Columbia March 2009

K NIGHTS

IN SERVICE TO ONE. IN SERVICE TO ALL.

OF

C OLUMBUS

MARCH 2009

America’s Church 1959-2009

In a time of financial turmoil, you can trust the Knights of Columbus.

Perhaps the worst thing about the difficult economic times we’re going through is not being sure who we can trust, and whether the financial “experts” really understood the risks they were taking.

At the Knights of Columbus, we know that you trust us to safeguard your family’s future. For 127 years, we’ve honored that trust by investing our assets carefully and conservatively.

That’s why we continue to maintain one of the highest surplus ratios in the life insurance industry, and why, despite all the turmoil of the past year, we finished 2008 in the black.

Solid. Reliable. Trustworthy. Run by brother Knights for brother Knights. There for you when you need us the most. That's the Knights of Columbus. Visit with your professional Knights of Columbus agent today and learn more about how we can protect you and your family in these uncertain times. Click "find an agent" at kofc.org or call 800-345-5632.

A BENEFIT OF BROTHERHOOD

LIFE INSURANCE

LONG-TERM CARE

ANNUITIES

COLUMBIA

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MARCH 2009

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VOLUME 89

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NUMBER 3

IN THIS ISSUE OPENING ODE 3 Remembering to Feast Amid the Fast

BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD 3 Giving generously of time to help others will set the stage for a hopeful future.

BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH 4 In the liturgy of Holy Week, we commemorate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.

BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI

PLUS Catholic Man of the Month, the Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions, Your Spiritual Action Plan and more

Mary’s House

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As Washington’s National Shrine celebrates its golden jubilee, Knights recall a long-standing tradition of support. BY ELIZABETH ELA

CHECKUP 7 Test Your IRA Quotient

REFLECTION 16 Father McGivney’s vision bears the marks of true knighthood.

BY AMATEO SENO

CULTURE

Bearing Witness

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An interview about the life and testimony of Archbishop Kazimierz Majdanski

BY COLUMBIA STAFF

19 The great Holy Week compositions can lead us to contemplate sacred mysteries.

BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 24 In the Hands of Our Merciful Mother

BY MSGR. EDUARDO CHÁVEZ SÁNCHEZ

The Universal Knight

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In St. Joseph and in the chivalry of the Gospel may be found the model of knighthood.

BY STRATFORD CALDECOTT

Called to Holiness: Who, Me?

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Pope John Paul II proposed the wisdom of the saints as a spiritual blueprint for the third millennium.

BY RALPH MARTIN

Kindred Spirits

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Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and Father McGivney worked to build the Church in North America.

BY SISTER LOUISE FINN, CND

KNIGHTS

COLUMBUS NEWS The Year of the Volunteer 6 • Sixth World Meeting of OF

Families • Ultrasound Program Assists Pregnant Women • 36th March for Life • Polish Delegation Visits New Haven

KNIGHTS

IN

ACTION

25 REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES

32 COLUMBIANISM BY DEGREES

OPENING ODE

Remembering to Feast Amid the Fast ach year, as the Church prepares to celebrate Easter — the “Feast of feasts” and the “Solemnity of solemnities” (CCC, 1169) — there are relatively few liturgical feasts observed during the penitential season of Lent. There are, however, a couple notable exceptions.

First, the solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated on March 19. A week later, on March 25, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Annunciation. This feast, nine months before Christmas, commemorates the angel’s announcement to Mary and the Incarnation of Christ, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

At first glance, these two celebrations seem to have little in common. Yet, in his 1989 apostolic exhortation about St. Joseph, titled Redemptoris Custos (Guardian of the Redeemer), Pope John Paul II pointed out the “strict parallel” between the “annunciation” to Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew and the Annunciation to Mary in Luke’s Gospel (RC, 3; see Mt 1:18-25, Lk 1:26-38). The angelic messenger visited Joseph as well as Mary to announce the miraculous conception of the Savior, and both responded with the obedience of faith. Together, Mary and Joseph uniquely stand with Jesus at the heart of the Gospel, as privileged models of fidelity in both marriage and consecrated life, and in both work and contemplation.

Just as the Blessed Virgin is the model and icon of the Church, St. Joseph is a particular example for Knights because of his loving defense and service of Mary and Jesus (see article on page 17). Indeed, the Order’s support of marriage and family life finds a model in the Holy Family, which John Paul II called the “prototype and example of all Christian families” (Familiaris Consortio, 86).

The Knights’ devotion to Mary has always been manifest in numerous ways,

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such as the Order’s support of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The tablet on the shrine’s 329-foot Knights’ Tower proudly proclaims, “Gift of the Knights of Columbus to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as a Pledge of the Devotion to Our Blessed Lady, Patroness of the United States.”

This issue of Columbia features an article about the 50th anniversary of the basilica’s dedication, which is being celebrated this year (page 12).

St. Joseph, too, plays an important role in the countries where the Order is present. Not only is Joseph the patron saint of the New World (and of Canada, in particular), the people of Poland also have a special appreciation for him. A week before a small group of American troops liberated the Nazi concentration camp of Dachau on April 29, 1945, the Polish seminarians and priests who were imprisoned there entrusted themselves to St. Joseph, pledging to protect and promote the Christian family, just as Joseph protected Mary and Jesus. Archbishop Kazimierz Majdanski (1916-2007), one of the seminarians that survived, spent his entire life fulfilling the pledge he had made (see article on page 9).

For Knights of Columbus, March 19 and March 25 are not the only distinctive days of celebration during the weeks leading up to Easter. Founder’s Day, March 29, marks the 127th anniversary of the founding of the Order

by Father Michael J. McGivney. In the midst of this season of fasting, let us pause to recall the fruits borne of a humble parish priest’s faith and celebrate in a special way the obedience of the carpenter and his betrothed, who first accepted the mission of bearing God to the world.

Publisher

Supreme Officers Carl A. Anderson Supreme Knight

Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. Supreme Chaplain

Dennis A. Savoie Deputy Supreme Knight

Donald R. Kehoe Supreme Secretary

John “Jack” W. O’Reilly Jr. Supreme Treasurer

John A. Marrella Supreme Advocate

Editorial Alton J. Pelowski, Managing Editor 203-752-4562 alton.pelowski@kofc.org Patrick Scalisi, Associate Editor 203-752-4485 patrick.scalisi@kofc.org

Graphics Arthur F. Hinckley Jr. Art Director

Richard J. Cesare Senior Designer

Venerable Father Michael J. 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 PHONE: 203-752-4398 FAX: 203-752-4109 E-MAIL: columbia@kofc.org INTERNET: www.kofc.org CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1-800-380-9995 MOVING? Notify your local council. Send your new address and mailing label to: Knights of Columbus, Membership Records PO Box 1670, New Haven, CT 06507-0901

— Alton J. Pelowski, managing editor

Supreme Knight’s Book Club - March 25 - 5 PM (ET) Join Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson online at www.kofc.org for a discussion of The Faith We Profess: A Catholic Guide to the Apostles’ Creed (Ave Maria Press, 2008) by Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi, as well as The Gift of Black Folk: The Negroes in the Making of America by W.E.B. DuBois (Square One, 2009), which was featured in the February issue of Columbia. Submit your questions online and take part in the discussion March 25 at 5 p.m. (ET).

To view archived discussions, visit www.kofc.org/bookclub.

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Knights of Columbus

COLUMBIA COVER: CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

On the Cover In observance of the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a 50foot U.S. flag hangs from the Knights’ Tower of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

BY CARL A. ANDERSON, SUPREME KNIGHT

Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Need Giving generously of time to help others will set the stage for a hopeful future AS THE ECONOMIC CRISIS conGospels that we will be judged on tinues and workers in every sector how we treat the “least” among experience increased hardship, it is us. Certainly, as more workers natural for many of us to express a join the ranks of the unemployed, feeling of helplessness in the face there are many households that of impersonal financial forces that now desperately need our help. seem beyond our control.

With our Christian faith, and However, in the midst of what the great tradition of charity some experts believe is the worst demonstrated by the Knights of worldwide downturn since the Columbus since its founding, we Great Depression, there is somecan make each day better for one thing each of us can do to help, person or one family. It is this even before a stimulus package is model of neighbor helping neighpassed or Wall Street rebounds. bor that served as the theme of the Very simply, we can turn a helping summit on volunteerism that the Order sponsored in New York City hand to our neighbors in need — on Feb. 27. Leaders from a wide the people in our parishes, the range of volunteer organizations families in our neighborhoods, the gathered to address soup kitchens and today’s unique probclothing drives in our If greed helped lems and to announce communities. Even if push us into the necessity of workwe don’t have extra ing with one another money to give to this crisis, then and with our local charity, nearly all of and federal governus can find an addigenerosity will ments to address this tional few minutes a be necessary to dire situation. day, or one hour a Yet, the message of week, to volunteer. pull us out. this important sumIn doing so, we mit will be only so will be following the many words unless it is backed up words of Pope Benedict XVI, who by action — millions of voluntells us in his encyclical on chariteers, including Knights, who will ty, Deus Caritas Est: “Love — caritas — will always prove necesreach out to someone in need. sary, even in the most just society.

Our local councils, connected There is no ordering of the State as they are to their parishes and so just that it can eliminate the communities, are known for grassneed for a service of love.” roots projects designed specifically If greed — one of the worst to meet individual needs. aspects of human nature — helped Therefore, in answering the call to push us into this crisis, then one volunteer, we Knights need only of the best aspects of our nature — do more of what we already do as generosity — will be necessary to individuals and councils: recruit pull us out. We are told in the more men and their families to

our ranks to help with the growing needs around us.

We must also be more active in seeking out those who need our assistance, which means that local councils should work even more closely with their parishes.

Imagine if each Sunday, in the thousands of Catholic churches where the Order is present, parishioners were informed of Knights of Columbus service projects in their area. The opportunities to give of time and talent would be multiplied, those who are struggling would be lifted in spirit, and strong ties of faith and fellowship would be built.

On Wall Street, personal decisions motivated by the desire for unfettered individual advantage will long be remembered as a hallmark of this economic crisis. It is now up to us on Main Street to make personal decisions for the well-being of our neighbors. Let us work to make a spirit of volunteerism the hallmark of our nation’s recovery and truly become a nation of neighbors helping neighbors. If we do so, we will have set the stage for more than an economic recovery; we will have set a new and powerful moral compass for the future of our society.

Vivat Jesus!

columbia /march 2009

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

The Paschal Mystery In the liturgy of Holy Week, we commemorate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection

BY BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI, SUPREME CHAPLAIN

tery, it is also important for us not to hen I was in seminary, a profes- that he was about to pour out his life in sacrificial love. isolate the paschal mystery from the sor exhorted me and my classParadoxically, Christ stood before rest of Christ’s life. “The entire life of mates not to separate “the comhis accusers as the fulfillment of the Christ was a free offering to the Father ponent parts” of the paschal mystery, law of Moses — indeed, as the new to carry out his plan of salvation” which consists of Christ’s suffering, Moses, who definitively interpreted (Compendium, 119). Jesus, God’s death, resurrection and exaltation. the law and the prophets.

Rather, these events are united and incarnate Son, fulfilled his mission by As the Son of God who assumed stand at the center of our faith (see announcing the kingdom, confirming Compendium of the Catechism of the our humanity, Jesus was the fulfillhis proclamation with miracles, and ment of all that God had Catholic Church, 112). then by taking upon himself our sins.

The 13th installment In order to understand In dying, he underwent the experience of Supreme Chaplain promised his people. Yet, God fulfilled his promises in that most epitomizes our estrangewhat is meant by the Bishop William E. Lori’s faith formation such an unexpectedly mar“paschal mystery,” let us ment from God and from one another. program addresses velous way that Jesus was first look to the Old By rising, he not only showed us the questions 112-126 of thought to be a blasphemer Testament. The word path to reconciliation but also enabled the Compendium of instead of the Savior “paschal” comes from the us to walk that path, thanks to “the the Catechism of the (Compendium, 116).

Hebrew word meaning both Catholic Church. love of God poured into our hearts by It does not do, however, “the passing over” and the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). This is Archived articles are to impute the guilt for Jesus’ how we must understand the great “passage.” In the story of at www.kofc.org. death solely to those who the Exodus, the dramatic events of salvation that are re-presenthistorically brought about his death. departure of the people of Israel from ed and celebrated during Holy Week.

On the contrary, we are all sinners Egypt, the angel “passed over” the LOVE ‘TO THE END’ and Christ died because of our sins. homes marked by the blood of the On Holy Thursday, we find ourAs Christians who have experienced sacrificed, paschal lamb, sparing the selves in a certain sense at table the love of Christ, we bear even lives of the Israelites who then made with Christ and the Apostles. On greater responsibility when we fall the arduous passage from slavery to the eve of his suffering and death, into sin (Compendium, 117). freedom. The Israelites’ celebration of At the same time, we marvel at Jesus signifies and makes truly presthis event would not only be the recthe loving initiative of the Father in ent the total gift of self he will ollection of a historical event but a sending us his Son (Compendium, make in his new definitive Pasch living memorial.

118). As St. John puts it, “In this is (Compendium, 120). Taking bread This first Pasch anticipated the definitive deliverance from sin that and wine, he says: “This is my body love: not that we have loved God but Christ, the Lamb of God, would that he loved us win for us by shedding his blood and sent his Son In looking upon the crucified we (see 1 Cor 5:7). United to Christ in as expiation for consider the lengths to which God’s baptism, we are to pass with Christ our sins” (1 Jn from the death of sin to the new and 4:10). St. Paul love went to save us. This is what St. eternal life. writes, “But God proves his love for John calls love “to the end” (Jn 13:1).

FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW us in that while which is given for you” (Lk 22:19).

In embracing his mission to save us, we were still sinners Christ died for Jesus entered the city knowing he “This is my blood…which is poured us” (Rom 5:8). Was this not the goal would face accusations of disregardof the Incarnation? Jesus assumed our out for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt ing the law of Moses and of blashumanity so that it might be the very 26:28). This is no mere sentimental pheming by “making himself equal to means of our redemption. gesture. When Jesus adds, “Do this God” (Compendium, 113-114; Jn in memory of me,” he commands If it is important for us not to sep5:18). At a deeper level, he grasped the Apostles not only to recall what arate the events of the paschal mys-

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he had done at the Last Supper but also to reenact that same mystery of love (see Acts 2:42). Thus St. Paul teaches, “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). Here is the very origin of the Mass and the priesthood, given to us by Christ “on the night before he died.”

With majestic simplicity the liturgy of Holy Week moves from the warmth of the upper room to the garden where “Jesus accepted the duty to carry our sins in his body, ‘becoming obedient unto death’” (Compendium, 121; Phil 2:8). Jesus’ agony, like the entirety of his suffering and death, unmasked “the mystery of iniquity” and the enormity of our sins (2 Thes 2:7). As we behold

Catholic Man of the Month St. Casimir Jagiellon (1458-1484) Feast Day: March 4

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t. Casimir was born Oct. 3, 1458, the third of 13 children of the Polish King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth of Austria. Pious and studious from his childhood, Casimir was not taken

the “author of life” in agony, we should resolve not to go along with the trivialization of sin, which is all too common today.

Having taken upon himself our sins, Jesus the Lamb of God offered his life to the Father. It was not that God the Father was angrily demanding the death of his own Son in reparation for our sins. Rather, Jesus’ obedience is the key to our reconciliation with God and with those whom our sins harm. In looking upon the crucified we consider the lengths to which God’s love went to save us. This is what St. John calls love “to the end” (Jn 13:1). In giving up his life in obedience to the Father’s saving will, Jesus unleashes into the world a reconciling love that we are called to

with the outward signs of courtly life in Poland. Instead, he preferred simple dress, long hours in prayer and hidden penances.

Despite the difference between King Casimir’s expectations for his son and the saint’s own

make our own. He asks us to take up our cross and to associate ourselves with his sacrifice of love in the joys and sufferings of life (see Compendium, 122-123).

As the Passion account from John’s Gospel is read on Good Friday, we should open our hearts in gratitude. We see in the blood and water from Christ’s pierced side the fountain of the Church’s sacramental life.

We keep vigil with Mary at the foot of the Cross and are heartened when Christ gives her as our mother through the Apostle John. As Jesus truly dies and is buried, how we should be filled with wonder!

Seamlessly the sadness of Christ’s death gives way to joy of the Resurrection as Easter dawns upon us (Compendium, 126). ■

desires, Casimir was obedient to his father’s decision to send him to Hungary, where he became king.

When it became obvious that young Casimir’s rule was unsuccessful, he returned home in seeming disgrace.

And yet, he was happy to resume his simple life.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions Offered in solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI ➢➢ General — That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world. ➢➢ Mission — That in the light of the letter addressed to them by Pope Benedict XVI, the bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the People’s Republic of China may commit themselves to being the sign and instrument of unity, communion and peace.

YOUR SPIRITUAL ACTION PLAN

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asting is part of the triumvirate of Lenten penitential practices: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The purpose of fasting, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, is itself threefold. First, “fasting is the guardian of chastity,” because one’s ability to love with a pure heart increases with the practice of self-discipline. Secondly, we fast “in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenly things.” In casting off the sluggishness that comes from being satiated by food and drink, the Christian is able to be more attuned to the things of God. Finally, the Christian fasts in “atonement for sins” and conversion of heart.

POPE: CNS PHOTO/ALESSIA PIERDOMENICO, REUTERS ST. CASIMIR: PAINTING BY DANIEL SCHULTZ (1670); FRANCISCAN CHURCH, KRAKOW

In 1481, duty required that Casimir assume the throne of Poland for three years while his father traveled to Lithuania to handle affairs of state.

While he is remembered for his good judgment and just administration of the kingdom, Casimir was happy again to leave public life when his father returned. He died March 4, 1484, while traveling to Lithuania and was buried in Our Lady’s chapel of the cathedral at Vilnius. Because of his great devotion to the Mother of God, St. Casimir was buried with a copy of his favorite hymn:“Omni die dic Mariae” (Daily, Daily Sing to Mary) which, although not written by him, has been known for many centuries as “the hymn of St. Casimir.”

For Knights of Columbus, St. Casimir is an example of a faithful leader who did not cling to power and authority.

When called upon to exercise his duty, he fulfilled it carefully, prudently, and justly.

However, when his term of official service was complete, he did not seek to retain the trappings of his office, but returned to a life of hidden love and prayer. columbia /march 2009 5

KNIGHTS The Year of the Volunteer Supreme Knight Calls for Increase in Volunteerism ith the philanthropic giving index down 22 percent, and the economic crisis affecting nonprofit organizations nationwide, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson on Jan. 23 called for a summit of charitable and volunteer organizations in New York City.

In a speech at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn., Anderson invited the nation’s top charitable and volunteer organizations to attend a summit Feb. 27, to discuss volunteerism and the charitable response to the economic crisis.

Anderson encouraged charitable organizations to work together with the new administration to emphasize and create opportunities for volunteers, especially at a time when financial donations to charity are decreasing.

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Supreme Knight Speaks at World Meeting of Families ore than 8,000 participants from more than 90 countries gathered in Mexico City Jan. 14-18 for the Sixth World Meeting of Families. In an address at the event, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson discussed the importance of the family as the place where “human love and interdependence” are “made apparent first in a relationship with those who gave us life.”

“Without solidarity within the family, there can be no solidarity

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COLUMBUS NEWS Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life, visit www.kofc.org.

Speaking just days after the Jan. 19 National Day of Service, Anderson also called for Americans to take the spirit of that day forward and to make 2009 “the year of the volunteer.”

“Government and charities must work together for the good of our country, and in difficult economic times, that means creating opportunities for Americans to give of their time and talent, as well as their treasure,” said Anderson. “People may be unable to donate $50 or $100 dollars to charity, but everyone can certainly spend an extra hour a week — that’s less than 10 minutes a day — doing something for the good of his or her neighbor.”

The supreme knight also encouraged charitable organizations to tap into the volunteer potential already present at Catholic parishes and other faith communities.

“Imagine — just as a starting point — if each Sunday, in 9,000 different Catholic churches, parishioners were made aware of upcoming Knights of Columbus service projects in their area,” he said.

For more information about the Feb. 27 summit, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and

In the kickoff of the Order’s new Coats for Kids program, Knights distributed 1,200 coats to needy children, ages 6-12, on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19. The effort began in Washington, D.C., on what has been designated a National Day of Service. The Supreme Council purchased 7,800 coats and is implementing a plan to distribute them with the help of local Knights of Columbus councils in several major cities.

Distributions have also taken place in Detroit and Chicago.

beyond the family,” he continued.

“Without an understanding and protection of the family, there can be no easy understanding of the human family that is society, the Christian family that is the Church, or the family of families that is the parish.”

The first World Meeting of Families was in Rome in 1994.

Since that time, they have been held every three years, the most recent having taken place in Spain in 2006. They are sponsored by the Vatican and conducted under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for the Family, of which Supreme Knight Anderson is a member.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson addressed the Sixth World Meeting of Families in Mexico City Jan. 16, offering an analysis of “Family and Solidarity,” drawing upon the teachings of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

COATS FOR KIDS

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Knights’ Ultrasound Program Assists Pregnant Women

he Supreme Council, in cooperation with state council affiliates in Iowa and Florida, provided two pregnancy resource centers funding for the acquisition of ultrasound machines that will help the centers better provide for the health of both mothers and unborn children. Ultrasound exams use sound waves to scan a woman’s abdomen, creating a picture or “sonogram” of the baby in her womb.

Without K of C support, these centers would be unable to purchase the ultrasound devices, each costing tens of thousands of dollars.

On Jan. 23, the Women’s Help Center Inc. in Jacksonville, Fla., received a check from Supreme Director Dennis J. Stoddard and Florida State Deputy James J. Schonefeld. Supreme Director David A. Bellendier and Iowa State Deputy Patrick T. O’Keefe presented a check to Choices Medical Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa.

“The sophistication of today’s medical technology provides a ‘window on the womb,’” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.

“Even from the early stages of pregnancy, a mother can see her developing child, hear the baby’s heartbeat, and recognize the miracle of new life within her.”

The Knights of Columbus ultrasound project seeks to provide medically certified pro-life pregnancy centers with the modern technology to monitor the health of babies in utero, and to allow mothers to visually experience that development.

For more information, visit www.kofc.org/prolife. ■

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ULTRASOUND: CNS PHOTO BY DAVE HRBACEK, THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

KNIGHTS PARTICIPATE IN MARCH FOR LIFE

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n Thursday, Jan. 22, Knights and their families were among the tens of thousands participating in the 36th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., marking the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade.

Numerous flags and banners of Knights of Columbus councils were just one indication of the Order’s presence. The Supreme Council, which financially supports the March for Life, worked with the D.C. state council to distribute some 6,000 “We Choose Life” signs, which featured the emblem of the Order.

Preceding the march, Supreme Secretary Donald R. Kehoe offered brief remarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance during a rally on the National Mall.

A group of college Knights who marched together is pictured above with the supreme secretary outside the U.S. Supreme Court.

Knights also participated in the 5th annual Walk for Life West Coast on Jan. 24 in San Francisco, and sponsored and participated in numerous pro-life prayer services and processions in their local communities.

POLISH DELEGATION VISITS NEW HAVEN

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n Sunday, Jan. 11, a special delegation from Poland joined Knights from Connecticut at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., to receive honors of the Third Degree. The Knights from Poland will oversee future exemplifications in their own country, where the Order expanded in 2006. The Polish delegation is pictured here at the Supreme Council’s Holy Family Chapel. columbia /march 2009 7

CHECKUP

YO U R H E A LT H , YO U R FINANCES, YOUR LIFE

Test Your

IRA. True ❑ False ❑

Answer Key

IRA Quotient

8 I must stop making contributions to my Roth IRA at age 70.

True ❑ False ❑

1. False: For 2008 and beyond, each eligible taxpayer can contribute up to $5,000. Plus, if you are over age 50, you can contribute an additional $1,000.

BY JOHN R. INGRISANO, CLU

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hat do you know about Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)? Test your knowledge with the following self-quiz. There is no grade. However, be sure to check with your professionally trained Knights of Columbus agent about how an IRA can benefit you and your family.

1 For 2008, I can contribute a maximum of $3,000 to my IRA. True ❑ False ❑ 2 Earnings in my IRA are tax-deferred.

True ❑ False ❑ 3 I can contribute 100 percent of my income to my IRA, up to the maximum amount allowed.

True ❑ False ❑ 4 Contributions to my Roth IRA are taxdeductible. True ❑ False ❑ 5 I can contribute to a Roth IRA even if I participate in my employersponsored retirement plan. True ❑ False ❑ 6 For married couples, if only one of us works outside the home, we can still contribute $10,000 ($5,000 each) to our Roth IRAs. True ❑ False ❑ 7 My 16-year-old son can contribute to an

9 I must begin taking distributions from my Roth IRA at age 70 1/2.

True ❑ False ❑ 10 I must wait until age 70 before I can begin taking distributions from my IRA. True ❑ False ❑ 11 I can make penaltyfree withdrawals from my IRA to pay for my children or grandchildren’s college education.

True ❑ False ❑ 12 Education IRAs are no longer available to help me save for my child’s college expenses.

True ❑ False ❑ 13 Coverdell ESAs feature tax-free accumulation and distributions, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. True ❑ False ❑ 14 We can use our child’s Coverdell ESA to pay his grade school tuition at our parish school. True ❑ False ❑ Have more questions about IRAs? Contact your professionally trained Knights of Columbus agent for details. ■ John R. Ingrisano is a financial writer and business consultant specializing in money management, insurance and retirement planning. He can be reached at john@thefreestyleentrepreneur. com.

2. True: As long as the money remains in your IRA, it is not taxable as current income. In some cases, as with a Roth IRA, qualified distributions are income tax-free. With traditional IRAs, distribution of earnings is generally taxable.

3. True.

4. False: Contributions to Roth IRAs are never taxdeductible. However, qualified distributions at retirement are income tax-free.

5. True.

6. True: With a Roth IRA, contributions can be made in the name of the nonincome earning spouse, allowing you as a couple to make total contributions of $10,000 for 2008, or $12,000 if you are over 50.

7. True: An individual of any age can open an IRA, provided he or she has taxable income.

8. False: One of the attractions of the Roth IRA is that you can continue making contributions as long as you earn income. This is not the case with traditional IRAs, which do not permit contributions beyond age 70.

minimum distributions for Roth IRAs. Some people accumulate money in their Roth plans with the intention of passing them to their children as part of their inheritance.

10. False: You can begin taking distributions without restriction at age 59 1/2. You must begin taking required minimum distributions from your traditional IRA — though not your Roth IRA — at age 70 1/2.

11. True: You can make withdrawals without penalty if you become disabled; to buy your first home, up to $10,000; to fund a college education for yourself, your spouse, your child or your grandchild; or to pay for medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.

12. True and False: Education IRAs still exist.

They have just been improved and are now known as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, or ESAs. 13. True: While contributions are not deductible, the money grows on a taxfavored basis, and qualified distributions are tax-free.

14. True: Funds can be used to cover elementary and secondary education expenses, not just posthigh school costs. Qualified education expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment and certain room and board expenses.

9. False: Unlike a traditional IRA, there are no required

DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF INSURANCE YOU NEED USING THE LIFE INSURANCE CALCULATOR AT KOFC.ORG 8

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COLUMBIA CONVERSATION

The Dachau concentration camp

Bearing Witness An interview about the life and testimony of Archbishop Kazimierz Majdanski B Y CO L U M B I A STA F F

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In 1939, while studying as a 1987, has also been printed in seminarian in Wloclawek, Italian, Spanish, German and French.

Poland, Archbishop Kazi- The long-awaited English edition One) was released last month mierz J. Majdanski (1916- (Square and includes an introduction by 2007) was arrested and then Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. imprisoned for nearly the whole duration of World War Some 20 percent of II. In the Nazi concentration camps Sachsenhausen and diocesan priests in Dachau, he was subjected to Poland met their death in deplorable pseudo-medical experiments, was starved and prisons, executions and nearly died from typhus. His concentration camps. pastoral ministry was later marked by lessons of faith, forgiveness, human dignity and Father Jaroslaw Szymczak is a prothe central role of the family. fessor at the Institute for Studies on

In his book You Shall Be My Witnesses: Lessons Beyond Dachau, Archbishop Majdanski recounts his imprisonment and the faith of his fellow seminarians and priests, many of whom did not survive. The book, originally published in Polish in

the Family in Lomianki, Poland. He worked with Archbishop Majdanski there for more than 19 years and is a member of Holy Family Council 14002. Columbia spoke with Father Szymczak about the archbishop’s life and testimony.

Columbia: In the opening words of his book, Archbishop Majdanski says he has a difficult task: “to bear witness to those who witnessed.” What kind of faith did he see during his time in the concentration camps?

Father Szymczak: In Hitler’s concentration camps, the prisoners were people who lost all of their human rights. A person became only a number, forced to do arduous labor and bear torture that was supposed to bring about one’s death.

In Archbishop Majdanski’s recollections he writes mostly about the testimonies of faith he witnessed among the Polish priests with whom he was imprisoned. They were persecuted by the authorities in a particular way and were very isolated from the other prisoners.

Who were these witnesses? They were ordinary people, emaciated by hunger and hard work, humiliated, beaten and always living with the thought of looming death. Torturers would sometimes propose freedom columbia /march 2009 9

for the price of denouncing one’s priesthood or betraying one’s country. Not one of the priests succumbed. Some were pressured to disrespect the cross or rosary, but they preferred to give their lives. They were ordinary people who had their own share of weaknesses, but finding strength in Christ, they preserved their humanity and dignity in such inhumane conditions.

To give but a few examples: Tadeusz Dulny (a seminarian) cheerfully cared for an elderly priest, and trying to save him from starvation, he himself died of hunger. Bishop Michal Kozal was especially tormented and humiliated because of his office, and yet he remained peaceful, caring for others. He knew he would not leave the concentration camp alive, because he asked God to accept the sacrifice of his life for the Church and for Poland.

Father Edward Grzymala, after being severely beaten for preaching to his fellow brothers, said, “It is an honor to suffer insult for Jesus’ name” (see Acts 5:41). Another priest, Father Stefan Frelichowski, helped people suffering from spotted fever and later died after contracting the disease.

Numerous more examples could be given, and many of the prisoners have already been declared Blessed.

To what extent did the Nazi government target the clergy in Poland and see the Catholic Church as a threat?

Archbishop Majdanski had often pointed out that when he was arrested on Nov. 7, 1939, nobody even asked his name. This may surprise us, but the cassock — worn by and affiliated with the Polish Catholic clergy — was the only evidence needed to imprison, torment and inevitably lead someone to death.

In his book, Archbishop Majdanski cites Father Wiktor Jacewicz, a historian, who writes: “Before Sept. 1, 1939, the number of diocesan priests throughout Poland stood at 10,017. From among these, some 20 percent met their death in prisons, executions, and concentration camps. Thirty percent were persecuted by the occupying forces. In all, the war years eliminated some 50 percent from active pastoral service. … The situation was all the more

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tragic considering that, in general, the clergy who were fit and active, the ones most capable of outreach and missionary work, suffered most.”

The persecution of the Polish Church during the Second World War was just one part of the program to annihilate the whole nation, which started with the destruction of highly educated Poles.

In a time when such events are often viewed as forgotten remnants of history, what is the relevance of the archbishop’s account?

It has been said that we should never forget history because, “nations that lose their memory die.” We should study these events to acquire the skill to recognize traits of a culture of death.

Above: Archbishop Kazimierz Majdanski with Pope John Paul II. The two men became friends when they were fellow priests and seminary professors in Poland. It was because of John Paul II’s encouragement that Archbishop Majdanski wrote You Shall Be My Witnesses.

• Below: The English-language cover of Archbishop Majdanski’s book, in which he recounts his experience as a prisoner of Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The book’s title comes from Jesus’ words to the Apostles in Acts 1:8. • The 25th anniversary of Dachau’s liberation is observed in Kalisz, Poland, on April 29, 1970.

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“As Archbishop Majdanski’s witnesses, we should all be motivated to follow his example of charity and forgiveness, so that the words ‘never again’ will have a truly lasting meaning.”

From Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson’s Introduction to You Shall Be My Witnesses: Lessons Beyond Dachau Archbishop Majdanski would often echo John Paul II’s observation that the modern world has become an arena of battle for life. He wrote, “Why do we create exceptions to the law of God? This happens because man decided to instill his own authority over the authority of God. And so with arguments full of words about ‘democracy’…we divide people into those who have the right to life and those who do not.”

While in Dachau, Majdanski was subjected to inhuman experiments and saw many of his friends die. Yet, he was still able to forgive his captors.

The archbishop heard, above all, the question, “How can one forgive?”

He was surprised that the issue appeared to be so difficult.

Forgiveness was a simple consequence of his faith, his love for God and his everyday prayer — “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” It was a consequence of gazing at the crucified Christ and calling out to the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

He also knew how to see the Germans as people and not as representatives of an enemy nation. After the liberation of the camp and his priestly ordination, Father Majdanski was directed by his bishop to study at a university. First, however, he was in need of medical treatment so he could recuperate. In the sanatorium, he not only catechized sick children, but also served and provided confession to German prisoners of war. His attitude of forgiveness was also manifested during a trial in Munich in 1975, charging the doctor who had been the head of the experimental

station. During a break, Bishop Majdanski approached his torturer with an outstretched hand.

The archbishop did many things for authentic Polish-German reconciliation. The German leaders valued his efforts, and in 1991 he was given the Cross of the Order of Merit, the highest distinction given to foreigners.

Archbishop Majdanski was a contemporary and friend of Pope John Paul II. In what ways did the two men influence one another?

They were both people of prayer who had great trust in God and who believed in hard work. They both also cared deeply about marriage and the family, and about the life of every person. They were close friends, from their early years as priests when they accidentally met in Paris, and later in Poland as moral theologians concerned with the formation of future priests.

Forgiveness was a simple consequence of his faith, his love for God and his everyday prayer.

When Karol Wojtyla became pope, he invited Bishop Majdanski to help organize a Synod of Bishops on the family in 1980. After finishing his work related to the Synod, Bishop Majdanski became a chief contributor to the development of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

It was John Paul II who prompted the archbishop to write down his

recollections about his imprisonment. Assuredly, without the pope’s inspiration, the book You Shall Be My Witnesses would not have been written.

What motivated the archbishop’s special attention to the promotion of marriage and family life?

The Dachau camp was liberated April 29, 1945, one day before its complete extermination was planned.

One week earlier, on April 22, the surviving Polish clergy entrusted their liberation to St. Joseph. Through this act, they expressed their promise to care for the pastoral needs of the family. They understood that in order to counteract a culture of death, which destroys and degrades the person, the family must be saved.

Also of influence was Archbishop Majdanski’s own family. He was the youngest of 13 children. One of his brothers, Walentyn, was a lay teacher and writer, fervently committed to the protection of the family and of life.

[In 1975,] the archbishop founded the first academic institute devoted to the study of the family in the world.

He was convinced that in order to effectively help today’s families we must have the support of very solid preparation, including an understanding of the intention that the Creator inscribed into the very nature of the family from the beginning.

Our Lord called Archbishop Majdanski from this life on April 29, 2007, the anniversary of both the liberation of the concentration camp and of the foundation of the Institute for Studies on the Family, located outside Warsaw.

The concentration camps left marks on all of their prisoners, and many survivors were not able to lead normal lives. It is astounding that Archbishop Majdanski worked intensely for many years as a pastor, seminary professor, editor and bishop, among many other things. When he was no longer physically able to work in other ways, he wrote, spoke with people, and served through his prayer and suffering. ■ You Shall Be My Witnesses (Square One, 2009) may be purchased from your local bookseller or online (ISBN: 9780757002236).

c o l u m b i a / m a r c h 2 0 0 9 11

Mary’s House As Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine celebrates 50 years, Knights recall a long-standing tradition of support

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Gracing one of the Crypt sacristy windows of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., is the stained-glass image of Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. Amidst other examples of the Order’s support of the majestic basilica — the Knights’ Tower campanile that houses a 56-bell carillon or the recently-dedicated Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome — this window is a simple but fitting reminder of the Knights’ relationship with the Shrine that has endured for nearly a century.

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BY ELIZABETH ELA

The bond the Order shares with 1913. The Order was involved literalthe Shrine is very real to Patrick ly from the start, with 1,500 Knights McAleer, one of the chairmen for attending the blessing of the shrine’s the Knights’ usher ministry at the site even before the cornerstone was laid in 1920. basilica.

“There are so many visible signs of the Knights of Columbus’ history ‘AMERICA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH’ tied to the basilica,” McAleer said. In 1959, more than 1,000 Fourth His service as an usher “keeps the Degree Knights lined the procession tradition going,” he added. route of civil and religious dignitaries This year marks the 50th anniver- who attended the basilica’s dedicasary of the dedication of tion. To this day, the basilica and nearly Knights of Columbus a video of 90 years since construcserve as ushers at every the 1959 dedication of the tion began. Today, it Sunday Mass.

Basilica of the National remains the largest “Everywhere you Shrine of the Immaculate Roman Catholic church turn, you see the Conception. Visit in North America and is Knights of Columbus www.kofc.org/columbia. among the 10 largest in present,” said Msgr. the world. The vision of Walter Rossi, rector of a national shrine was being promoted the National Shrine and a member among America’s bishops as early as of Queen of the Americas Council

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11304 in Takoma Park, Md. “You can’t help but notice the Knights’ presence as soon as you drive up to the shrine,” he added, citing the Knights’ Tower and the carillon that rings at 15-minute intervals.

Nicknamed “America’s Catholic Church,” the National Shrine is just that. It is located within three miles of the U.S. Capitol building and takes its name from the patroness of the United States. In 1847, at the request of the U.S. bishops, Pope Pius IX dedicated America and its people to Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

The shrine’s 329-ft. tower makes a distinct mark on the District of Columbia’s skyline, joining other recognizable landmarks such as the Washington Monument. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI visited the National Shrine during their trips to the United States, honoring it as a place of spiritual significance in America’s history.

The multitude of chapels, oratories, mosaics and other works of art within the basilica give testimony to the rich fabric of this history: the crypt-level Hall of American Saints; the new chapel in honor of Our Lady of Pompei, funded by the Italian-American Catholic community; and works of art like the Father McGivney window that remind worshippers of the humble heroes who brought the spirit of Catholicism to the United States.

“We’re really very much like a demographics map,” said Geraldine M. Rohling, shrine archivist and curator. “Every time a group of immigrants comes of age…they ask to include a representative of their devotion, which they brought with them from their homeland, in the National Shrine.”

In that sense, it is especially fitting that the Knights have such a presence at the shrine. After all, the Order was founded, in part, in response to the argument that to be Catholic was somehow to be less American.

BUILT WITH ‘MAGNIFICENT DARING’ Only one person has been buried at the National Shrine during its history: Bishop Thomas J. Shahan of Baltimore, who served as rector of

A Fourth Degree honor guard lines the exterior of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., during the Order’s Jubilee Year pilgrimage in 2000.

More than 12,000 Knights and their families participated in the event.

The Catholic University of America in the early 1900s and who was the chief advocate for the building of a national church in honor of the Immaculate Conception.

In 1913, then-Father Shahan proposed the idea to Pope Pius X, who readily agreed and even made a personal donation to the shrine’s construction.

In 1913, Father Shahan proposed the idea of a national shrine to Pope Pius X, who readily agreed and made a personal donation to its construction.

“Nothing could be too beautiful or too magnificent for the dwelling of God himself,” Father Shahan wrote. He saw such a church not only as a place of worship, but also as a place of education, where everything ought to teach something about the glories of the faith.

Finally, in the spring of 1920, the

shrine’s site was blessed. Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore laid the cornerstone later that year as Fourth Degree Knights stood at attention.

The Crypt Church was built first, and pilgrims were drawn to the shrine even before its completion. In 1923, a large group of Knights from Brooklyn made up the first official pilgrimage; their group picture depicts the crowd smiling in the middle of a construction site and an otherwise open field.

The Great Depression and World War II put a halt to the building, and when construction began again in the 1950s, there were no funds left for the bell tower. The shrine’s supervisor, and Archbishop Patrick A. O’Boyle of Washington, approached Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart with a unanimous request from the American Catholic hierarchy — would the Knights of Columbus commit to funding the completion of the shrine’s bell tower?

Hart accepted the daunting challenge as a “privilege” for the Order and an opportunity to give thanks for its 75-year history. Upon delivering a $500,000 check — the halfway point — to Archbishop O’Boyle, Hart said the Order awaited the shrine’s dedication with “joyful anticipation.” c o l u m b i a / m a r c h 2 0 0 9 13

‘PART OF THE FOUNDATION’ The Vatican took note A list of every instance in of the Knights’ actions, and which the Knights of Secretary of State Cardinal Columbus have offered supDomenico Tardini praised port to the shrine or held the Order’s “outstanding major events in its sanctuary effort” under Supreme would be too long to recount.

Knight Hart. “The generosSuffice it to say that over the ity with which your Order past 50 years, the shrine and responded to the appeal of the Knights have maintained the hierarchy in this a very special relationship, instance is but the latest in with the latter continuing to a long series of benefacavail itself of the privilege of tions in the cause of the serving the shrine, and the Church,” the cardinal basilica providing the Order wrote. with a national site of pilWhile councils across grimage at which to gather the country raised $1 miland worship. lion for the Knights’ When the Order’s Tower, Knights in Texas Supreme Conventions have went even further in their been held in Washington, support and commisD.C. — as it will be again in sioned a chalice for the 2010 — the National Shrine shrine. The Texas State has hosted the opening Council collected gold and liturgy. In 2000, to mark the precious stones for the Church’s Jubilee Year, more chalice; within weeks of than 12,000 Knights and resolving to donate such a their families participated gift, the state council’s in the Order’s pilgrimage to headquarters began receivthe shrine. The first Knights ing small boxes from of Columbus Eucharistic Knights and their friends, Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart and Archbishop Patrick A. O'Boyle of Congress was held there in all containing rings, Washington view an architect's model of the National Shrine. the summer of 2002, and watches, eyeglasses and later that year, the Knights family jewelry to be melted down or set aside for their jew- getic will of your sacred hierarchy, marked the first anniversary of the els. The finished product bore the by the generous help of the faithful Sept. 11 attacks with a special Blue Mass and patriotic program at the Knights of Columbus emblem on and with the piety and faith of all.” basilica. its side and a two-star design on the When Virgil C. Dechant became base, representing Mary, the In its support of the supreme knight in 1977, he placed the Morning Star, and Texas, the Lone Order under Mary’s protection during Star State. The estimated value of Basilica of the National a visit to the shrine. Soon after, the the completed chalice was between Knights’ board established the Luke E. $8,500 and $10,000.

Shrine of the Immaculate Hart Memorial Fund, which has proAs New York’s Cardinal Francis Conception, the Order vided more than $1.4 million for the J. Spellman celebrated the shrine’s shrine’s upkeep. Today, Dechant sits dedication Mass Nov. 20, 1959, it has become ‘part of on the National Shrine’s Board of was the Texas Knights’ chalice that Trustees, along with his successor, he elevated above the main altar of the foundation.’

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. the basilica’s Great Upper Church.

In 1982, the Knights of Columbus When the shrine was finally dedFour years later, in 1963, the usher ministry was officially formed, icated, it was amidst a 1,000-member Fourth Degree honor guard. The Order financed 56 bells for the although Knights had been volunteer Order’s Supreme Officers and Knights’ Tower, and, in keeping ushers at the shrine for many years Directors were recognized at the with medieval tradition, the bells prior. The Saturday vigil Mass had event, along with foreign dignitaries were individually named. The even been nicknamed the “Knights’ and Church prelates, including a largest bell bears the Knights’ Mass.” Today, the ministry has about Vatican representative who read a insignia and an inscription: Mary is 400 members from Maryland, my name, Mary is my sound. For Virginia and Washington, D.C., message from Pope John XXIII. This shrine, the pope wrote, had Knights to God and country bound including college Knights from The been built with “magnificent daring, and all who hear my voice, I sing Catholic University of America Council 9542. by the common consent and ener- the praises of God.

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A recent and noteworthy project is the Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome with its magnificent, mosaic portrayals of the life of Christ — “yet another tangible expression of the Knights’ dedication to Mary’s House,” as Cardinal Justin F. Rigali said at a dinner following the dome’s dedication.

At the event, Msgr. Rossi had his own words of affirmation for the Knights, who pledged $1 million for the project, including $500,000 raised by the Fourth Degree. The Knights of Columbus has been called the “strong right arm of the Church,” he said. But in its particular support of the National Shrine, the Order has become “part of the foundation.”

The National Shrine offers pilgrims a place of prayer and respite, and the sacraments frequently and in abundance.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the shrine’s dedication, this year is a jubilee year at the basilica. All pilgrims who visit between November 2008 and November 2009 can receive a plenary indulgence with their visit, as long as they complete the traditional requirements, including confession and reception of the Eucharist.

Msgr. Rossi hopes the jubilee year will bear the fruit of more visitors discovering the National Shrine as a place of worship. As for future plans, he said, the shrine will continue to live out its mission “by doing what we do” — offering pilgrims a place of prayer and respite, and the sacraments frequently and in abundance.

Of course, the Knights will continue to be an instrumental part of that task.

“You can always rely on the Knights of Columbus,” Msgr. Rossi said. “Without the Knights and their support for all these years, it would be very difficult for us to fulfill our mission.” ■

Above: A photo of the National Shrine taken on Feb. 7, 1959, showing the construction of the Knights' Tower, a gift made by the Order at the invitation of the U.S. hierarchy.

Below: On July 14, 1963, Archbishop Patrick A. O'Boyle of Washington anointed the Mary Bell and consecrated the carillon of the Knights’Tower.

Elizabeth Ela is editor of the Knights of Columbus news site, Headline Bistro (www.headlinebistro.com).

c o l u m b i a / m a r c h 2 0 0 9 15

KNIGHTHOOD PERFECTED Father McGivney’s vision bears the marks of true knighthood

by Amateo Seno

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following essay is adapted from a speech given from the perspective of a new member during a Past Grand Knight Dinner. The dinner was held Nov. 15, 2008, and commemorated the 60th anniversary of Van Nuys (Calif.) Council 3148.

ideas were destined for reformation and renewal. This New World soon came to be blessed by the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, and a great nation was brought forth, founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all.

But in the time of Venerable Father Michael J. hen I was first asked to give my perspective on McGivney, America struggled to live up to the princithe Knights of Columbus, my thoughts natuples upon which it was founded. Antirally drifted back to childhood Catholic sentiment marginalized where my early notions of knighthood Catholics because of their faith; famiwere formed by the legends of long lies were always under threat of finanago. I recall hearing the tales of King cial ruin or worse if faced with the death Arthur and the Knights of the Round of their breadwinner; and men were Table whose gallantry and courage joining various new fraternities and exemplified the ideals and virtues of secret societies that undermined the Christian knighthood to “protect the teachings of the Catholic Church. weak, defenseless, helpless, and to While serving at St. Mary’s Church fight for the general welfare of all.” in New Haven, Conn., Father McGivney Their round table symbolized equality responded to these threats with a more and fraternity, and these stories, of perfect vision of knighthood — a vision course, inspired plenty of swordplay of Knights who have forsaken all earthly among us kids. lords to humbly serve the Lord of lords We know from history of the more and the King of kings. It was a vision of humble origins of the knight. The word Knights who would be devoted not just knight itself is derived from the Old to any lady of the nobility, but to Our English cniht meaning youth or servant.

Lady, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. This This is how Wiglaf is portrayed as he Father McGivney new Order would be called to forego the aids his lord, Beowulf, in their final battrappings and pomp of the nobility, and tle against the dragon. During the responded with a instead to live out the universal fraternal eighth century, the relationship love demonstrated and taught by our between a knight and his feudal lord more perfect vision Lord. These Knights would have beaten paralleled that of a priest and his bishop, their swords into plowshares so as to with the Church often blessing the of knighthood. work peaceably by sharing their charitaoaths of service a knight made to his ble aid to those in need. They would crulord. This gave rise to a hierarchy of sade against injustices not by force, but by the power of rank and aristocracy, but military and social concerns the cross guiding their words and deeds. made it difficult for knights to live up to their ideals.

Now, many years later, we are better able to discern Yet, the connection between knighthood and the the hand of providence as we bear witness to the great Church grew closer. The formation of military monasblessings and extraordinary work of the Knights of tic orders arose during what historians now refer to as Columbus. the Crusades. Knights who completed their pilgrimage In the Gospel, our Lord tells us that the first shall to the Holy Land would be marked by a cross that was be made last, and that the last shall be made first (see sewn into their shirts. This ritual of taking the cross Mt 20:16). For me, it is plain to see that although our came to signify the entire expedition. Sadly, some of Order was preceded by many others, under God’s provthe knights who bore the sign of the cross on their idence we became the first where the Christian ideals clothes failed to keep it close to their hearts. and virtues of knighthood were fully realized. I am With the old feudal order giving way to the spread happy to share the good news with other faithful of merchant activity and advances in weaponry, Catholic men: in our Order, knighthood is not merely knighthood began to decline by the 15th century. parodied but is finally perfected. ■ However, while knights began to disappear from the Old World, a New World was being discovered by the Amateo Seno joined the Knights of Columbus in July 2008. He writes brave and devout Catholic explorer, Christopher from Mission Hills, Calif.

Columbus. On this new continent, old ways and old

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The Universal

Knight In St. Joseph and in the chivalry of the Gospel may be found the model of knighthood B Y ST R AT F O R D C A L D E COT T

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Devotion to St. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, has been growing in the Church ever since St. Teresa of Ávila in the 16th century described him as her supreme guide in the life of prayer.

Another great step was taken in 1870, when he was declared patron and defender of the Church along with St. Peter.

As modern knights of Christ battle the culture of death and fight for the soul of the age, St. Joseph can serve as a special inspiration — the patron of a new chivalry for the 21st century.

The Gospels tell us relatively little about Mary’s husband. According to Matthew 1:19, he was a “just man,” which would be considered high praise in the Jewish tradition. He seems to have lived as a carpenter and craftsman, and we know he was not wealthy because he took to the temple the two pigeons that were the offering of the poor (see Lk 2:24). He was clearly a man of prayer, responsive to the will of God that was revealed in a series of dreams. Thus, our prayers of silent faith, of simple adoration, of intercession, are of Joseph’s special care.

THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CHIVALRY Pope John Paul II, in his 1989 apostolic letter Redemptoris Custos JUPITERIMAGES UNLIMITED

(Guardian of the Redeemer), Statue at Saint draws out many of the impliJoseph’s Oratory cations of the few facts about of Mount-Royal St. Joseph that we find in in Montreal.

Scripture and Tradition. He points out, for instance, that although Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus, he was nevertheless the true legal father, and therefore in Jewish terms no mere “foster father” of the Holy Child.

Rather, it was through Joseph that God wished Jesus to experience the relationship of son to father in a human family.

In a fascinating book titled Discovering Saint Joseph (Hyperion, 1990), Father Andrew Doze delicately names St. Joseph the “shadow intensely after death than before (see of the Father.” More than a shadow, Mark 12:27). Their role on earth gives perhaps, he is a living icon of the an indication of their mission in divine Fatherhood. St. Joseph was heaven. If Joseph protected the “hidchosen to be the protector of Jesus den life” of the Christ Child in the and Mary, and was united to them in obscurity of Nazareth, even more so a bond of love perfected in the image does he protect the life of Jesus in the bosom of the Church and in the soul of the Holy Trinity (RC, 19). of each Christian. This justifies us in seeking his intercession and in trying It was through Joseph to understand the mystery he represents for us. that God wished Jesus While there are many ways in which St. Joseph can help us today, to experience the relalet us concentrate on his role as a tionship of son to father model of spiritual chivalry.

Initially, the ideal of chivalry in a human family. softened the harsh face of warfare in an age of savage hand-to-hand comGod is not the God of the dead but bat. During the Middle Ages, the of the living, and the saints live more concept of knighthood as a combinac o l u m b i a / m a r c h 2 0 0 9 17

tion of courage, courtesy, generosity and defense of the weak was enshrined and transmitted in the great body of legends that grew up around the figure of Arthur, the “once and future king,” and especially the search for the mysterious grail containing the blood of Christ. St. Francis of Assisi was raised on these stories, and his great aspiration was to become a “Knight of the Round Table” in service to his Lady Poverty.

In Francis, the spiritual meaning of chivalry was revealed.

G.K. Chesterton writes in his Short History of England: “Chivalry might be called the baptism of feudalism. It was an attempt to bring the justice and even the logic of the Catholic creed into a military system which already existed; to turn its discipline into an initiation and its inequalities into a hierarchy. To the comparative grace of the new period belongs, of course, that considerable cultus of the dignity of women, to which the word ‘chivalry’ is often narrowed, or perhaps exalted.”

But the greatest paragon of chivalry, the true “universal knight” in a spiritual sense, is Joseph of Nazareth. Long before chivalry was partially and imperfectly rediscovered by the soldiers and saints of the West, it was present in Joseph. In him, justice was combined with tenderness, strength and decisiveness with flexibility and openness to the will of God. He, too, was an adventurer like the questing knights of later legend. And he is the guardian of the true grail, the woman whose flesh literally contained the body and blood of Christ.

Joseph is dedicated utterly to the protection of this woman and this child, in a chaste love that will defend their honor to the point of death, if he is called to do so.

AUTHORITY AND LOVE In his study of chivalry, Tragedy Under Grace, the great Swiss theologian Father Hans Urs von Balthasar explains that the collapse of the ancien régime, with its armies and its fortresses, its kings and barons and serfs, “has reduced chivalry to that spirit from which all form and culture are continually generated anew.”

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This new understanding of chivalry, we might say, refers to the spirit of St. Joseph, which transcends any worldly distinction of class or wealth or earthly strength. Rather, it is the spirit of obedience to God above all, the spirit of service. This is the true nobility that culminates in the kingship of the carpenter’s son, who stoops to wash the feet of the disciples and who refuses to let a sword be drawn in his own defense, even though he could summon twelve legions of angels. It is what in this world is utterly opposed to the “bourgeois spirit” of counting the cost and judging by appearances. This kind of nobility of spirit will never die, for it is manifest in the dedication and integrity of priests and religious, of workers and parents, in the religious vows and in what we call simply “the Christian life.”

Long before chivalry was partially and imperfectly rediscovered, it was present in Joseph.

In the modern age, we need to be reminded that our bodies are not — as the French philosopher René Descartes persuaded so many to believe — machines manipulated by a ghostly self. To the contrary, our bodies are intimately united to our personal identity and our capacity to love. Our culture strives towards a liberation from biological destiny, rather than recognizing that sexuality is of the personal sphere. In the face of this confusion, Christianity pro-

poses to us the true masculinity and femininity we see exemplified in the Holy Family.

Modern culture seeks to topple any authority with which it disagrees. Christianity, on the other hand, recognizes true authority in the one who renounces self-serving power in the name of love. In that authority lies the nobility of the true knight. We see it in Joseph, who was given the formidable mission of protecting his God and the greatest saint who ever lived. His very headship of the Holy Family transforms our understanding of “patriarchy,” for it places him over Mary and Jesus who are superior to him in the order of sanctity, yet without the slightest injustice.

In reflecting on the epic German poem Parzival, Reinhold Schneider explained that “the mission of the knight still remains: there must always be men who serve that which is holy in this world without reservation and without salary, caring for the weak, the persecuted and the insulted, renewing the authority of law and fighting against injustice. The knight exists for the sake of everyone: that is his proper position in the world.”

If we are to experience a “new springtime” of faith in the third Christian millennium, we — and perhaps especially we men, in this fatherless age — need to rediscover our mission and to learn the chivalry of the Gospel from the man Jesus sent to find and guard the holy grail that was his own mother. ■ Stratford Caldecott is the editor of the journal Second Spring (secondspring.co.uk) and the director of the Centre for Faith and Culture in Oxford for the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, N.H.

A New Booklet from the Catholic Information Service

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he saints and popes of the past several centuries have placed a renewed emphasis on the role of St. Joseph in the life of the Church and of every believer. In the new booklet titled Saint Joseph, part of the Veritas Series, Father Frederick L. Miller masterfully outlines important insights that Scripture and Tradition reveal about the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To download and print a free copy, visit the Catholic Information Service Web site, www.kofc.org/cis. For more information, write: CIS, PO Box 1971, New Haven, CT 06521-1971 or cis@kofc.org.

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THE SOUND OF FAITH The great Holy Week compositions can lead us to contemplate sacred mysteries

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

n his 1999 Letter to Artists, Pope John Paul II wrote, “In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art…. The faith of countless believers has been nourished by melodies flowing from the hearts of other believers…. In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.” These words are especially true of the great masterpieces composed for Holy Week and Easter. I would like to share some of my favorite recordings of five such works that are, using the words of the late pope, “a wholly valid approach to the realm of faith.”

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Messiah (1754) An oratorio written in just three weeks by George Frideric Handel, Messiah remains the ultimate expression in English of the life, death and triumph of Jesus told entirely through Old Testament texts. The recording by Andrew Parrott (Veritas) is outstanding.

Those believers who were also great artists continue to communicate to us in a privileged way.

Seven Last Words of Christ (1787) Joseph Haydn originally composed an orchestral version of this piece for performance at the cathedral of Cadiz, Spain, during Holy Week.

His symphonic “meditation” was performed following each reading from sacred Scripture and commentary by the bishop. Haydn later adapted the symphonic version to a more popular choral arrangement and to a version for string quartet. My recommendation is the choral version by Nikolaus Harnoncourt (Teldec).

Regarding the oratorio, Spanish conductor Jordi Savall wrote: Haydn’s “musical language is striking in its intentional simplicity. Far from diminishing its spiritual impact, this simplicity and his humility actually serve to underline the artist’s serene and unshakable faith. Less than the horror of Christ’s agony, it is his touching and profound gratitude towards this sublime testimony to divine love that Haydn wished to express.

Thus, hope and internal peace always have the last word.”

St. Matthew Passion (1729) Johann Sebastian Bach’s great oratorio has been described as a gothic cathedral, “the architecture of which strikes one mainly by its mass.”

Yet, anyone who has prayed inside such a church finds that the massive structure itself can encourage profound contemplation. The same is true of this masterpiece. Bach’s musical “rhetoric” speaks directly to the interior life of the listener. The recording by Paul McCreech (Archiv) is especially beautiful. Chorus highlights from George Solti’s recording (Decca) also provide a good introduction.

Regina Coeli (1772) If Haydn could conclude Christ’s passion with hope and peace, perhaps only Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart could come close to expressing Mary’s joy at the announcement of the Resurrection: “Queen of heaven, rejoice! For he whom thou deserved to bear, has risen as he said, Alleluia!”

Christopher Hogwood performs two versions of Mozart’s Regina Coeli on the CD titled Exsultate Jubilate (Decca).

Stabat Mater (1736) Giovanni Battista Pergolesi composed his masterpiece as he was dying at age 26.

Although Mary’s suffering at the foot of the Cross has been treated by many composers, none have achieved the immediacy of personal anguish as does Pergolesi in the final days of his own life, and none surpass his affirmation of hope and triumph at the work’s conclusion. The recording by Claudio Abbado (Deutsche Gramophone) captures its intensity.

As Catholics, we believe in the communion of saints. Those believers who were also great artists continue to communicate to us in a privileged way through the power of their art. The opportunity to share in this communion is now more readily available than ever through technology. Throughout Church history, art has been an important part of the renewal of Christian life. It continues to have that power today if we only listen. ■

JUPITERIMAGES UNLIMITED

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Called to Holiness: Who, Me? Pope John Paul II proposed the wisdom of the saints as a spiritual blueprint for the third millennium

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In the “vision statement” he published in January 2001, Pope John Paul II identifies the “universal call to holiness” as one of the major “rediscoveries” to which the Holy Spirit has led the Church in order to equip us for the challenges we are facing today. The apostolic letter, titled Novo Millennio Ineunte (The Beginning of the New Millennium), lays out a vision of what the Holy Spirit has been doing to prepare us for the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

For many centuries, laypeople have generally viewed holiness as something that is reserved for a few “special” people, such as priests and nuns, and not those immersed in the cares of work, family and the world.

John Paul II claims that the Holy Spirit is working hard to change that attitude and it is important that we — as individuals, families and the Church as a whole — “get the message” and respond with generosity, wisdom and determination.

A HIGHER STANDARD John Paul II insists that the call to holiness is not an optional extra for some, but rather that it is intrinsic to Christian life. In Novo Millennio

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The Calling of St. Matthew

B Y R A L P H M A RT I N

Ineunte, he writes, “To ask catechumens: ‘Do you wish to receive baptism?’ means at the same time to ask them: ‘Do you wish to become holy?’”

‘The time has come to re-propose wholeheartedly to everyone this high standard of ordinary Christian living.’

The pope continues: “As the [Second Vatican] Council itself explained, this ideal of perfection must not be misunderstood as if it involved some kind of extraordinary existence, possible only for a few ‘uncommon heroes’ of holiness. The ways of holiness are many, according to the vocation of each individual. …

The time has come to re-propose wholeheartedly to everyone this high standard of ordinary Christian living: the whole life of the Christian community and of Christian families must lead in this direction” (31, emphasis in original).

Before we go further, let’s define our terms. First, holiness is not a matter of how many prayers we say, how often we fast or how many activities we volunteer for —

although all of these may have a relationship to holiness. According to the saints, holiness is not primarily a matter of external actions of piety or service but of the interior union of our will to God’s will.

St. Teresa of Ávila defined holiness as wanting what God wants; loving what God loves; desiring what God desires. Similarly, St. Thérèse of Lisieux said, “Perfection consists in doing his will, in being what he wills us to be.” Toward the very end of her life, Thérèse said, “I do not desire to die more than to live; it is what he does that I love.” Indeed, Jesus reveals that holiness is ultimately about growing in love — bringing our hearts, minds, wills and bodies into harmony with God. According to John Paul II, this isn’t just an individual call, but a call that we are receiving as a “people.” In his apostolic letter, he emphasizes that the Church needs to provide a “training in holiness,” and that “our Christian communities must become genuine ‘schools’ of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion until the heart truly ‘falls in love.’” He adds that “it would be wrong to think that ordinary Christians can be content with a shallow prayer that is unable to fill their whole life” (32, emphasis in original). w w w. ko f c .o r g

What a great “vision statement” for us today! A Catholic parish is to be a place where people are led to fall in love with Christ and given instruction in how to grow in holiness.

In effect, normal Christian life is intended to be a life of real holiness and genuine prayer, which will issue forth deeds of love and evangelization. John Paul II relates the timeliness of this truth to the changing situation of the Christian people, who in many places around the world are again becoming an illtolerated minority.

“We are entering a millennium which already shows signs of being marked by a profound interweaving of cultures and religions, even in countries which have been Christian for many centuries. In many regions Christians are, or are becoming, a ‘little flock’” (36; Lk 12:32).

We can feel this all around us.

There is less societal support for living a Christian life, and Christian beliefs are increasingly mocked and attacked. The entertainment culture that engulfs us is “pushing the envelope” each year in the service of “lifestyles” and “values” that are damaging to the lives of individuals and families. As a result, it is getting harder to raise Catholic children.

HATING SIN, LOVING VIRTUE Pope John Paul II, and now Pope Benedict XVI, are urging us to a more personal encounter with Jesus, a greater openness to the Holy Spirit and a greater receptivity to the Father’s love. The truth is that we really need God. We need to root and ground our lives in a deep union with him if we are not only to survive as Catholics but to share this amazingly good news with others and to live with joy and freedom in the midst of difficulties.

Pope John Paul II says that in order to embark on this journey with renewed vigor, we need to access the spiritual treasures of our Catholic Tradition. Here we will find immense practical wisdom that will help us respond to the call to holiness.

For example, one of St. Francis de Sales’ most helpful insights is his

Pope John Paul II bows his head during Mass celebrated after he closed the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica Jan. 6, 2001. The pope ended the Holy Year by issuing an 84-page letter on the Church in the new millennium.

teaching on the affection for sin. He points out that we often turn away from serious sins and try hard not to commit them, but still nurture affection for such sin, which greatly slows down our spiritual progress and disposes us to future falls.

He explains that although the Israelites left Egypt in effect, many did not leave in affection. The same is true for many of us. We leave sin in effect, but reluctantly, and look back at it fondly.

In order to embark on this journey with renewed vigor, we need to access the spiritual treasures of our Catholic Tradition.

Francis also gives an amusing but telling example of a doctor who forbids a patient from eating melons, lest he die. The patient therefore abstains from eating them, but “begrudges giv-

THE CALLING OF ST. MATTHEW: CARAVAGGIO (1600); SCALA / ART RESOURCE, N.Y. ABOVE: CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS

ing them up, talks about them, would eat them if he could, wants to smell them at least, and envys those who can eat them. In such a way, weak, lazy penitents abstain regretfully for a while from sin.

They would like very much to commit sins if they could do so without being damned. They speak about sin with a certain petulance and with liking for it and think those who commit sins are at peace with themselves.”

This is equated, for instance, with the man who would like to take revenge on someone “if only he could” or the woman who doesn’t intend to commit adultery but still wishes to flirt. Besides the real danger of falling into serious sin again, such souls have a “divided heart.”

This makes the spiritual life wearisome and the “devout” life virtually impossible.

St. Catherine of Siena talks of the two-edged sword with which we fight the spiritual battle: one side is hatred for sin; the other is love for virtue. St. Bernard of Clairvaux speaks of how miserable it is to turn back to the slavery of our disordered passions once having tasted the grace of God. Such a person is doomed to continual frustration, as the things of the world simply cannot satisfy our hunger and “ravenous curiosity,” since the forms of this world are passing away.

The vigorous effort that these and other saints urge us to make in the struggle against sin is firmly grounded in Scripture.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind. ...

Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you” (James 4:7–10).

We really are called to holiness, and there is tremendous wisdom and encouragement available in the spiritual treasures of our faith. ■ Ralph Martin teaches theology at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and is the author of The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints (Emmaus Road, 2006). He is also president of Renewal Ministries, a Catholic apostolate devoted to renewal and evangelization.

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Kindred Spirits Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and Father McGivney worked to build the Church in the face of difficulties

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S I ST E R L O U I S E F I N N , C N D

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney — so different, yet so similar! Although separated by nearly two centuries and a cultural divide, they were pioneers who responded to the needs of their times, having a profound impact on the Church in North America.

Both grew up in rather large middle-class families.

Marguerite, born in 1620, was the seventh child of 13, nine of whom survived infancy. Michael was born in 1852, the first of 13, seven of whom grew to adulthood. Despite difficulties and apparent dead ends, Marguerite and Michael followed what they felt was God’s vocation for them.

NO EXPERIENCE IS WASTED Marguerite’s early attempts to enter cloistered communities (the only kind of religious life that existed at the time) resulted in refusals, surely a source of pain and confusion. Joining with other young women in Troyes, France, she tirelessly taught the children who were too poor to attend school. In her mid-20s, under the guidance of her spiritual director, she began a new venture: a religious community modeled on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, because she was not cloistered, was available to all who needed her. Marguerite’s initial efforts failed when one of her companions died and the other departed.

Marguerite had to listen carefully for God’s voice. At age 33, at a time when people did not live much

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beyond 45, she was still searching for God’s plan in her life. Her answer came in an invitation to travel to the New World to help establish a second French colony there. She left for Ville Marie (now Montreal) in 1653, the only woman on board a plague-infested ship. Two months and many passengers passed into eternity before they finally arrived.

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700), foundress of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame, was canonized Oct. 31, 1982, becoming Canada’s first female saint.

After five years, Marguerite found her dream of becoming a teacher finally coming true. In 1658, she opened a school in an abandoned stable for the few children who had survived the harsh winters.

Michael, too, had to search for the path God had in mind for him. A gifted student, he finished his schooling at age 13 — three years early. When he expressed a desire to become a priest, his father wisely decreed that he wait and help support his family. In 1868, Michael’s parish priest offered to help finance Michael’s attendance at the Seminary of Saint-Hyacinthe near Montreal. Michael’s father agreed.

After two years at SaintHyacinthe, Michael took a yearlong break from his studies. At 19, he resumed his seminary training at Our Lady of the Angels in Niagara Falls, N.Y. His year there was also successful, but again he decided to transfer to another seminary. During the following year at Sainte-Marie-College, a Jesuit seminary in Montreal, Michael was drawn to their rigorous academic life and planned to become a member of the Society of Jesus. His plan changed abruptly when word reached him that his father had died. He returned home and, as the oldest child, aided his mother in supporting the household.

After helping provide for his family for several months, Michael resumed his journey to the priesthood. Having completed his studies at yet another seminary, St. Mary’s in Baltimore, he was ordained Dec. 22, 1877. His ministry began when he was only 25 — a blessing since he was not to live much beyond his 38th birthday.

Marguerite and Michael’s early life experiences had special value.

They demonstrated that if we truly desire to live God’s dream for us, nothing along the way is wasted. For Michael, traveling and living in several other cultures was surely an advantage. Rather than resulting in an educational hodge-podge, it gave him the vision to see situations from a variety of perspectives and thus respond to others’ needs in creative ways. As for Marguerite, the teacher training she received in Troyes was certainly far beyond what ordinary schools could offer. Her involvement with the settlers’ lives also provided opportunities to share day-to-day skills.

MEETING NEEDS Especially important to Marguerite in New France were the young women who came to marry the male settlers.

Without dowries — essential in France at the time — these women were wards of the state. Despite objections by those who worked with her, Marguerite moved in with these filles du roi (literally, “daughters of the king”), caring for their emotional and physical needs. She soon opened a school where girls could learn the essentials of “home economics” — w w w. ko f c .o r g

meal preparation, growing crops, making clothes and raising livestock.

As Ville Marie expanded, so did Marguerite’s call to serve God through education. During her third return trip to Troyes for more helpers in 1677, Marguerite received word from the bishop of Quebec that she was not to bring back any new recruits. She didn’t, but within a few years, young women from the Montreal families began to join her in New France. Also, the voyage allowed Marguerite to study the “rules” of other religious congregations so she could one day write her own. By this time, she and her companions were living together as sisters.

Father McGivney’s ministry also grew from his experience with parishioners. Since his pastor’s health was far from robust, the running of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., fell squarely on Father McGivney’s shoulders. The traditional priestly duties were demanding enough, all requiring time and energy for preparation and travel. In addition, Father McGivney was involved in religious education classes for children and other parish activities. His work among the inmates of the New Haven jail was especially demanding.

Though the United States was no longer a colonial outpost, immigrants of the 1800s were also hoping for a better life. Father McGivney saw them struggle against the deep-seated prejudices of his time — especially against Catholics and, therefore, against the Irish. His daily encounters with parishioners kept him in touch with the realities of poverty.

Father McGivney was well aware of the absence of safety standards in local factories and shipyards where the men worked, since he frequently met bereaved families in hospitals and morgues. The death or crippling of the family breadwinner left families in absolute poverty. Fraternal groups like Masons were beginning to offer help to members’ widows, but these were usually secret societies, and Catholics were forbidden to join them. Given the anti-Catholic sentiment of the time, a new fraternal society was urgently needed.

Father McGivney carefully studied the by-laws of existing fraternal sociST. MARGUERITE: ARCHIVES DE LA VILLE DE MONTRÉAL (BM1-S5-P0224)

Venerable Servant of God Michael J. McGivney (1852-90)

eties. Gradually, a plan emerged, and he gathered a group of men to form the “Knights of Columbus,” whose purpose was to help the families of members who were disabled or deceased.

AHEAD OF THEIR TIME The early years of the newly formed Knights were shaky and painful, but the vision of Father McGivney persisted and grew. By the time he was transferred to St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, Conn., in 1884, Father McGivney had already stepped down as recording secretary, leaving the organization in the hands of the laymen who had been its founding members. He was now simply the chaplain — a role more in keeping with his true desires.

Both Marguerite Bourgeoys and Michael McGivney were not only persons of their time, but ahead of their time and for our own time.

Similarly, Marguerite resigned as first superior of the Congregation of Notre Dame, choosing to spend her final years in the sisters’ infirmary.

Without any formal training, Marguerite seemed to have had an innate sense of legal matters, keeping meticulous records and avoiding legal battles that could have destroyed her work. Her community

finally received official approval from the Church in 1698.

Two years later, when at age 80 Marguerite heard that the sister in charge of novices was close to death, she generously asked God to accept her own life instead. God accepted her prayer, and Marguerite’s health began to decline rapidly, while the novice mistress began to regain her strength. After 10 days, Marguerite died peacefully.

When death came to young Father McGivney, it was surely the result of years of visiting the sick and bereaved.

Father McGivney never stayed away from any sickbed where his presence could bring comfort or sacramental peace. His own early death, from the exhausting effects of pneumonia, was a testament to his lifelong generosity.

Mary Oliver, in her poem When Death Comes, writes, “I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.” Surely, both Marguerite and Father McGivney would agree!

The Congregation of Notre Dame, the religious community founded by Marguerite, was one of the first uncloistered communities within the Church. It has endured for more than three centuries and has expanded to nations near and far. Sisters and associates are still engaged in education within the classroom and beyond.

The Knights of Columbus, too, continues to live Father McGivney’s dream. His zeal for catechesis is reflected in the Order’s Catholic Information Service and other work.

Father McGivney’s care for young people and families can be seen in the many and diverse projects of Knights everywhere.

Looking back, we see both St. Marguerite Bourgeoys and Father Michael J. McGivney not only as persons of their time, but ahead of their time and for our own time. Truly kindred spirits, they must be grateful for the legacy that, with God’s unfailing help, they left to their followers in the difficult world we are called to love. ■ Sister Louise Finn is a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame and the grandniece of Father Michael J. McGivney. A lifelong teacher and administrator, she presently is librarian at St. Martin de Porres Academy, an inner-city Nativity school in New Haven, Conn. To obtain a copy of her book, Called to Compassion: A Retreat with Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys (2008), e-mail louisecnd@yahoo.com or write to Columbia.

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REFLECTION

IN THE HANDS OF OUR MERCIFUL MOTHER Our Lady of Guadalupe is a prayerful woman, who holds the desires and concerns of her children’s hearts in her hands

BY MSGR. EDUARDO CHÁVEZ SÁNCHEZ EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the third in a series of articles by Msgr.

Eduardo Chávez in anticipation of the first ever International Marian Congress devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The congress will take place Aug. 6-8 following the 127th Supreme Convention in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.guadalupefestival.org.

shown by positioning objects beside or even behind one another (rather than using light or shadow), thus giving the images a very flat look. In this case, the technique gives the illusion that Mary’s heart — a symbol of both love and sacrifice — is held between her hands, in an act of prayer and offering to God. Furthermore, this heart is placed not only in a oday, as millions of people pray to Our Lady of place of possession, but of protection. As one ancient Guadalupe, we should keep in mind that Our indigenous text explains, “You rise with gracefulness, Lady was herself a prayerful woman. We need only with gentleness. Next to you different to look at St. Juan Diego’s tilma to see birds feed: the hummingbird, the how Mary’s hands are joined together zaquan, the quecholli, the tzinitzan, in a posture of prayer so familiar to us the quetzal. In your hands they take — and to the colonial Spaniards. shelter from the heat, they protect However, Our Lady is praying in a way themselves from the sun.” Indeed, Our recognized not only by the Spaniards, Lady’s hands can be entrusted with our but also according to the Indians’ posown hearts. ture of prayer: dance.

This powerful message of Mary’s For the indigenous people, prayer loving relationship with us and her care was expressed not only by the hands, for our relationship with God continbut by the whole body. In their sacred ues in the oral traditions of the indigefestivals, even amid their elaborate sacnous people, which has been transmitrifices and rituals, such prayer was an ted from generation to generation, even important highlight. As one of the early to this day. For the Totonac people of missionaries to Mexico, Fray Gerónimo San Miguel Zozocolco, Veracruz, the de Mendieta wrote, the solemnities elders share this beautiful message of were elaborate occasions with “many roses and green and bright things, and In the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe’s intercession with chants solemn in style, and with both her folded hands and posture to their descendants: “Our elders indicated to the initial observers that offered hearts to God, so that there dances…of great feeling and imporOur Lady is a woman of prayer. would be harmony in their lives. This tance, without disagreeing in tone or Woman says that, without tearing step, since this was their main prayer.” them out, we should place our own hearts in her Even the emperor would unite himself to his people in hands so that she may present them to the true God.” prayer, dancing and singing for their gods. In this, we Thus, in a visual way, the image of the heart is not can see a new meaning in the flowers, in the birdsong, only her own, but ours as well, conveying such a bond and even in the bright colors that Juan Diego observed of love that makes Mary’s compassion an acceptance before his first meeting with Our Lady of Guadalupe. of our hearts, ourselves, within her. This is a true tesIn the image on the tilma, Our Lady of Guadalupe timony of her words to Juan Diego: “I am your merciis shown in a position of dancing prayer, with her knee ful mother, the mother of all the inhabitants on this bent in movement. Above her praying hands, we find land and all the rest who love me, invoke and confide indications of her prayer in the gold-colored design. in me. I truly will listen to their cries and their sadness This design, you may remember from last month’s artiin order to remedy all their sorrows, their miseries, cle, is one of nine heart-shaped flower blossoms decoand their pains.” ■ rating her tunic. And these blossoms, when viewed from different sides, resemble different glyphs of the Monsignor Eduardo Chávez Sánchez is postulator for the cause of Indian codices. One particular heart-blossom rests on St. Juan Diego. He is the author of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her chest, above the location of her own heart. In the St. Juan Diego: The Historical Evidence (Rowman & Littlefield, 2006) and a member of Council 14138 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Indian codices, unlike the illustrations in European Guadalupe in Mexico City. books, depth and the relationship between objects was

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KNIGHTS

IN

ACTION

Reports from Councils, Assemblies and Columbian Squires Circles

Classic Car Show Our Lady of the Rosary Council 4428 in Deer Park, N.Y., co-sponsored a classic car show with the Good Fellas Car Club. The event raised funds for the purchase of a statue of the Blessed Mother for Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church.

International Flavor

Members of Tallmadge (Ohio) Council 5613 prepare to serve spaghetti and meatballs during the council’s “Night in Italy” dinner. Knights served more than 130 meals, and the event raised $400 for Our Lady of Victory Church.

Pork Roast

Server Appreciation

Malone (N.Y.) Council 308 held a pork roast dinner that raised more than $720 for tuition assistance at Holy Family School. About 150 people attended the event.

St. Patrick Council 13971 in Arcola, Ind., treated area altar servers to an afternoon softball game coupled with pizza and soda.

Activities for Children Lucena (Luzon) Council 3469 hosted a feeding program for needy school children. The council also sponsored a drug and crime prevention symposium.

Greetings!

Our Lady of Grace Council 13243 in Palm Bay, Fla., donated greeting cards to inmates at the Lake Correctional Institute in Clermont so they can keep in touch with their families and loved ones.

Walk This Way Pope John Paul the Great Council 13859 in Middle River, Md., removed and replaced the front walk at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church. Knights provided all volunteer manpower and materials for the project.

Diaconate Formation St. Paul of Tarsus Council 11689 in Clinton Township, Mich., hosted a Diaconate Formation Meeting for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Knights served meals to 40 perspective deacons and their wives between formation lectures.

St. Clare of Assisi Council 13630 in Woodbridge, Ont., held an “International Knight” to celebrate the community’s various ethnic groups. Attendees were invited to bring cultural dishes to share with their fellow diners. St. Bernadette Council 10236 in Ajax, Ont., held a “Taste of the World” event that raised $200 for Denise House, a shelter for women and children.

Diners were invited to sample ethnic dishes from around the world.

Garage Sale Bonsecours (Que.) Council 9971 hosted a garage sale that netted more than $10,360 for the council’s charitable fund. Unsold objects were donated to local charities.

Convent Cleaning St. Michael’s Council 10913 in Cheney, Neb., performed grounds work for the School Sisters of Christ the King at their convent.

Knights removed trees and brush from convent property.

Grounds Cleaning St. Jude Thaddeus Council 13777 in Rizal, Luzon, cleaned its parish grounds over three consecutive weekends.

Saints Symposium Members of Holy Cross Council 8536 in Bauan, Luzon, stand with local elementary school graduates who visited St. Francis de Sales Seminary. Council 8536 hosted the orientation trip for 14 students aimed at giving them a first-hand look at high school seminary life.

Pagkabuhay Council 7147 in Paranaque, Luzon, hosted a “Lives of the Saints” symposium at its parish. Among those included in the symposium was the Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Keith Werner and Harry Murphy of Shane’s Castle Council 7463 in Waterford, N.J., supervise the arrival of guests at the council’s annual circus, which Knights host each year for people with intellectual disabilities. Three surrounding councils also helped with the project by advertising the event and selling tickets.

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ON-TARGET RECRUITING

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David Swint and Tom Bourne of St. Marguerite D’Youville Council 12905 in Lawrenceville, Ga., check their grill during a council-sponsored barbecue competition. Other families and K of C councils in the area were invited to compete in the event, which saw more than 100 spectators.

A Celebrated Rivalry George F. Monaghan Council 2690 in Detroit, Mich., held a pig roast to commemorate the state rivalry between the University of Michigan and the Michigan State University football teams. Proceeds from the event were added to the council’s Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) fund.

Funding Specialties George J. Schreier Council 1069 in Wausau, Wis., held a pizza party for local people with intellectual disabilities and the organizations that support them. During the event, the council distributed nearly $15,000 to various agencies, including Opportunities Inc., Special Olympics and Pastika Independent Living Services, among others.

Life Posters Father Vander Heyden Council 4874 in Ponchatoula, La., has hosted a Respect Life Poster Contest since 1997. Local students in grades 5-12 are asked to submit a poster representing a respect-life issue such as abortion, substance abuse or child abuse. The council has received more than 2,000 submissions since the contest began.

Cemetery Cleaning When St. Lawrence Council 1141 in Massena, N.Y., learned about an abandoned Catholic cemetery in their community, Knights erected a new wooden cross to adorn the area and cleaned the cemetery grounds.

The cemetery has 236 burials, some of which date to the Civil War.

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he tremendous charitable work the Order conducts annually is a by-product of continual membership growth. Members raise funds for the needy, volunteer their time and support a wide range of programs. This section of “Knights in Action” highlights those members who have made a concerted effort to grow the Order.

When Karen Fitzpatrick first learned about the local Knights of Columbus council, she was so impressed that she recruited her husband to join. Since then, she has worked with him to recruit at least 75 new members into the Order — many as charter members of two councils that her husband, as district deputy, helped institute.

“I was her first recruit,” said John Fitzpatrick, who is a member of St. Joseph the Worker Council 10921 in Orefield, Pa. “We were in line at a parish breakfast that the council was hosting. She went over to a member we knew, got a form #100, filled it out and convinced me to sign it.”

Karen, a mother of three, said she initially saw the Knights as “the opportunity to make friends and feel included in the parish and community.” Since her husband became a member, her view of the Order has grown into much more.“The K of C means friendship, stability and security. ... Although the Knights of Columbus is a Catholic organization, its works of charity go beyond the Catholic community.”

John shares this dedication to the Order. “Being a member of the Knights of Columbus has helped me to become more spiritually involved in the Church, allowed me to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds, and has given me a lot of personal satisfaction.”

The Fitzpatricks bring this same enthusiasm to their recruitment efforts.

“The standard response from people [who are initially unwilling to join] is that they are so busy; that they could not possibly manage to join the Knights,” Karen said. “I explain to them that they can donate as little or as much time as they can. …

To the women, I stress the fact that the K of C is family-oriented. It is not just another excuse for the men to be out of the house at night.”

When speaking to prospects and their families, the Fitzpatricks utilize this family-oriented strategy to attract younger parish families. “We let them know that even when a council program is not specifically family oriented, these programs are open to family members as volunteers,” said John.

Karen has also used her fluency in Spanish to assist a struggling council at a bilingual parish. She made presentations in Spanish at the council’s open house and even advised a new immigrant family on how they could seek employment and financial assistance.

“Karen has recruited new members in four different councils,” John said. “She has really made a difference.”

On the Books

Rectory Painted

Cardinal Mercier Assembly in Nassau County South, N.Y., arranged to have one ton of books and magazines shipped to Fort Benning, Ga., for distribution to U.S. soldiers serving overseas.

When the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh found they would no longer be able to ship the books for free, they asked the Knights for help. The assembly arranged transportation with a trucking company and with officials at Fort Benning.

Thomas F. Powers Council 13050 in Billings, Mont., and parishioners from St. Thomas the Apostle Church painted their parish rectory. Volunteers applied a new coat of paint to the building’s exterior and to all the window frames.

New Alb Ashland (Ky.) Council 1487 presented Father Joseph N. Koury Jr. with a new alb.

Sweats for Vets Bishop Thomas E. Gill Assembly in Federal Way, Wash., held a “Sweats of Vets” breakfast at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The event raised more than $2,500, which was donated to the Madigan Army Medical Center. Many of the patients at the hospital are veterans of the war in Iraq. w w w. ko f c .o r g

S P OT L I G H T O N . . .

MEDICAL

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n occasional series about Knights and Squires working tirelessly toward the same noble goals. This month we spotlight activities that provide medical aid to the community.

• Gardner (Mass.) Council 396 donated $4,000 to Rachel Landry for the purchase of two new hearing aids. The hearing aids, which cost about $2,600 each, are not covered by her insurance.

• Queen of All Saints Council 6347 in Knox, Ind., auctioned a poster of Wrigley Field drawn by local artist and Knight Mitch Markovitz. The poster sold for $500, which was donated to a Knight whose daughter has lymphoma.

• Rhéal Franche Council 6198 in Rockland, Ont., donated $5,000 to a local medical clinic. The funds were used to purchase portable equipment that outpatients can borrow.

• Mantua (Ohio) Council 3766 held a dinner and auction to benefit the children of Nicole Hutnik, all of whom have neurological disorders.

The event raised $4,238 to offset the family’s medical costs.

• St. Jude Council 5831 in Davao City, Mindanao, conducted a free medical clinic for elderly members of the community. Patients received free exams and medication.

• Delaney Council 57 in Pawtucket, R.I., hosted a ham and bean supper that raised more than $5,100 for Karen Rebello, whose husband was hospitalized.

• Msgr. John A. Cass Council 2626 in Long Beach, N.Y., donated $200 to the Lions Club to help purchase a guide dog for a local person who is blind.

Members of Bishop William T. Mulloy Council 1301 in Newport, Ky., and their families prepare to serve food at the ECHO Soup Kitchen. Knights regularly volunteer at the kitchen, serving meals to the needy and homeless.

Repainting the Basilica

A Priestly Collection

Bishop Edward C. Daly Council 644 in Des Moines, Iowa, donated $2,500 to the Basilica of St. John.

The funds were used to repair and repaint 16 of the basilica’s side arches.

St. John Council 3738 in Westmont, Ill., purchased 10 copies of Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism for local schools and libraries.

Refilling the Pantry Edwardsville (Ill.) Council 1143 held a food drive to help restock the Glen Ed Food Pantry. Knights collected more than 1,300 pounds of food and $225 in cash donations.

Over Their Heads Father Linden Council 3627 in Des Plaines, Ill., operated a food booth at its annual parish festival. Proceeds from the booth helped fund a new roof at St. Stephen Church.

Vitae Caring St. Martins (Mo.) Council 7194 held its annual charity breakfast to benefit Vitae Caring Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting the culture of life. The event raised $1,000.

Anniversary Endowment Msgr. Doyle Council 1186 in Calgary, Alta., donated $100,000 to St. Mary’s University in honor of the council’s 100th anniversary.

The funds were used to establish an endowment fund for student life enhancement.

McGivney Window Holy Spirit Council 13447 in Lubbock, Texas, installed a stained-glass window at its parish depicting Knights founder Father Michael J. McGivney.

Church Donation St. Joseph Council 8209 in Zamboanga City, Mindanao, donated 80,000 pesos to St. Joseph Church.

Pro-Life Dinner Father William J. Crowley Council 5817 in Wading River, N.Y., held a dinner and auction to benefit local pro-life organizations. More than 250 people attended the event, which raised approximately $3,500.

Music Extravaganza Our Lady of the Chesapeake Council 10881 in Pasadena, Md., hosted a bluegrass and gospel music festival. About 100 people attended the event, proceeds from which were added to the council’s charitable fund.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 1098 in Holbrook, N.Y., sort care packages destined for the Middle East as part of the “Adopt-A-Battalion” program hosted

by Our Lady of the Island Council 6911 in Massapequa Park. Council 6911 has shipped more than 2,100 cartons to U.S. troops at an estimated cost of $21,000.

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Celebrating Servers Msgr. George A. Dzuryo Council 790 in Streator, Ill., held an appreciation dinner for local altar servers and their families. More than 150 people attended the event.

Charity on the Green

Jerry Hrycyshyn of Fairfield (N.J.) Council 6380 and Father John Gabriel of St. Thomas More Church display the new tabernacle that Council 6380 purchased for the parish. At the request of Father Gabriel, Knights raised about $10,000 to purchase the new tabernacle.

Tree Trimmers Members of Bishop Sheen Council 7487 in Jenison, Mich., trimmed trees, removed brush and cleaned the grounds of Holy Redeemer Church.

Rebuilding the Gulf Five members of John Fitzgerald Kennedy Council 5506 in Orrville, Ohio, traveled to Waveland, Miss., to aid with rebuilding efforts there. In addition, Knights collected $2,400 for St. Clare Church, which was damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

Recalling the Past Duquesne-West Mifflin (Pa.) Council 4210 hosted a social for council widows. More than 40 widows of deceased Knights attended the event, where they received a corsage and were greeted by current Knights and their wives.

Santa Maria Council 6065 in Plano, Texas, hosted its annual golf tournament to benefit the White Rose Pregnancy Resource Center.

The event raised $6,800 for the organization. Ocean City (N.J.) Council 2560 held its annual Joseph Cleary Golf Tournament, which raised $20,000 for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and for Holy Spirit High School. And Holy Family Council 3682 in Indianapolis hosted a golf outing that raised more than $7,600 for Cassie Curtis, a local girl who requires an organ transplant that is not covered by her family’s insurance.

School Marathon St. Christopher Council 4842 in Glencoe, Minn., held its annual marathon to benefit private and parochial schools. More than 120 people participated in the event, which raised approximately $17,500.

Tillman Benefit San Xavier del Bac Assembly in Chandler, Ariz., oversaw a silent auction at Phoenix Municipal Stadium to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation. Tillman was a profession football player who left his career to join the U.S. Army. He was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

The auction raised more than $17,000 for the foundation.

Honoring Priests

Albert Conlin, Jay Purdy and Bob Capolino of Sunrise Council 6607 in Bohemia, N.Y., clean Locust Avenue as part of their council’s adopt-a-highway campaign.

Knights remove rubbish from the area several times each year.

Happy Hearts Father Maynard E. Hurst Jr. Council 9016 in Baton Rouge, La., volunteered at a youth ministry event hosted by St. Louis, King of France Church. Local children enjoyed an afternoon of food and games.

Painting for Seniors Holy Spirit Council 8905 in Saskatoon, Sask., painted the hallways and common areas of St. Ann’s Residence, a retirement home.

Living Stones Marian Council 3864 in Columbus, Ohio, helped dedicate a Cultural Living Stone Rosary at Holy Spirit Church. The rosary is in the shape of a cross and made of 59 smooth and polished stones. At the dedication, different ethnic groups prayed the rosary in their native languages.

Holy Family Council 3327 in Bridgeport, Pa., held a special dinner to honor five local pastors and the council’s chaplain. The council also presented each priest with $5,000 to undertake a project at his parish.

Fund Drive Ron Amlin of Francis J. Clarke Council 5350 in Harrow, Ont., makes his 200th blood donation during a blood drive hosted by Ontario Knights. Knights from several councils were there to support Amlin, who has been a regular donor since 1964.

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Mater Dei Council 9774 in Rockville, Md., raised more than $14,300 during its annual fund drive for people with intellectual disabilities. More than 100 Knights collected funds throughout the community, soliciting at the county fair and in front of supermarkets.

Members of Mother Anna Dengel Council 7925 in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and their families prepare to serve ice cream at the Philadelphia Veterans’ Home. Knights host an ice cream party for veterans there twice each year.

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Community Breakfast St. Patrick Council 9300 in Caledonia, Ont., held a community breakfast for Knights, their families and parishioners.

Quality Event Somerville (N.J.) Council 1432 hosted its annual charity dinner to benefit Camp Quality USA. The event raised $4,000 for the organization, which provides yearlong support programs for children with cancer and their families.

Round Table Aid Fourth Degree Knights from in and around Tidewater, Va., look on as a Special Olympics athlete lights the Flame of Hope with help from a Chesapeake police officer. Knights from Southeast Virginia volunteered at the annual games.

Therapeutic Recreation St. Aloysius Council 14094 in Shandon, Ohio, donated more than $670 to Therapeutic Recreation, a sports program for people with intellectual disabilities.

Young Scientists Immaculate Heart of Mary Council 4314 in Groton, Conn., donated $1,000 to Sacred Heart School. The funds will help offset the cost of a new school science lab.

Statue Restored Ted Watermolen Council 4877 in Ripon, Wis., rescued a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from an abandoned playground and restored it for placement outside St. Catherine of Siena Church. Knights also added a brass plaque at the statue’s base.

Family of Man Council 7566 in Reston, Va., raised $500 for the Baghdad International Zone (IZ) Round Table during a councilsponsored pancake breakfast. The round table will donate the funds to the Sisters of Charity, who run an orphanage in Baghdad for children with disabilities. The Baghdad IZ Round Table is sponsored by St. Mary of the Grove Council 11138 in Tampa, Fla.

Ramp Built Fabre (Que.) Council 6035 built a wheelchair ramp for a council member. Knights and parishioners at St. François Church provided the $1,500 necessary for the project.

Michael Saia, Austin Drummon and Davion Browning of St. Michael Circle 5075 in Jackson, Tenn., clean a used bike during the circle’s bicycle drive. Squires scrubbed and repaired 85 bikes for distribution to needy families.

Church Donations Bishop Brady Council 399 in Montpelier, Vt., sponsors a monthly spaghetti supper that has raised $60,000 since the program began in 2000. The funds are distributed among six local parishes and are used to provide handicapped access to older churches, defray heating costs and support parish activities.

Medicare Lecture Helping Babies, Mothers Charles Reymann Council 4664 in Akron, Ohio, donated a baby crib and mattress to a local pregnancy resource center. Before delivering the crib, Knights asked parishioners to fill it with baby items. St. Bonaventure Council 10049 in Manomet, Mass., held a pro-life baby shower that raised more than $2,300 in financial donations and $700 in baby goods. And Holy Name Council 8789 in San Antonio, Texas, donated more than $2,900 to the Allied Women’s Center, a pregnancy resource center.

Mary, Gate of Heaven Council 10194 in Myerstown, Pa., held a Medicare lecture at its council hall.

Knights, their families and guests learned about Medicare benefits from a veteran insurance agent.

Special Donation W. P. Morris Council 6645 in Cookeville, Tenn., donated $1,500 to the special education department of the Putnam County school district.

Pajama Party

Members of North American Martyrs Council 4338 in Niles, Ill., stand with the sixth-grade basketball team from St. Paul of the Cross School. Knights host the school’s invitational basketball tournament each year and provide t-shirts to the top team.

Blessed Mother Seton Council 5410 in Chester, N.J., partnered with the Pajama Program and Barnes and Noble booksellers to purchased 25 children’s books which were matched with new pajamas for needy children. The Pajama Program provides warm pajamas and books to needy children throughout the world.

Members of St. Michael Council 10088 in Jagna, Visayas, stand in front of the pro-life billboard they erected in their community. The billboard sits on one of the island’s major highways.

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NASCAR Knights Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan Council 7923 in Lilburn, Ga., volunteered at the DuPont tent at the Atlanta Motor Speedway during NASCAR season. Knights raised $1,900 for the council’s charitable fund.

A Floating Tribute

David Lau of St. Francis Xavier Council 10500 in Vancouver, B.C., along with two unnamed servers, prepare food during the St. Francis Xavier Church Gala Dinner. Knights sponsored the event, which served to commemorate the parish’s 75th anniversary and to raise funds for a new church organ. Approximately 270 people attended the dinner, which raised about $72,000.

Chapel Renovation

Spirit Sales

Burgos Sañta Cruz (Mindanao) Council 7830 renovated the Burgos Chapel stage. Knights leveled and raised the existing stage four feet.

They also added additional support and new stairs.

St. John Francis Regis Council 7914 in Hollywood, Md., sold t-shirts and baseball caps emblazoned with the St. John School mascot to raise funds and increase school spirit. The apparel was available at home games and at council functions, and all profits were donated to the school.

Bible Presentation Church of the Visitation Council 13902 in Lott, Texas, donated 20 new Bibles to its parish for use with religious education classes.

New Playground St. Lawrence Council 12519 in Duelm, Minn., donated $1,000 to St. John School in Foley for the purchase of new playground equipment. Knights also assembled and installed the new playground.

Brian Tobin, master of ceremonies for the Eastern Regional Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournament, presents a plaque to Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala and Brig. Gen. Hugh Broomall. Proceeds from the tournament were used to fund a summer camp for the children of active-duty Delaware National Guard troops. The event raised $10,000, and 126 children were able to attend summer camp. Also pictured are: Tournament Chairman Bill Baker and Immediate Past State Deputy Jerry E. Dawson.

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Medical Mission

Harley Marine Services Inc. of Oregon has named their latest double-hull oil barge after Lovel Briere, the late father of Immediate Past State Deputy William J. Briere of Wyoming. Lovel was a member of Olympia (Wash.) Council 1634 and a past district deputy. In addition to his 34 years of service to the Order, Lovel was a staunch advocate of cystic fibrosis research; he lost three children to the disease.

Flags Donated St. Ignatius Council 7621 in Tarpon Springs, Fla., donated U.S. flags to each of the religious education classrooms at its parish.

Knights also performed a flag ceremony for each class.

Historic Contribution

St. Peter Council 10440 in Lamitan City, Mindanao, hosted a medical mission for local residents and their pets. Dogs received free rabies vaccinations while their owners were examined by doctors and dentists.

St. Thomas More Council 10205 in Englewood, Colo., donated funds to Sacred Heart Church in Denver.

Established in 1879, Sacred Heart is one of the oldest churches in the Archdiocese of Denver.

Flag Transfer

Agency Donations

Father Ben G. Smylie Assembly in Carthage, Texas, provided an honor guard for a flag transfer ceremony.

Capt. Stephen Bate received a U.S. flag from the family of Sgt. Bradley Beste, who was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. Sgt. Beste had used the flag during his two deployments to Iraq, and Capt. Bate carried the flag back there after spending his mid-tour leave in Carthage.

Chicken for Schools Manhattan (Kan.) Council 1832 raised $3,000 for area Catholic schools during the council’s annual chicken barbecue.

Silent Auction Bishop Durieu Council 11244 in Schelt-Gibsons, B.C., hosted a silent auction that raised more than $1,500 for the council’s charitable fund.

Sancta Familia Council 11498 in Sewell, N.J., donated $1,800 each to two local agencies: the Abilities Center of Southern New Jersey and St. John of God Community Services.

Roof Fund St. Anthony Council 4166 in Schoenchen, Kan., donated $7,000 to its parish to help defray the cost of a new roof at St. Anthony Church.

>kofc.org exclusive See more “Knights in Action” reports and photos at www.kofc.org/ knightsinaction

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COLUMBIANISM BY DEGREES C HARITY [Left] Colorado State Deputy Claude A. Trujillo Jr. (third from right) presents a check for $16,800 to Dr. Walter “Bud” Hivner (second from left) of WindsorJohnstown Council 11575. Funds for the donation were collected from K of C units throughout the state to support Knights in and around Windsor whose homes were damaged during a devastating tornado. Also pictured are (from left): Danny Horner, a tornado victim, State Treasurer Roger Muller and Tom Chambers, a tornado victim. • St. Basil Council 4204 in Sugarland, Texas, held a coin drive that collected more than $4,310 for the council’s charitable fund.

U NITY [Right] Members of Bishop Tihen Council 4796 and St. Rose of Lima Council 12763, both in Denver, take a break while cleaning the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden. The shrine attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year, and six Knights clean the facility on a weekly basis. The two councils have provided this service for 30 years. Pictured from left are: Tony Valdez, Richard Abeyta, Rich Lopez, Paul Trujillo, Lonnie Minor and Herb Wildeman. • St. Anne’s Council 2429 in Glen Oaks, N.Y., donated $13,000 to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Proceeds from the event were donated to breast cancer research.

F RATERNITY [Left] Members of Father William J. Donnelly Council 8831 in Dartmouth, N.S., work to complete a new deck at the home of council member Phillip Ngui. Knights worked over two weeks to complete the deck for Ngui, who suffered a stroke and is paralyzed on one side of his body. • Belvidere (Ill.) Council 735 held a benefit dinner for one of its late members, Lenny Schachtner, who died of bladder cancer.

Prior to his death, Knights winterized and cleaned Schachtner’s RV and built a wheelchair ramp at the home of Schachtner’s father. The dinner raised $12,000, which was presented to Schachtner’s widow, Sue.

P ATRIOTISM [Right] Scott Weatherford (kneeling) and Dan Marnell (white shirt) of Sweetwater Council 10821 in Douglasville, Ga., present Adams Manager (second from left) of the Hartsfield International Airport USO with a check for $500.

Knights held a pasta dinner at St. Theresa Church to benefit the USO, which serves U.S. soldiers passing through Hartsfield Airport. • Queen of Peace Council 3428 and Msgr. Peter B. O’Connor Assembly, both in North Arlington, N.J., donated 45 robes and three televisions to the Paramus Veterans Home.

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THE KNIGHTS

OF COLUMBUS In service to One. In service to all.

Members of Balingasag West (Mindanao) Council 14539 stand in front of the proposed site for the new convent at St. Rita’s Church. Knights provided volunteer manpower to help construct the convent, working to mix cement and lay gravel for the new building.

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 “Knights in Action” photo as well as its description to: Columbia, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or e-mail: columbia@kofc.org.

‘THE CALL ENTERED MY HEART AND GREW WITH THE SUPPORT OF A GOOD CATHOLIC FAMILY’

I believe God chose me from the time of my birth. I was born

After four years at seminary near Beirut, Lebanon, I was sent to

two months premature and had a twin brother named Jude.

St. John Lateran Seminary in Rome to complete my studies. I

Although I was not expected to live and my brother died after 40

was then ordained for the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Montreal.

days, I somehow survived. Later, at the age of six, I fell from my

After 10 years in Canada, I was sent to Orlando, Fla., to establish

parents’ balcony onto my head. I was in a coma, and the doctors

my current parish — which is coincidentally named St. Jude.

said there was no hope for my recovery. My mother went to our parish church, Our Lady of the Assumption, and begged Mary to

In considering my priestly vocation, I had to trust in the Lord to

heal me. One hour later, I awoke from the coma and began to cry.

guide me. Like the parable of the good seed, the call entered my heart early in life and grew with the support of a good Catholic

At the age of 12, the school chaplain asked if I was interested in

family. There, it enabled me to make a difference in the world

going to the seminary. Two years later, another chaplain asked

and in the lives of others.

me the same question. I realized I wanted to become a priest and said “yes.”

FATHER GEORGE ZINA St. Jude Church, Orlando, Florida Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Keep the Faith Alive www.kofc.org

Please, do all you can to encourage priestly and religious vocations.

Your prayers and support make a difference.

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