Swansea, Mass., as Mary and Joseph set out in search of a suitable place to give birth to the Christ Child. On this wintry Sunday, the seaside hamlet south of Boston may not have resembled firstcentury Bethlehem, but a hardy crowd of parishioners was warmed by the true spirit of Christmas that filled their quaint church. The occasion was the third annual Christmas Posada hosted by Bishop James E. Cassidy Council 3669 last year. Those in attendance had come to witness a traditional play of Hispanic origin commemorating Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging, or posada. A pair of local high school students portrayed Mary and Joseph, while other young people had adopted a host of supporting roles. Those in attendance also came to aid the homeless and others in need, placing donations in a basket following the performance. “Every year we have more participants,” said Grand Knight Bill Bouchard of Council 3669. “Parishioners donate food and costumes, and people from other parishes are joining in as well.” La Posada is a time-honored tradition that can be traced back to 16th century Spanish missionaries and their quest to evangelize the New World. Since the Christmas Posada was launched as a Supreme Council program in 2011, K of C councils throughout North America have increased awareness of this largely Hispanic tradition and have found creative ways to make the Holy Family’s journey come to life in their communities. MAKING FAITH REAL The young people participating in the Posada at St. Dominic Church were garbed in traditional costumes calling to mind the time of Christ’s birth. With assistance from fellow cast and family members, they had carefully designed woven head coverings and matching cloaks to evoke the chill of the desert night that Joseph and his pregnant wife had to endure. In a nod to the ongoing popularity of the Posada in Latin America, the organizers also added a modern flair to their production, with some of the young travelers donning colorful sombreros and ponchos. 26 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
During the performance in St. Dominic’s parish center, Mary and Joseph start out alone on their journey, slowly circling the perimeter of the hall and weaving among members of the audience as they search for an innkeeper with room to spare. At each stop, the couple is turned away. But after hearing of their plight, more and more participants join the couple on their journey toward Bethlehem, with Scripture readings and songs complementing each stop on the road to the manger. By the time Mary and Joseph reach their destination, located before the altar, the entire congregation has joined the procession. Father Joseph Viveiros, pastor of St. Dominic Parish and chaplain of Council 3669, explained that the Posada is a “religious experience,” not simply a retelling or dramatization of biblical events to be enjoyed on a cold winter’s day. “We’re trying to make our faith real to young people,” Father Viveiros added. Father Viveiros first invited the council to sponsor a parish Posada in 2011, inspired by the Supreme Council’s Christmas Posada program. From the outset, the event was also conceived as a way to benefit those in need. “The Posada is about the Holy Family looking for a place at the inn,” explained Father Viveiros. “If we put out a donation basket, we should give that to the homeless, because that’s what Joseph and Mary and Jesus were that night — they were without a home.” Originally, the council considered collecting things like clothes and blankets at the event, but staff members at the St. Vincent de Paul-run homeless shelter in nearby Fall River, Mass., explained that their homeless guests could really use gift cards to purchase food during the day. Last year, council members used the money collected at the Posada, along with a donation by the council, to purchase $500 worth of food cards. A month later, the Knights personally distributed the cards at the Fall River shelter. Deacon Frank Lucca, a council member who leads the parish’s youth ministry, said that young parishioners are given an integral role in producing the annual Posada so they can see
Photo by Scott Indermaur
by Rick Snizek
Young people, followed by three members of the Knights in the role of the Three Magi, participate in St. Mary Cathedral School’s annual Posada in Austin, Texas, Dec. 15, 2013. • Opposite page: Donations collected for the homeless are seen at the annual Posada celebration at St. Dominic Parish in Swansea, Mass.
Photo by Arlen Nydam
for themselves how their efforts can benefit the community. “They’re a part of the parish,” he explained. “We don’t look upon them any differently because they are young, as St. Timothy would say.” Hannah Barlow, 15, portrayed one of the innkeepers at last year’s Posada and serves on the parish’s youth council. “We’re helping to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless,” she said. “These people have absolutely nothing. They depend on going to soup kitchens every day to eat.” BEARING GIFTS Nearly 1,700 miles to the southwest on a sunny December morning in Austin, Texas, St. Mary Cathedral was hosting its own Posada celebration last year with the support of St. Mary Cathedral Council 14055. Staged at the Donahue Center Gymnasium, adjacent to the cathedral, religious education students from the cathedral’s urban Catholic elementary and middle school have gathered with parishioners for this special event. In Austin’s version of the Posada, live animals from a local farm, including donkeys, goats and lambs, play their part in the biblical menagerie. The readings and songs are also performed in multiple languages. The Posada started at St. Mary Cathedral three years ago thanks to the efforts of Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Jr., a member of Council 14055 and co-director of diaconal formation for the Diocese of Austin. Like Father Viveiros in Massachusetts, he envisioned the Posada as a way to offer a concrete expression of charity to the children in the audience. “About 80 percent are inner city children whose parents are very poor,” said Deacon Rodriguez. Many of the parishioners, whom Deacon Rodriguez knows
personally through his work with religious education, have emigrated from Mexico. Although they can find some work to support and feed their families, there usually isn’t enough money left over to purchase toys at Christmastime. In response, council member Frank Fuentes made a sizeable donation of toys for distribution at the annual event. As the celebration concludes, the Magi approach from the East. The Three Wise Men entering the scene are actually Knights bearing gifts for the children in attendance, whose numbers have reached as high as 350 over the past two years. “It really creates something in the hearts of the children,” Deacon Rodriguez said. “You can see that star in their eyes.” Deacon Rodriguez, who has fond memories of celebrating the Posada in southern Texas during his own childhood, added that he hopes that the children will continue to celebrate the Posada when they get older. In supporting their parishes and encouraging acts of charity during the Christmas season, the Knights have seen that Posada celebrations have helped to galvanize their councils as well. In Massachusetts, Council 3669 has had a marked increase in membership since the annual event began. It has also left an enduring impression on the young people who have participated, including two former youth group members who have joined the Order. “I grew up Catholic and from a young age was influenced to help the poor,” said Andrew Jacome, 20, a student at UMass Dartmouth and the youngest member of Council 3669. “That’s something I admire about the Knights.”♦ RICK SNIZEK is editor of Rhode Island Catholic, the newspaper of the Diocese of Providence, R.I. DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 27
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES
DONATING A BALANCED DIET Members of St. Michael the Archangel Council 13227 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, stand with boxes of fruit they picked and delivered to local food banks. The council picked 4,300 pounds of fruits and vegetables from local residents’ trees and gardens and delivered them to local hunger programs. Due to storage consideration, fresh produce is a commodity that many food banks lack, even though fruits and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet.
ON THE MOVE AGAIN
Mother of Mercy Council 4030 in Baton Rouge, La., created a handicap ramp for Jamison Porch, who lives with his grandmother, Dale Shirley. Porch is blind, partially deaf and confined to a wheelchair. Shirley struggled with transporting Jamison in and out of their home until the council built the ramp. HERO HONORED
St. Padre Pio Assembly in Littleton, Colo., honored Lt. Cpl. Patrick J. Hannon of the U.S. Marine Corps, who was the first resident of Littleton killed in the Vietnam War. The assembly erected a plaque for Hannon at St. Mary Catholic School, where Hannon graduated in 1960.
pice, Boundary Community Food Bank and Special Olympics of Grand Forks. Council members sold charity appeal tickets to raise funds for the donations. SUPPORTING VOCATIONS
East Hanover (N.J.) Council 6504 presented a monetary gift to Alex Nevitt, a local parishioner and council member who is studying for the priesthood. Likewise, Perrysburg (Ohio) Council 7978 donated $4,800 to support seminarians in the Diocese of Toledo. The council has provided annual support for seminarians and was able to significantly increase its level of giving thanks to successful fundraising.
CHARITY APPEAL
VOLUNTEER CO-OP
Bishop McCarthy Council 13040 in Grand Forks, B.C., donated $300 each to the Boundary Community Hos-
St. Irene Council 13848 in Carlisle, Mass., has established a volunteer cooperation with the Lazarus House
28 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
Emergency Shelter in Lawrence, where the council cooks and serves a monthly meal for the shelter’s homeless residents. The council served its first dinner in October 2013, and menus have included spaghetti and meatballs, baked hams, and Chinese food. Meanwhile, St. Paul the Apostle Council 560 in Muncie, Ind., began a monthly collaboration with Harvest Soup Kitchen. Knights prepare around 100 sack lunches for distribution to the needy. Each sack contains a sandwich, chips, fruit, carrots, a cookie and water. ROTC AWARDS
Each month, Our Lady of Hope Assembly in Port Orange, Fla., awards a “Patriotic Service Award” and a $50 stipend to a local Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps student who meets the requirements set by his or her senior officer.
Reynolds Tagorda and Michael Magaoay of St. John Apostle and Evangelist Council 14663 in Mililani, Hawaii, install an interior door at a Habitat for Humanity building project. Knights volunteered to help build two homes for low-income families, volunteering 75 hours to install shelves, carpet, flooring, cabinets and more.
KNIGHTS IN ACTION CRAB FESTIVAL
St. Joseph the Carpenter Council 9202 in Lincoln, Calif., held its ninth annual all-you-can-eat crab fest. Squires from St. Joseph the Carpenter Circle 5197 and the parish “Edge” youth group served a five-course dinner of salad, clam chowder soup, shrimp Alfredo pasta, crab and shrimp, and a dessert. The crowd of 400 also participated in drawings for cash raffle prizes and dancing. The annual fest raises around $10,000 and is the council’s largest fundraiser. REWARD MONEY
When arsonists destroyed two local churches last year, Emmett (Idaho) Council 3085 quickly stepped up to build a reward fund. For several weeks, members collected donations from the community to fund a reward to help solve the two crimes, which caused $1 million in damage. Based on information from community tip-
COATS FOR KIDS Needy families no longer need to feel uncertain during cold weather months, thanks in large part to the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program. Here are some councils that are helping young people keep warm during the winter: George Gemberling, Dan Biggins and Kip Noreen of Siena Council 8596 in Dundee, Ill., stand with a Christmas stable that members of the council designed, built, stained and donated to St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The new stable accompanies the church’s crèche statues, which Knights repaired and repainted after many years of weathering. Members of the council also pledged their time to keep the stable and statues clear of snow while they are on display during the Christmas season.
sters, arrests were made, but those with information declined to accept the reward money. In response, the council decided to split the funds between the two churches instead. MASS KIT
Members of Thomas Aquinas Council 11926 and Sun Bowl Council 15727, both in El Paso, Texas, and their families pull a full-size fire truck during the Special Olympics Fire Truck Pull at the El Paso Firefighters Academy. The annual event encourages members of the community and civic groups to form teams to see who can pull a fire truck the farthest distance in the shortest amount of time. Proceeds from the event are donated to Special Olympics.
Holy Redeemer Council 11729 in Pickering, Ontario, presented Father Colman Ngulla Mruma, administrator of Holy Redeemer Parish, with a new Mass kit. The mobile kit will allow Father Mruma to carry his chalice and paten as he offers Mass at different locations throughout the area. ‘CASEY’S HELPERS’
Cumberland (Md.) Council 586 runs a program called “Casey’s Helpers” to volunteer for small work projects around the community. Knights meet weekly to undertake such projects as cutting grass and repairing homes for people who cannot complete the tasks themselves. Most recently, Knights
help renovate old classrooms at their parish that will be turned into offices. KEEPING DAD IN THE GAME
• St. David the King Council 14716 in West Windsor, N.J., distributed eight cartons of coats to Trenton community service agencies and a transitional living facility. • Our Lady of Hope Council 8086 in Port Orange, Fla., distributed 86 coats to the Mission of Our Lady Guadalupe in Wahneta and another 86 coats to Westside Elementary School.
Don Bosco Council 7784 in Newton, N.J., hosted two events to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s “Keep Dad in the Game” campaign. Knights hosted a two-day fundraiser at an area restaurant as well as a family bowling night at Sparta Lanes. Both events generated more than $1,700.
• Belle Vernon (Pa.) Council 3026 donated 24 new coats to the Yough School District.
MOBILE ULTRASOUND
• St. Lawrence the Martyr Council 13417 in Toronto gave coats to students at St. Lawrence School and to clients served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Council 4420 in Hapeville, Ga., raised $7,200 to help pay for the operating cost of a new ultrasound mobile unit run by Pregnancy Aid Clinic. The mobile unit travels throughout the Atlanta metro region, allowing expectant mothers a chance to meet their babies through ultrasound technology and providing alternative solutions to abortion.
• Elizabeth Ann SetonWhippany (N.J.) Council 6904 donated 48 coats to the Father English Community Center in Paterson.
• St. Joseph Council 15304 in Spirit Lake, Idaho, distributed 20 coats to needy students at two local schools.
DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 29
KNIGHTS IN ACTION MEDICAL BENEFIT
Notre-Dame des-Laurentides (Québec) Council 10999 donated $11,680 to a local family whose 3-year-old daughter has several health problems. Knights held a dinner and auction attended by 250 people to raise the funds, which will help the family with its medical expenses. CELEBRATING LIFE
North Port (Fla.) Council 7997 hosted a Celebrate Life Luncheon attended by more than 200 parishioners and other Christian organizations from in and around Venice. The luncheon included presentations from pro-life groups and Gulf Coast Storks, a mobile unit offering free sonograms as well as free pregnancy tests, counseling and referrals. ROOMS PAINTED
Our Lady of Mercy Council 10504 in Winston-Salem, N.C., painted 14 rooms and
A HAIR-RAISING EXPERIENCE Giuseppe Peritore of Marian Council 3881 in Oakville, Ontario, together with his wife, Rita, and their two daughters, Anyssa and Celestia, pose for “before” and “after” photos after having their hair cut for an Angel Hair for Kids benefit. Peritore has grown his hair out three times to benefit charities that provide wigs to children who have suffered from burns, cancer or other diseases. This time, the Peritores made it a family affair. Council 3881 supported the event through donor sponsorship and by printing event programs and participation certificates, videotaping the event, and purchasing t-shirts and thank-you gifts for each donor. An honor guard from Bishop Paul F. Reding Assembly led donors into the event, which netted nearly 100 ponytails and about $4,200 in sponsorship.
their associated closets at a facility run by Room at the Inn, a pro-life organization in Greensboro that provides support and shelter for women in crisis pregnancies who have chosen to have their babies.
and various door prizes. More than 440 people attended, and the event raised $17,500 to aid with the medical costs that RiordanMooney incurred during her treatment.
FLAGS PRESENTED
St. Philip the Apostle Council 11671 in Clifton, N.J., and Perez Council 262 in Passaic, along with the St. Philip’s Girl Scouts troop, attended a screening of Gimme Shelter, a film based on the true story of young woman who is homeless and pregnant. Representatives from Several Sources Shelter, a pro-life pregnancy resource center, also attended the screening.
FILM SCREENING
St. Pius X Council 4425 in Wilmington, Del., presented St. Anthony of Padua Elementary School with an Italian flag to replace a damaged one at the school, along with a Delaware state flag, a Papal flag, and a Knights of Columbus flag for display. REMEMBERING A HERO Grand Knight Rod Giddens of Westminster (British Columbia) Council 1283 receives a first blessing from newly ordained Father Nick Meisl. Father Meisl was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The council supported Father Meisl both financially and spiritually throughout his seminarian years. 30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
St. John Council 1345 in Bergenfield, N.J., held a fundraiser for Lorraine Riordan-Mooney, a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and friend of the council. Riordan-Mooney passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The fundraiser featured a pasta dinner cooked by Knights, several raffles, music
DECEMBER 2014
has assisted the store by picking up furniture from estate sales in the surrounding area. The furniture items are then sold at the thrift store to help the needy. AEDS PLACED
Father Kaesen Council 5199 in Vermillion, Minn., teamed with the Miesville Lions Club, Miesville Fire and Rescue and Hastings Fire Relief to purchase two new automatic external defibrillators for the city of Vermillion. The two devices were installed at a local Catholic school and in the basement of a nearby Catholic church. MONASTERY HELP
Christ the Bridegroom Monastery asked Geauga Council 3304 in Chardon, Ohio, for help clearing out a small house and tearing down a shed on the monastery’s property. The sisters at the monastery wanted to use the house for retreats, and the shed was deemed unsafe. Knights cleaned the area and filled a 40-foot dumpster with refuse. Afterward, the sisters served council members stuffed cabbage and mashed potatoes for lunch. BIBLES FOR STUDENTS
In response to a request from a local parish’s religious education department, St. Jude Council 9629 in Highlands, Texas, donated $1,083 to purchase 60 new Bibles for students. GOOD MEDICINE
FURNITURE TRANSPORT
When the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Durand, Wis., was struggling to schedule regular furniture drop-offs and deliveries, they turned to Durand Council 2422 for help. For the past several months, the council
Father John G. Seyfried Council 821 in Kings Park, N.Y., along with the Catholic Daughters of America, hosted a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the family of a 13-year-old girl suffering from dystonia, a rare neuromuscular disorder. The family is facing substantial
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
Food Drive,” in which council members fill red reusable Knights of Columbus shopping bags with non-perishable food items. Since late-2013, the council has collected 150 pounds of food for the local food bank from donations at monthly council meetings.
medical bills for this incurable disease. More than 800 members of the community and parish attended the event, which raised approximately $30,000 for the young girl and her family. ALLEVIATING HOMELESSNESS
Bishop W. Thomas Larkin Council 4727 in Jacksonville, Fla., donated $500 to Five Star Veterans Center, whose mission is to offer safe and secure transitional housing to displaced veterans in an attempt to alleviate veteran homelessness. The center provides its military residents with the dignity, compassion and respect they deserve, while providing a structured “Passport to Independence” program to re-integrate the veterans back into society. TREASURED REDISCOVERED
Drayton Valley (Alberta) Council 7374 distributed gratis copies of the book Rediscover Catholicism to parishioners of St. Anthony Church following Mass.
PILGRIMAGE TO FRANCE Jose Alquicira of Denton (Texas) Council 4771 repairs a fence surrounding the property of council member Joe Pelzel. Pelzel, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, is confined to bed and dependent on the care of his wife. When his council discovered that the fence needed repairs, members immediately secured the necessary materials and completed the work.
Ontario, held a perch dinner with all proceeds going to the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Home, a shelter for women in crisis pregnancies. Council members and their wives cooked and served 249 meals, and the council was able to present Our Lady of Guadalupe Home with $1,875. NEW STOVE
PERCH DINNER
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Council 13405 in Windsor,
Lawrence (Kan.) Council 1372 replaced the old kitchen stove at St. Conrad Friary with a new unit donated by the council. WHEELCHAIRS DELIVERED
Members of St. Ignatius of Loyola Council 12853 in San Jose, Calif., paint traffic arrows on the driveway of Holy Family Church. Knights painted a series of traffic markers in the lot in an effort to increase safety for parishioners and school children.
One month after the new Veterans Affairs Clinic in Cape Coral, Fla., requested wheelchairs to better serve patients, Our Lady of the Rosary Assembly in Bonita Springs presented 10 wheelchairs to the facility. CHAPEL SUPPORT
Christopher Columbus Assembly in Wallingford, Conn., presented a check for $500 to the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in Meriden. The funds will be used to
support a new chapel for members of the order. RUNNING FOR CHARITY
San Martin de Porres Council 10070 in Sahuarita, Ariz., sponsored its third annual 5K Run/Walk to support parish youth programs and the Tucson-based Fatima Women’s Center. This year’s event raised more than $2,880 and drew 88 runners in five age groups. A pancake breakfast for all participants followed the event, and awards from local businesses were distributed to top competitors. USO SUPPORT
Father Maruskin Council 10936 in Hudson, Ohio, collected toiletries, personal items, non-perishable food and cash donations for the Armory/USO of Northern Ohio. Total donations were valued at $2,235 and were distributed to members of the U.S. military and their families. RED BAGS
Father Edwin A. Fisher Council 4354 in Manchester, Mich., initiated a “Red Bag
Eight members from Father Emil J. Kapaun Council 11987 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany attended a men’s retreat at the Abbey of Our Lady of Fontgombault, just south of Paris. Knights joined the 55 Benedictine monks at the monastery at prayer, Mass and meals, and also helped with some tasks around the abbey. Following the pilgrimage, Knights visited the Aisnes-Marnes American Cemetery in Belleau-Aisne, France, to pay tribute to the U.S. Marines who died during World War I.
CORRECTIONS In the September 2014 issue of Columbia, the feature article “An Extraordinary Jubilee Year” omits the name of the artist who sculpted the Holy Door at the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. The Holy Door was crafted by Montreal-based artist Jules Lasalle.
kofc.org exclusive See more “Knights in Action” reports and photos at www.kofc.org/ knightsinaction
DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 31
K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N
K OF C ITEMS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
IN THE UNITED STATES THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment 1-800-444-5632 • www.kofcsupplies.com LYNCH AND KELLY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-548-3890 • www.lynchkelly.com IN CANADA ROGER SAUVÉ INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-266-1211 • www.roger-sauve.com
JOIN THE FATHER MCGIVNEY GUILD
!
12/14
Please enroll me in the Father McGivney Guild: NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP/POSTAL CODE Complete this coupon and mail to: The Father McGivney Guild, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or enroll online at: www.fathermcgivney.org
OFFICIAL DEC. 1, 2014: To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 06506-1492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, Place d’Armes Station, P.O. Box 220, Montreal, QC H2Y 3G7 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.
COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2013 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. CANADIAN POSTMASTER — PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 50 MACINTOSH BOULEVARD, CONCORD, ONTARIO L4K 4P3 PHILIPPINES — FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL AT THE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIES TO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA.
32 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
DECEMBER 2014
John Phillip and Juan Benjamin of St. John the Baptist Council 10232 in Madison stand among some of the Nativity set cutouts that the council constructed as part of its “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign. Members of the council spent several months constructing, assembling and painting 60 of the Nativity sets, which they sold to the community and parish. In addition, the council rented space on a digital billboard near a busy highway to display a banner that reads “Keep Christ in Christmas.”
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Act of August 1, 1970: Section 3685, title 39, U.S. code) 1. Publication Title: Columbia 2. Publication No.: 12-3740 3. Date of filing: September 15, 2014 4. Frequency of issue: Monthly 5. No. of issues published annually: 12 6. Annual subscription price: $6 7. Location of office of publication: 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 8. Location of publisher’s headquarters: 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 9. Names and address of publisher, editor and managing editor. Publisher: Carl A. Anderson, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 Editor: Alton J. Pelowski, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 10. Owner: Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326. 11. Known bond holders: none. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt
status for federal income tax purposes: (Check one) ( ) Has changed (x) Has not during the changed during preceding the preceding 12 months. 12 months. (If changed, publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.) 13. Publication name: Columbia. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: October 2014 15. Extent and nature of circulation # copies of sinAv. # copies gle issue pubeach issue durlished nearest ing preceding to filing date 12 months A. Total no. copies (net press run) 1,644,710 1,668,016 B. Paid and/or requested circulation 1. Outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 320,179 342,179 2. Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 0 0 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS distribution: 1,000 1,000 4. Other classes mailed through the USPS. 1,324,431 1,325,737 C. Total paid and/or requested circulation:
1,645,610 1,669,016 D. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary and other): 1. Outside-county as stated on Form 3541: 0 0 2. In-county as stated on Form 3541: 0 0 3. Other classes mailed through the USPS: 5,000 5,000 4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution outside the mail (carriers or other): 0 0 E. Total Free or Nominal Rate distribution (Sum of (15d, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 5,000 5,00 0 F. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 1,650,610 1,674,016 G. Copies not distributed: 300 300 H. Total (sum of 15f and 15g): 1,650,910 1,674,316 I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (15c / 15f x 100): 99.6% 99.7% 16. Paid electronic copies 0 0 I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. ALTON J. PELOWSKI, Editor 09/15/2014
KNIGH T S O F C O LU M B U S
Building a better world one council at a time Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.
To
bE fEaTurEd hErE , sEnd your council’ s
c olumbia , 1 c olumbus p laza , n EW
Members of Pope John Paul II Assembly in Potomac Falls, Va., present the colors at a Washington Nationals baseball game Sept. 28. This was the ninth consecutive year that the assembly had been invited to visit Nationals Park. The game on Sept. 28 was the final match of the season and was attended by 35,085 fans.
“K nighTs in a cTion ” h avEn , cT 06510-3326
phoTo as WEll as iTs dEscripTion To : or E - mail : columbia @ Kofc . org .
DECEMBER 2014
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 33
plEasE, do all you can To EncouragE priEsTly and rEligious vocaTions. your prayErs and supporT maKE a diffErEncE.
KEEP T H E F A I T H A L I V E
‘WE ARE WEAK, BUT GOD IS STRONG.’
sisTEr bogusłaWa bagińsKa Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Cherry Hill, N.J.
Photo by Don Tracy
as a young person searching for fulfillment, i wondered what made people happy: money, power, career? Then, as a high school student, i had an opportunity to meet franciscan friars and sisters, and i noticed that there was something very special about people who consecrated their lives to god. When i later met the little servant sisters of the immaculate conception, i felt completely at home with them. i decided to follow their example and give my whole heart to god. my parents and seven siblings supported my decision, but i knew it was not easy for them. i am very grateful for my family’s continuous love and encouragement. To anyone who is being called to a religious life, i would say to trust in god’s grace and have courage. being a religious in today’s world is not easy. being pure, obedient and poor is challenging. but being a faithful husband or wife, being a good mother or father is also difficult. We are just human beings. We make mistakes. We are weak, but god is strong.