Columbia October 2019

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K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S

O CTOBER 2019

COLUMBIA

Knights of Columbus:

Knights of Unity 137th Supreme Convention | Minneapolis

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MDRT The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®

2019

A commitment to excellence, outstanding service and the highest ethical standards: These are the traits of all Knights of Columbus field agents, but the dedication of the agents listed here has earned them membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 2019. MDRT is an international organization that recognizes the top 1% of financial professionals in the world. We salute these men for their devotion to continuing Father McGivney’s mission of protecting Catholic families.

Mackenzie Abbate – Williamsberg, VA Nicholas Abbate – North Chesterfield, VA Robert Abbate – Virginia Beach, VA* Blaine Anhel – Tappen, BC Ben Baca – Whittier, CA* John Barfield – West Melbourne, FL Daniel Bax – Jefferson City, MO Cameron Beddome – Red Deer, AB Jimmy Bell – Irving, TX James Bertine – Springfield, VA Steven Books – Plum City, WI Walker Bormann – Hiawatha, IA Benjamin Borrelli – Biloxi, MS Daniel Bouchard – Leduc, AB* Gregory Bronson – Rescue, CA Adam Bruna – Belleville, KS William Buchta – Grand Island, NE Robert Callaway – Burtonsville, MD* Robert Canter – Upper Marlboro, MD* Cleo Castillo – Calgary, AB John Cesta – West Palm Beach, FL Brandon Chambers – Goose Creek, SC Wayne Cherney – Devils Lake, ND* Brian Cilone – Rutherfordton, NC Timothy Coskren – Walpole, MA Jeffrey Cummons – Jackson Center, OH Paul Daigle – Thompsons Station, TN Jon Deakin – York, PA Mark Deaton – Cypress, TX* Ivan Delabruere – Milton, FL Joseph DeMarco – Vero Beach, FL Jeffrey Denehy – East Walpole, MA John DiCalogero – East Walpole, MA* Matthew DiCalogero – Medfield, MA Robert DiCalogero – Canton, MA* Michael DuMont – Lansing, MI Shane Duplantis – Thibodaux, LA Denis Duval – Sudbury, ON* Salvatore Filippelli – Henrico, VA Joe Flores – Poway, CA Shawn Fox – New Richmond, WI Kevin Garza – Diamond Bar, CA

Yvan Genier – Timmins, ON Daniel Gimpel – Sarnia, ON Jeffrey Goralczyk – Syracuse, IN Robert Gordon – Mooresville, NC Brian Graham – Kensington, MD* Mark Hedge – Butler, OH* Gregory Helgerson – Union Center, WI Joel Herman – Harwood, ND AJ Hingle – Metairie, LA Scott Hinkebein – Nixa, MO Larry Hoelscher – Jefferson City, MO* Dennis Hoffman – Bryan, TX Thomas J. Jackson – Henderson, CO* James Johnson – Regina, SK Lance Jolly – Arlington, TN Douglas Kelly – Omaha, NE* Steve Kluthe – Omaha, NE Joseph Kong – Nanaimo, BC Alan Kotlarski – Punta Gorda, FL William Lewchuk – Calgary, AB* Michael Lodato – Fort Collins, CO Ian Maddock – Fredricton, NB Chad McAuliff – Broken Arrow, OK Luke McClure – Gulfport, MS Robert McFadden – Iselin, NJ* Michael McGranahan – Fullerton, CA* Tyler Meyer – Kingman, KS James Misa – Salinas, CA Gregory Miskiman – Calgary, AB* Robert Monaco – Lancaster, CA Kevin Moran – Virginia Beach, VA Paul Morassutti – San Ramon, CA Michael Mullin – Colborne, ON Jason Nelligan – Hamilton, ON Timothy Nowak – Ogallala, NE Edward O’Keefe – Middle River, MD* Paolo Pacana – Whittier, CA Kevin Paish – St. Albert, AB* Mark Pan – Pitt Meadows, BC Robin Pati – Metairie, LA Eddy Patterson – Granbury, TX Craig Pfeifer – Hartington, NE

Court of the Table Member

Young Tran Portland, OR

Neil Pfeifer – Norfolk, NE* Henry Rangel – Cypress, TX Michael Raths – Davison, MI Darin Reed – Ellis, KS* Bobby Renaud – Sudbury, ON* Rocko Rizzo – Thunder Bay, ON John Ruckart – Oldsmar, FL Benjamin Salazar – Virginia Beach, VA Ronald Sandoval – San Gabriel, CA* Jayme Sanford – Englewood, CO Sonny Sangemino – Windsor, ON Jeffrey Schaecher – Rock Island, IL Kevin Schubert – Linn Creek, MO Daniel Sheehan – Neoga, IL Joseph Shock – Hanover Township, PA Victor Silva – Flagler Beach, FL Mark Sirois – Waterbury, CT Devon Soukup – Mustang, OK John Spencer – Marietta, OH Joseph Spinelli III – Tallahassee, FL Jason Staas – Oakwood, OH John Stewart – Sagamore Beach, MA Mark Stice – Madison, AL Shon Stice – Daphne, AL Blake Stubbington – Edmonton, AB Jody Supak – La Grange, TX* James Swartz – Harbor Beach, MI* Eric Sylvester – Windsor, ON Andrew Tice – Hurst, TX Jeffrey Toeniskoetter – Boynton Beach, FL Daniel Turnwald – Glandorf, OH Joseph venderBuhs – Abbotsford, BC Andrew Weiss – South Bend, IN Trey Welker – Edmond, OK Michael Wilson – Hacienda Heights, CA Pete Wimer – Spokane Valley, WA Jefferson Woolsey – Saint Paul, MN Mark Yubeta – San Clemente, CA* Pierre Zermatten – Palatine, IL Stephen Znoj – Roswell, GA *Denotes MDRT Life Member

Exemplary Dedication.

Extraordinary Service.

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The Knights of Columbus Board of Directors is pictured at the 137th Supreme Convention, hosted in Minneapolis Aug. 6-8.

137th SUPREME CONVENTION A u g u s t 6 – 8, 2 0 1 9 2

A ‘Witness of Unity in Service to the Gospel’ Greetings from Pope Francis sent to the Supreme Convention by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin

4

Knights of Columbus: Knights of Unity Knights celebrate the Order’s mission, charitable work and founding principles at 137th Supreme Convention in Minneapolis

5 St. Jean Vianney Relic Pilgrimage Continues 6 Order Expands Aid to Iraqi Christians 9 Kendrick Castillo Posthumously Named a Knight, Awarded Caritas Medal

10 New Native American Initiative Announced

12 Awards Session Honors Exemplary Knights, Programs

13 K of C International Family of the Year Spreads Faith, Builds Community

15 Two New Board Members Elected

PLUS: Photos and excerpts from homilies and remarks

16 Annual Report of the Supreme Knight 18 20 22 24 25 26 28 31

Knights of Unity Insurance & Investments Charity International Culture of Life Aiding Persecuted Christians Defending the Faith Conclusion

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PA PA L G R E E T I N G S

A ‘Witness of Unity in Service to the Gospel’ H

is Holiness Pope Francis was pleased to learn that from 6 to 8 August 2019, the 137th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus will assemble in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has asked me to convey his warm good wishes to all present, together with the assurance of his closeness in prayer.

The theme of this year’s convention — Knights of Columbus: Knights of Unity — calls to mind the inspiration that led to the founding of your Order as a fraternal association of mutual assistance and commitment to the Church’s apostolic mission. In the vision of Father Michael McGivney,

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unity and charity were to be the hallmark of the Knights of Columbus.

Over the years, in fidelity to that vision, the Knights have distinguished themselves in service to families, in concern for the poor and underprivileged, and in efforts to contribute to the building of a just and virtuous society, for the extension of Christ’s kingdom and the salvation of souls.

In a world devastated by violence, injustice and growing polarization, this witness of unity in service to the Gospel has become all the more timely and urgent. For this reason, the Holy Father is pleased that this year’s Supreme Convention has chosen to

emphasize its centrality to the identity and apostolate of your Order. On the eve of his death, our Lord prayed for the unity of his disciples, precisely “so that the world may believe� (Jn 17:21). The Church’s communion in charity is the wellspring of her mission to proclaim the reconciling power of the paschal mystery, to lead the nations to faith and to be a prophetic sign of God’s will that the human family, wounded and estranged by sin, be restored to unity and peace (cf.

Lumen Gentium, 1). It is that mission which the Knights are pledged to advance through their daily pursuit of holiness and their efforts to imbue

Greetings from Pope Francis sent to the Supreme Convention

by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin

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every level of society with the values of the Gospel.

As all of us are acutely aware, the effectiveness of the Church’s witness has been gravely affected by the scandal and distrust resulting from the sexual abuse of minors and its handling over many years. As with all situations of serious sin, the ecclesial community is being called, in fidelity to Christ, to face painful truths with honesty and integrity, regardless of the cost, to do penance and repair the harm that has been done, and above all to reach out to those who have been so grievously hurt. The Holy Father is convinced that the Knights of Columbus can play a privileged role in these efforts to mend the torn fabric of ecclesial life.

Your Order’s historic concern for the vulnerable and its unfailing support for the life and ministry of priests are more than ever needed to foster the sources of spiritual renewal that will lead, by God’s grace, to healing of wounds and to the strengthening of the priesthood in holiness and apostolic zeal. With profound gratitude, then, His Holiness thanks the Knights for their continued prayers for the sanctification of priests, exemplified most recently in the pilgrimages of devotion made to the relic of the heart of the saintly Curé of Ars, patron of parish priests and a powerful intercessor for the revival of the Christian life and holiness in the midst of an often indifferent society.

In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, His Holiness echoed the insistence of last year’s Synod on Youth that unity and solidarity between the generations need to be reinforced and encouraged. Surrounded by a growing culture of individualism, materialism and moral confusion, many young people today are looking for examples of wisdom, mature faith and lifelong commitment to the values that bring lasting happiness. For

generations, young men have encountered in the Knights of Columbus examples of solid Catholic faith, concern for the poor and those in need, and commitment to the common good. It is the Holy Father’s hope that every council will reach out and support the young in these aspirations, enabling them, through full participation in its life and activities, “to share in the joy of fraternal communion” (No. 167) and thus to contribute to the new evangelization as missionary disciples, filled with love for the Lord and his Church.

Daily the Holy Father remembers in his prayers the Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere who encounter hostility and persecution for their fidelity to the Gospel. His heart is filled with gratitude for the generosity with which the Knights of Columbus have responded to his repeated appeals for prayers and charitable assistance to these, our brothers and sisters in the faith.

Once again, he implores the Knights and their families to persevere in prayer for peace in the Middle East, for an end to violence, and for the resumption of respectful dialogue as the only path to a lasting resolution of conflicts in that troubled region.

With these sentiments, His Holiness commends the deliberations of the 137th Supreme Convention to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. Assuring the Knights and their families of a constant remembrance in his prayers, he affectionately imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord.

Yours sincerely,

COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Patrick E. Kelly DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Michael J. O’Connor SUPREME SECRETARY Ronald F. Schwarz SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski EDITOR Andrew J. Matt MANAGING EDITOR Cecilia Hadley SENIOR EDITOR Margaret B. Kelly ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us.

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HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4210, option #3 addresschange@kofc.org PRAYER CARDS & SUPPLIES 203-752-4214 COLUMBIA INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 K OF C CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 EMAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

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Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved ________

Pietro Cardinal Parolin Secretary of State

ON THE COVER A photo illustration shows a statue of Franciscan Father Louis Hennepin overlooking a 17th-century map of North America.

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Knights of Columbus:

Knights of Unity F

ather Michael J. McGivney sent a letter to Connecticut priests in April 1882, explaining the purpose of the newly incorporated Knights of Columbus. The letterhead included a seal of the Supreme Council and the words “Unity and Charity.� “Our founder knew that we are strongest when we stand united,� Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson told delegates at the 137th Supreme Convention in Minneapolis. “That is why the Knights of Columbus are Knights of Unity.�

More than 2,000 Knights, family members and guests from around the world, together with some 100 bishops and cardinals, gathered under this theme at the Minneapolis Convention Center Aug. 6-8. ♌ COLUMBIA ♌

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A letter of greeting from Pope Francis (see page 2), sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, underscored the importance of this founding principle: “In a world devastated by violence, injustice and growing polarization, [your] witness of unity in service to the Gospel has become all the more timely and urgent.�

In his annual report, Supreme Knight Anderson highlighted the Order’s witness of faith in action during the past fraternal year. He also announced several new initiatives.

The following pages feature photos, news and excerpts from the convention’s proceedings, as well as the supreme knight’s annual report. For more coverage, visit kofc.org/convention.♌

Knights celebrate the Order’s mission, charitable work and founding principles at the 137th Supreme Convention, hosted in Minneapolis

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Opening Mass St. Jean Vianney Relic Pilgrimage Continues

THE INCORRUPT heart of St. Jean Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, was present throughout the 137th Supreme Convention, while Knights and family members were encouraged to pray for renewal in the Church.

In cooperation with Father Patrice Chocholski (pictured left), pastor of the Shrine of St. Jean Vianney in Ars, France, the relic first visited last year’s Supreme Convention in Baltimore. The Knights of Columbus then sponsored an extensive, eight-month pilgrimage of the relic through the United States beginning in November 2018. “As we strive to renew our Church, we must remember that this renewal starts within our own hearts,â€? said Supreme Knight Anderson in his annual report, noting that the pilgrimage drew nearly 300,000 people in 99 U.S. dioceses. “I’m pleased to announce that we will sponsor this tour in the major dioceses of Canada in the coming months.â€?♌

AS THE CHURCH celebrates the feast of the Transfiguration, we recall the Lord’s ascent of Mount Tabor with Peter, James and John. It’s a climb, however, that should bring us greater consolation than it brings fatigue, in that it promises a reassuring glimpse of Jesus’ glory and most importantly, speaks of his great care for his disciples. ‌ I am so grateful for the Knights of Columbus, and for the encouragement that you consistently offer to one another to make the climb with Christ.

It’s significant for me that the Lord took Peter, James and John up the mountain together. The climb might have been too much for any of them individually, but together they were able to make it to the summit. I love how the men of the Order challenge one another to spend time with Christ, how you hold each other accountable for making the commitment to growth in the spiritual life. ‌ Pope Francis, like his predecessors, Pope Benedict and St. John Paul, has

emphasized that, having been strengthened by those glimpses of Christ’s glory, we are then called to go forth, to descend the mountain [and] “meet many brothers and sisters weighed down by fatigue, injustice, and both material and spiritual poverty.� We need to be willing to share with them “the treasures of grace received.�

As Knights, we are called to share those treasures in very concrete ways. ‌ We have the potential for sharing with others the glimpse of Christ that we have received, in a way that gives credibility to the good news that we preach. — Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Homily, Feast of the Transfiguration, Aug. 6 OCTOBER 2019

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Opening Business Session

Order Expands Aid to Iraqi Christians

FIVE YEARS AFTER ISIS wreaked havoc in the lives of Iraqi Christians, displacing thousands and destroying their ancient communities, the Knights of Columbus is increasing its support of suffering Christians in the region with two new initiatives.

A new “Adopt-a-Parish” project, announced by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson in his annual report (see page 26), will connect local councils with the 82 Catholic parishes in Iraq. Councils will commit to support their adopted community for at least two years. ♦ COLUMBIA ♦

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In addition, the Order has committed to helping the Syriac Catholic Church rebuild its cathedral in Qaraqosh, which was heavily damaged during the 26 months ISIS held the Iraqi town. More than $1 million will go to restoring the cathedral and to support programs for Syriac Catholic refugees, including $250,000 to the Syriac Catholic Church in the United States.

Since 2014, the Order has contributed more than $25 million to help persecuted Christians and others targeted for genocide in the Middle East.

Patriarch Ignatius Joseph Younan (pictured here), head of the Syriac Catholic Church of Antioch and also a member of the Order, thanked the Knights in remarks at the Supreme Convention’s opening business session Aug. 6.

“When many forgot about us, you did not. Your prayers and financial contributions and your advocacy on our behalf have helped us to survive in spite of terrible persecution,” Patriarch Younan said. “And we will not forget you — most especially in our prayers and gratitude.”♦

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Above: Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson delivers his annual report during the 137th Supreme Convention’s opening business session Aug. 6. • Clockwise, from below: Sir Knights of the Marquette Province present the national colors. • Fred Armstrong and Le Nguyen, state warden and state treasurer of the District of Columbia, stand during the presentation of colors. • A priest holds a prayer card featuring a portrait of the Order’s founder, Venerable Michael J. McGivney, while reciting the prayer for his canonization.

A Call to Civility EDITOR’S NOTE: To sign a civility pledge or learn more about this initiative, email civility@kofc.org.

ST. AUGUSTINE wrote: “Love all men, even your enemies; love them, not because they are your brothers, but that they may become your brothers.� How much more should his words apply to those who are our brothers!

Christ said people would know we are Christians by the way “we love one another.â€? These days, how often is love the guiding principle of discussions over Catholic issues? ‌ We are Knights of Columbus. We are Knights of unity. I ask all of you, indeed all Catholics — especially those with a public platform — to embrace a greater civility. This is not to say that anyone should avoid telling the truth. We should proclaim the truth with conviction, love and principled arguments. There is no room for personal attacks that impugn the motives or persons of those with whom we disagree. ‌ Let all know we are Catholics by our love for one another. And in the words of Pope Francis, let our “communion in charity‌ lead the nations to faith and to be a prophetic sign of God’s will that the human family, wounded and estranged by sin, be restored to unity and peace.â€? — Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Remarks at States Dinner, Aug. 6 OCTOBER 2019

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States Dinner

ON OCT. 13, POPE FRANCIS will declare Cardinal John Henry Newman to be a saint. This evening I’d like speak about what we Christians can learn not only from Newman’s holy life but also from his teachings. ‌ John Henry Newman, who lived from 1801 to 1890, was immensely successful as an Anglican professor at the University of Oxford, and he had the comfort of lifelong security in his position there.

He enjoyed the esteem of the rich and powerful. ‌ But on Oct. 9, 1845, he gave up all of that, and became a Catholic, joining the ranks of the despised losers in society, recently persecuted, and still subject to harassment.

He did this because he had the courage of his convictions. Despite his own personal anti-Catholic prejudices, he was convinced by honest study of the Scriptures and the early Christian writers that the Catholic faith was true. ‌ Newman always sought the truth, and so should we. In fact, he eventually asked that his epitaph be “From shadows and illusions into the truth.â€? He never could accept ♌ COLUMBIA ♌

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the idea, common in his day and very common in ours, that religion is mainly a matter of personal taste: some prefer this belief and some prefer another. ‌ We learn from Newman that we need to know our Catholic faith, which is the true guide for our life in this world of ever-shifting trendy ideas, some of which are as deeply troubling as they are popular. We serve the Holy Spirit, not the spirit of the age. And although Christians need to adapt the way in which they proclaim the Gospel and faith to the diverse cultures in which they live, the substance of Christian

faith and life comes from the Gospel, not from any earthly society.

The Knights of Columbus does a great service in supporting the teaching of the faith. ‌ We need to have the courage of our convictions to profess our faith in a hostile society, as Newman did, and let the chips fall where they may. In Newman’s case, he had to leave his beloved Oxford, lost most of his friends, and set out at the age of 45 into an uncertain future. Today as well, many people can lose their livelihood by being true to their conscience. We must be ready, with clarity and charity, to stand up for our faith in the public square, and that is another way in which the Knights of Columbus serves our Lord and his Church. ‌ The Knights of Columbus fulfills one of the chief teachings of Newman, that the laity must be fully engaged in the evangelization of the world. At a time when many thought that the clergy did the evangelizing, and the laity were supposed to be passive, Newman taught that lay people are to be active evangelizers

‘From Shadows Into the Truth’

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Kendrick Castillo Posthumously Named a Knight, Awarded Caritas Medal

through their role in the secular world. ‌ The Knights of Columbus magnificently fulfils Newman’s vision of the laity, working in harmony with the bishops and the priests, actively engaged in winning the world for Christ. ‌ Newman could see plenty of corruption and incompetence in the Catholic Church. But despite all that, he never regretted his decision to become a Catholic, which was made not because he admired Catholics, but because he realized that the Catholic faith is true.

That is another thing that we should learn from Newman: our life as Catholic Christians does not depend on the goodness or the intelligence or the integrity of our fellow Catholics, including priests and bishops. Though most of them are faithful, they have sometimes been a disgrace. No, we depend upon Jesus Christ, and the Church which he established, in which he comes to us in word and sacrament, and the faith which it professes, which leads us home to the heavenly Jerusalem. — Cardinal Thomas C. Collins, archbishop of Toronto, keynote address at States Dinner, Aug. 6

AN 18-YEAR-OLD student who gave his life to save his classmates during a shooting at his Denver high school was posthumously named a Knight of Columbus and also awarded the Caritas Medal at the Supreme Convention Aug. 6.

Kendrick Castillo, who grew up volunteering with his father, John, and other members of Southwest Denver Council 4844, planned to join the Order after graduating from high school. He was killed May 7 when he charged a shooter at STEM School Highlands Ranch; his courageous act helped disarm the gunman and prevent other fatalities.

Recounting Kendrick’s generosity and heroic witness, Supreme Knight Anderson did something unprecedented — he proposed granting him membership in the Order during his annual report (see page 31).

The delegates resoundingly affirmed the proposal.

Later that day, John and Maria Castillo accepted the Caritas Medal on their son’s behalf at the States Dinner. The award was established in 2013 to recognize “exemplary works of charity� and includes a medal featuring an image of the Good Samaritan; Kendrick is the fourth recipient. “This award recognizes those who most profoundly embrace our Order’s principle of charity,� the supreme knight said. “Kendrick lived — and died — by this principle.�

John Castillo said of his son, “He was a selfless individual who cared about other people. All of the Knights here tonight have a part in that. ‌ Our Knights community had a lot to do with Kendrick’s upbringing — men of faith, charity, honesty, caring for the weak.â€?♌

Above: John Castillo speaks after he and his wife, Maria, accept the Caritas Medal on behalf of their late son. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and Supreme Chaplain William Lori presented the medal, the Order’s second-highest honor. • Top left: The host delegation (foreground) waves the Minnesota flag as Knights and family members display their state flags and sing during the States Dinner Aug. 6.

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New Native American Initiative Announced rice Henry Sands, a longtime Knight.

Father Sands joined other Catholic Native Americans at the convention.

Members of the Pueblo of Laguna, N.M., performed a traditional Eagle Dance before the States Dinner, and Father Sands blessed the meal in the indigenous Ojibwe language.

The following day, Cardinal James Harvey celebrated a votive Mass of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, which was preceded

by a procession of the saint’s relic.

The Order’s new initiative encourages local councils to engage with Catholics living on reservations and tribal lands, and includes plans for a new St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine outside of Gallup, N.M. Ground was broken Aug. 11 on the project, a collaboration between the Order, the Diocese of Gallup and the Southwest Indian Foundation.♌

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS has launched a new initiative focused on Native Americans and First Nation peoples. Announced by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson in his annual report, the initiative seeks to reach communities that, he said, “too often are ignored� (see page 18).

The Supreme Council is collaborating with the Black and Indian Mission Office, which is directed by Father Mau-

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Votive Mass of St. Kateri Above: Cardinal James Harvey, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrates the votive Mass of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Aug. 7. • Bottom left: Eagle dancers of the Pueblo of Laguna, N.M., lead a special procession with the relic of St. Kateri before the Mass. The relic was carried by Father Maurice Henry Sands, executive director of the Black and Indian Mission Office. • Below: Angela Riley from the Pueblo of Laguna, N.M., holds the relic.

“AT DIFFICULT MOMENTS in the Church’s life, the pursuit of holiness becomes even more urgent. And holiness is not a question of age; it is a matter of living in the Holy Spirit, just as Kateri Tekakwitha did here in America and so many other young people have done.”

These words of St. John Paul II, pronounced at World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002, continue to resonate in our hearts as we discover more and more how holiness is what our world needs today. …

Kateri suffered greatly because of her choice to live as a Christian.

This made her an outcast. Her family refused her access to food on Sundays because she gave importance to prayer and thanksgiving on the Lord’s Day rather than working in the fields. She was threatened with torture or death if she did not renounce her faith in Jesus Christ.

So she fled and traveled more than 200 miles toward Canada, through forests, rivers and swamps, to reach the mission of St. Francis Xavier, on the south shore of Montréal along the St. Lawrence River.

There she lived a life of service and prayer and gave evidence of her faith. …

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American to be canonized,

was able to radiate the joy of the Gospel in her daily life, not because it was easy but because she was filled with the Spirit of God and lived in communion with Jesus.

Brother Knights, brothers and sisters in faith, can this be said of you and me? … Holiness is the answer to a renewed missionary Church. May the Lord finish in us what he has begun.

— Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, Homily, Votive Mass for St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Aug. 7 OCTOBER 2019

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Awards Session Honors Exemplary Knights, Programs FOUR INTERNATIONAL program awards, as well as other honors for outstanding individual achievement in charitable outreach, membership growth and retention, fraternal leadership, and insurance sales, were given Aug. 7 at the annual Supreme Knight’s Awards Session.

Faith

Nasidman, a small island in Visayas, was losing its Roman Catholic identity. It had no Catholic churches, and religious sects were beginning to grow in popularity. Members of Our Lady of Fatima Council 10953 in Iloilo made it their mission to promote the Catholic faith and help their parish priest with any work he needed done. In less than a year, Catholicism has once again blossomed on the island. Council 10953 led the community in building a new Catholic chapel and holding popular devotions, including praying the rosary. Residents also began bringing their children to be baptized with the help of the Knights.

(two councils tied for first place)

Father Frank Colacicco Council 4060 in Danville, Calif., resolved to better the lives of their incarcerated brothers and sisters. Partnering with a Catholic nonprofit, members of Council 4060 facilitated visits between women imprisoned in nearby Dublin and their children. Maintaining contact with their mothers also helped the children, alleviating anxiety and shame over separation and leading to improvements in their schoolwork.

St. Bonaventure Council 7432 in Calgary, Alberta, gathered 2,000 fellow members of St. Bonaventure Parish for a Consecration to the Holy Family during the 2018 Christmas season. The council promoted the consecration with a robust communications campaign: Social media messages, emails, posters and bulletin announcements prepared the congregation for this prayer invoking the protection and intercession Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Community

Knights from Holy Family Council 10992 in Sparta, Mich., began sponsoring a small dance for local high school students with special needs in 2007. Today, the biannual “Best Prom Ever” event attracts 1,600 guests from all across Michigan, and special needs students attend for free. The council ensures that they receive the full prom experience: contracting a limousine service to offer free rides and working with local stylists and formal wear vendors to provide free services. As many as 200 volunteers, most of them members of Council 10992, plan and execute each event — decorating, setting up the buffet, checking in guests, waiting tables and serving as trained medical staff.

Life

Following the announcement at the 135th Supreme Convention that the Order would expand its aid to persecuted Christians and rebuild the town of Karamles, Iraq, St. John the Baptist Council 10305 in Fort Calhoun, Neb., set a goal of raising $10,000 to help rebuild five homes. The council organized several events to raise funds and awareness, including a reception with Syriac Catholic Bishop Yousif Habash and Gabriel Jabbour, a Syrian Catholic who escaped from an ISIS prison; a Syriac rite Mass at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha; and a dinner and auction at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish.

In the end, the council donated $163,000 to the Order’s Christian Refugee Relief Fund.

Family

Leading General Agents: Kevin Pierce of Oklahoma (227% of his quota) and Robert Abbate of Virginia (182% of quota).

Leading Field Agents: Young Tran of the Kennedy Agency in Oregon (702% of quota) and Michael Wilson of the Baca Agency in California (453% of quota).

Top recruiters: William Harrison of George Preca Maltese ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

Council 17070 in Windsor, Ontario, was recognized as the top recruiter for 2018-19 for the Order’s insurance territories, signing up 105 members; Danilo Leonor Martinez of Molo Council 5028 in Iloilo City, Visayas, was recognized as top recruiter for the Order’s non-insurance territories for signing up 1,703 members.♦

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Supreme Knights’ Awards Session

K of C International Family of the Year Spreads Faith, Builds Community Joseph and Nicole Krebs are the parents of eight children, ages 1 to 18. Each of the members of this busy domestic church, named the 2019 International Family of the Year, is also active in the parish — contributing to a vibrant community at St. Mary’s in Albany, Ore. Joseph Krebs, a member of Albany Council 1577 since 2016, leads several council initiatives, including the Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest and the Holy Family Prayer Program. He has also served as the council’s family director and is an usher at St. Mary’s. “My Catholic faith has got stronger since joining the Knights, and I pray more,� Krebs said. “Being a Knight really helps me be a better husband and father by combining the church, community and family all together.�

Together, Joseph and Nicole have assisted with a variety of parish and council activities, including the Stations of the Cross, Shrove Tuesday and summer festivals, an annual Easter egg hunt, K of C canned food drives and breakfasts,

community open mic nights and the inaugural FatherDaughter Night.

Nicole is also a teacher’s aide for St. Mary’s third grade religious education class and co-founded a Little Flowers Girls’ Club, which has grown to become one of the largest ministries in the parish.

Joseph and Nicole have opened their hearts as godparents and confirmation sponsors to other parishioners. They also sponsor children in Guatemala and India, funding their education, food and medicine through the nonprofit organization Unbound.

The Krebs children have learned from their parents’ example. Many have served in leadership roles at Vacation Bible School, confirmation retreats, the summer parish festival, the middle school and high school youth group, and the Little Flowers Girls’ Club.

The oldest son, Cal, 17, said he is impressed by his parents’ focus on keeping the faith. “Seeing my dad in the Knights of Columbus,â€? he said, “I want to become a Knight myself.â€?♌

Top: Joseph and Nicole Krebs, with six of their eight children, visit the Peavy Arboretum near Portland, Ore. Not pictured are their two oldest, Isabel and Cal. OCTOBER 2019

♌ C O L U M B I A ♌

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Memorial Mass

IN THE GOSPEL just proclaimed, Jesus says to us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me” (Jn 14:1).

Yet, so often our hearts are troubled; so often they are filled with anxiety and sorrow. …

Our unity as Knights is indeed an antidote to those feelings that can and do beset us. … Our unity is realized most profoundly when we gather for holy Mass, which gives fullest expression to our shared belief in the communion of the saints. …

I often wonder, and perhaps you do as well, how so many people try to go it alone, without a relationship with the Lord, without the strength of the sacraments, without the support of a faith community, and without the friendship of the saints. For all our technical interconnectedness, far too many people are disconnected from authentic life and love.

We are truly blessed as members of the family of the Knights of Columbus to be united in Christ with one another and with those who have gone before us. … Let us also resolve, here and now, to take our Savior at his word when he says to us, “Let not your hearts be troubled.”

— Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, Homily, Memorial Mass, Aug. 8

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

From top: State deputies from Mexico carry the Martyrs of Christ the King Reliquary, which contains relics of 38 Mexican saints and blesseds, including six saints and three blesseds who were Knights of Columbus. • Deputy Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly reads the necrology of bishops and K of C leaders who died in the past year. • Relics of the Knights of Columbus Mexican martyrs, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Jean Vianney, St. John Paul II and St. Kateri Tekakwitha are displayed at the memorial Mass Aug. 8.

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Business Sessions

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" " !" "! " " " " " "! " " "!

Two New Board Members Elected DURING THE AUG. 7 business session, convention delegates elected two new members to the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors. Each will serve a three-year term starting Sept. 1.

Supreme Director Antonio BaĂąuelos, 46, is a past state deputy of Iowa (2017-2019).

A Knight since 2005, he has served as grand knight of Father Tom Pfeffer Council 14267 and faithful navigator of Pope John Paul I Assembly 3377, both in Des Moines. BaĂąuelos, an IT analyst and architect, is also active in Hispanic ministries within his diocese.

From top: Supreme Advocate John A. Marrella reads proposed resolutions during the closing business session Aug. 8. • Minnesota State Deputy Marc E. Peters addresses delegates to express appreciation for the work of Knights in the host state. • Supreme Secretary Michael J. O’Connor (right) talks with State Deputy Paul R. Lee of Iowa. • Supreme Knight Anderson holds the greeting from Pope Francis while giving closing remarks to the convention.

Supreme Director Sean E. Halpain, 63, is a past state deputy of Arizona (20162018). He has been a Knight for 35 years, serving in leadership roles at the council, district and state levels. He is currently a member of Father Marcel Salinas Council 11536 and St. Timothy’s Assembly 3029, both in Mesa, Ariz. Halpain works as a project and inventory manager in the semi-conductor industry.♌ OCTOBER 2019

Antonio BaĂąuelos

Sean E. Halpain

♌ C O L U M B I A ♌

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Annual Report of the Supreme Knight Minneapolis, Minnesota • Aug. 6, 2019

M

y brother Knights: The priest surely felt excitement as he set out on his journey. Sailing north up the great river with his companions and fellow explorers, he did not know what he would find. But he did know that he was a man on a mission.

By the time he returned, he had traveled these parts and named the local falls after St. Anthony of Padua. And despite a tough experience that included captivity, he preached the Gospel to people who had never heard it. Father Louis Hennepin was a true pioneer for the faith.

The priest who followed him, a century and a half later, took a similar path.

This man also knew little of the place where he was headed. Shortly after he arrived, he began to build a chapel on a bluff by the river.

He named the church after St. Paul, and around that chapel sprang a mighty city. Father Lucien Galtier was also a man on a mission and a pioneer. To this day, he is called the “pioneer priest.”

Only a few years later, another priest embarked on an uncertain voyage — but this man never traveled up the Mississippi River, nor came here to Minnesota.

His journey was on the East Coast, in a port town that was rapidly changing.

Like many other families, he lost his fa ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

ther at an early age. After he was ordained, he found other leaderless families and too many rudderless men. ey needed someone to light their path.

And so, Father Michael McGivney became a pioneer as well.

He set off into the unknown — and where he led, others followed. His mission led him to the basement of St. Mary’s Church. There, Father McGivney and a group of “go-ahead” Catholic men made a decision that

changed the course of history.

They banded together to protect their families, improve themselves and preserve the Church. They pledged to each other their honor, integrity and mutual support. They declared themselves trailblazers in a new kind of brotherhood — one devoted to charity, unity and fraternity — one that would be distinctly Catholic, uniquely effective and pioneering in spirit.

The Order they forged has flourished

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Above: Supreme Knight Carl Anderson gives rosaries to students at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Panama City, Fla., Nov. 6, 2018.

He also presented a $75,000 contribution to help recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael. • Opposite page: A detail of a painting by Douglas Volk, circa 1905, depicts Franciscan Father Louis Hennepin naming St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis. ever since. Today, it is my honor to stand before you, their fraternal descendants, from across the nation and the world. As your supreme knight, I welcome you to the 137th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus.

When Father McGivney envisioned the Knights of Columbus, he saw a band of brothers who looked beyond themselves. He called the men of his time to look up, to the Lord. And he also inspired them to look out — to their families, their parishes and their communities.

Our founder knew that we are strongest when we stand united. That is why the Knights of Columbus are “Knights of Unity.�

It has been said that there is strength in numbers. By that measure, the Knights of Columbus is mightier than ever.

Today, our Order unites 1,989,016

million men. Men like John Marsili.

John served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. After he came home, he became active in his parish.

And that led John to us. He said, “It was an easy segue from the brotherhood of the Marine Corps to the fraternity of the Knights of Columbus.� After joining online, he got in touch with his local council. Leaders like John will keep the Knights of Columbus growing and thriving well into the 21st century.

Men join the Knights because they are inspired by what they see — and who they meet, and what they can do.

And as we continue to recruit, men like John are the future of our Brotherhood and the Catholic Church.

On that score, over the past year, we added more than 2,800 new college Knights and formed 16 new college

councils, bringing us to a total of 390 college councils overall. At a time when many college men are leaving the Church, our college program shows young men that there is a more excellent way — a way of faith that leads to a life of service.

Last year, we also expanded the ranks of our Patriotic Degree, bringing us to a new record of more than 368,000 members. This growth reflects a simple truth: If you put your faith into action, if you believe in charity, unity and fraternity, then you should also believe in the freedom that makes them possible.

As history attests, Knights are patriots.

The Knights of Columbus continues to grow internationally. As Pope Francis has said, it is our duty to “build unity in diversity.� We are doing exactly that in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, South Korea and France.

OCTOBER 2019

♌ C O L U M B I A ♌

YET AS WE LOOK OUTWARD, we must also look inward. In the United States, as well as Canada, there are communities that too often are ignored.

That is why we are launching a new initiative focused on Native Americans in the United States and First Nations people in Canada. ♌ C O L U M B I A ♌

OCTOBER 2019

This reflects our mission as “Knights of Unity.� After all, some indigenous peoples of North America embraced the Catholic faith long before many of our ancestors set foot on these shores.

In Canada, a young man converted to Catholicism in 1637. Known as the “apostle� to his people, he translated

French hymns and prayers into his native Huron language. At the age of 38, Joseph Chiwatenwha was martyred for his Catholic faith.

Only a few years later, in New York, a young Mohawk woman gave her heart to Christ as a 19-year-old. She passed away five years later. After her death, her face,

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once scarred by smallpox, suddenly became clear and radiant. Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American saint.

Other indigenous people embraced the truth over the centuries. Some North American tribes trace their lineage of faith back nearly 400 years. Others have come more recently. In the 1840s, Jesuit Father Augustin Ravoux preached the Gospel here in Minnesota, publishing the Catechism in the language of the Sioux and praying with them in their mother tongue.

The Ojibwe tribe, many of whom still live here, continues to have a strong Catholic population.

And in nearby South Dakota, a Lakota Sioux who fought at the Battle of Little Bighorn, and later witnessed the carnage at Wounded Knee, left his life as his tribe’s medicine man to become a Catholic catechist who baptized hundreds of his fellow tribesmen. Like Father McGivney, Nicholas Black Elk’s cause for canonization is now proceeding.

Today, in the United States, as many as one in four Native Americans are Catholic. And yet, in many ways, these brothers and sisters in the faith have been forgotten.

Knights of Unity I have seen this firsthand in the reservations and pueblos I have visited in Arizona and New Mexico, and again last March, at a listening session attended by many tribal representatives. Despite many hardships, neglect, and a history of brutality toward them, still they hold fast to our Catholic faith.

Soon the universal Church will turn its attention to one particular chapter of this history during the Synod on the Amazon. In doing so, we will better appreciate the words of Pope Pius X. He said this: “When we consider the crimes and outrages … committed against them, our heart is filled with horror, and we are moved to great compassion.”

As Knights of Columbus, we are so moved.

We recall the words of Pope Francis that “each culture that receives the Gospel enriches the Church by showing a new aspect of Christ’s face.”

And also, those words of St. John Paul II, who said on a visit to Canada that “not only is Christianity relevant to the Indian peoples, but Christ in the members of his Body is himself Indian.”

Their story is an important part of the story of Catholics in North America, and it is part of our own identity as Catholics on this continent.

In many ways, our Order has already taken action to support Native American Catholics.

For example: Members of Our Lady of the Sea Council 7272 in Gulf Breeze, Fla., traveled to Arizona to renovate the St. Anne Mission on the Navajo Reservation. The Knights also completed a house, enabling a local family to move out of a tent. Even after they left, our brother Knights sent new winter coats to the reservation through our Coats for Kids program.

Such inspiring acts of service are not uncommon. Now our entire Order will build on this foundation.

This Sunday, in a new partnership between the Knights of Columbus, the Diocese of Gallup and the Southwest Indian Foundation, we will break ground on the new St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine. It is our hope that in the years to come this St. Kateri Shrine will become a national spiritual home for Native Americans and for all Catholics in North America.

And in the months ahead, we will find new ways to work with the Black and Indian Mission Office as well as to encourage our local councils to become more engaged with Catholics living on

reservations and tribal lands.

When I met with Pope Francis in February, we discussed the Knights’ intent to increase outreach to Native Americans. I also gave the Holy Father a chalice made by Navajo master craftsmen, as well as other gifts from the American Southwest. Pope Francis expressed his enthusiastic support for our efforts.

When it comes to showing respect for Native Americans and First Nations people, the Knights of Columbus will show the way forward. We will be true Knights of Unity.

At the same time, we will continue to be Knights of Charity. That is why we are launching another new initiative — one focused on the crisis on America’s southern border.

As Catholic men and family men, we are all deeply concerned for the plight of the refugees who have fled their homelands into ours. Their need is great — but the compassion of our brother Knights is greater still.

Individual Knights and local councils have already provided food, water, and clothing, as well as rented showers, to refugees in the region. Today, I am pleased to announce that our entire Order will support these efforts. We are prepared to commit at least $250,000 immediately in humanitarian aid for refugees to the southern border.

We are prepared to expand it, with additional resources, to help those in refugee camps in every border state — including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Let me be clear: This is not a political statement. This is a statement of principle. This is about helping people who need our help right now. It is a natural and necessary extension of our support for refugees across the world. It shows our nation and the world that where there is a need, there is a Knight to answer it. And on our southern border, the Knights of Columbus will be there.

Opposite page: A mosaic of St. Kateri Tekakwitha is pictured at the Saint John Paul II Shrine in Washington, D.C. OCTOBER 2019

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

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IN ALL THAT WE DO, the Knights of Columbus must be a force for good — and leaders in charity.

For Father McGivney, charity started close to home.

The young priest from New Haven had learned this truth firsthand. His father died while he was in seminary, forcing him to return home to take care of his mother and younger siblings. Ultimately, the charity of others secured a scholarship that allowed him to finish his seminary studies.

Michael McGivney knew better than most why care of the widow and the orphan is a Christian duty.

Father McGivney knew something equally important — that his parishioners were called to be a caring community — brothers and sisters who were willing and able to help each other. And from his distinctly Catholic understanding of fraternal community arose a brotherhood of Catholic men that, within a few short decades, would sweep across North America and in time would cross both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to bring his unique vision to Catholics in Asia and Europe.

Father McGivney knew that unity was essential to the creation of a distinctly Catholic mutual support system — mutual support that would one day become Knights of Columbus Insurance. We must always remember that Father McGivney could have easily directed his parishioners to the insurance companies that already existed in Connecticut. But he wanted something different — something with a Catholic difference. In time that Catholic difference would become known as “insurance by brother Knights for brother Knights.”

Once again, we are ranked on the Fortune 1000 list of America’s largest companies. With more than $109 billion of insurance in force, nearly $9 billion in annual sales, and more than $26 billion of assets under management, we always remember that our Catholic difference is key to our success.

And we remember as well that the reason for that Catholic difference is to benefit our members and their families.

Last year alone we provided more than ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

$1.1 billion in benefits. This includes $441 million in death benefits, $489 million in dividends and surrender benefits, and we credited $206 million in interest on annuities.

Fundamental to the success of our insurance program is the dedication and

And our agents serve their communities no matter where they come from.

Young Tran and his family arrived in America from Vietnam in the 1970s, with only $20 in their pockets. ey worked hard to build a life here, and Young has also built his faith. He became

Insurance & Investments professionalism of our agents.

That’s certainly the case with Doug Supak, a Texas field agent for more than 40 years. Last year, we inducted him into our Insurance Hall of Fame.

On that occasion, Doug spoke about what he’s seen over the years — and who he’s helped.

A few years back, Doug sold a life insurance policy to a local rancher. It was a difficult sale — mostly because of the long distance he had to travel, but he was able to get the job done. And his timing was perfect. Only two months later, the rancher passed away, leaving behind a large family. They were nearly forced to sell the ranch — but what saved the ranch was their Knights of Columbus insurance. Thanks to Doug Supak, that Knight’s legacy and his family’s future are secure.

Another agent I was with earlier this year is Joe Spinelli. He and his dad, Jim, sell our insurance in Florida. After Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, I saw firsthand how Joe and his dad helped organize relief efforts.

They show that our agents are central to their communities and committed to lives of service — no matter what comes their way.

a Knight 13 years ago, and in 2011, he started selling Knights insurance.

Today, Young Tran is our Order’s topselling field agent. But as Young says, he doesn’t see himself simply as an agent but as someone who “transforms people’s lives.”

Pope Francis has said, “It is important that ethics once again play its due part in the world of finance.”

This is exactly the guiding principle of Knights of Columbus Insurance. It is also the guiding principle of Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors.

Launched more than four years ago, Asset Advisors helps dioceses, religious orders and Catholic organizations make ethical investing decisions with the same skill and professionalism that guide our own investment choices.

Since that time, Asset Advisors has grown to more than $750 million in assets under management. Asset Advisors now is used by dozens of dioceses, religious orders and state and local councils.

Two months ago, we also launched another groundbreaking financial service: the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund.

This program sponsors donor-advised funds designed to help Catholic

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institutions, members of our Order, and other Catholics more effectively direct their charitable giving.

Our Charitable Fund accepts contributions that are safe, secure, confidential and potentially tax deductible. And like Asset Advisors, the Knights of

Columbus Charitable Fund can only be used to benefit groups and causes that are in line with Catholic values.

It is one more sign that as a business, the Knights of Columbus can successfully compete and thrive in the financial marketplace.

Below: A 1989 portrait of Venerable Michael McGivney, by artist Richard W. Whitney, with an image of St. Mary’s Church, the birthplace of the Knights of Columbus.

OCTOBER 2019

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

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FOR FATHER MCGIVNEY, our charity started with protecting the financial security of families. But it did not stop there. The Knights of Columbus continues to grow in service to our fellow man and our faith. In all that we do, we prove that unity amplifies charity. When we join together, we can accomplish far more good for others.

I thought of this last December as we observed President George H.W. Bush’s funeral. I recalled his 1988 speech when he listed the Knights of Columbus as one of those “thousand points of light,” making our country stronger through our daily work.

But I would add one thing to the late president’s description. We are not just one point of light. In our united efforts we are nearly 2 million points of light.

And this past year was our brightest yet.

Over the last year, Knights made charitable contributions of more than $185 million.

In the last year, we also dedicated more than 76 million hours to volunteering.

Through our Coats for Kids initiative, we gave out more than 117,000 coats to needy children.

Through Food for Families, we raised more than $9.6 million and provided more than 11 million pounds of food.

In partnership with Global Wheelchair Mission, we continue to give others the gift of mobility, benefitting 8,664 people last year.

We’ve now supported the Special Olympics for more than 50 years, donating nearly $5 million last year to that worthy cause.

And this year, more than 200 service members, their families and volunteers participated in our Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage. Once again, we helped our wounded heroes experience healing at Our Lady’s Shrine in France.

We should all be impressed by this good work. But we should also be proud of the brother Knights who make it possible.

Each dollar donated and every hour served comes with a story — a story of service and a story of sacrifice.

Over the past year, we introduced ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

Charity some of our Order’s most inspiring men through a new video series, titled Everyday Heroes. We adapted the series into a documentary program that was broadcast on ABC affiliates across the United States. And starting this fall, we’ll debut a second season of Everyday Heroes online.

These men will continue to inspire us all to grow in charity, unity and fraternity — so that all of us can become the everyday heroes we are meant to be.

Knights don’t just step up in ordinary times. Our courage comes to the fore in extraordinary moments — especially in times of trial.

Two years ago, our hearts broke as hurricanes and wildfires battered so many communities. This past year saw little reprieve. To help those who lost so much, we devoted $2.7 million to disaster relief.

After Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, we were on the ground providing thousands of meals and other critical support. I traveled to Panama City to deliver a camper trailer to a priest whose rectory had been destroyed, and we gave $100,000 to help rebuild his church. Overall, we donated more than half a million dollars to help Florida families recover.

Knights are often the first on the scene in the wake of disaster. This was true when torrential floods hit the Midwest this spring; when a hurricane hit North Carolina; when tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Ohio; and when wildfires ravaged Northern California. It is a powerful reminder that when disaster strikes, the Knights of Columbus strike back with service.

Where there’s a need, there’s a Knight — lending a helping hand in a spirit of service and sacrifice.

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Clockwise, from top: Father Michael Nixon, pastor of St. Dominic Church in Panama City, Fla., shows Supreme Knight Anderson the damage to the parish youth center caused by Hurricane Michael, Nov. 6, 2018. • Ecuador celebrates winning the Special Olympics Unified Cup at the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics in Chicago July 20, 2018. • Supreme Director Arcie Lim gives a high five to a girl at a Coats for Kids event in Edmonton, Alberta, in November 2018. • A boy receives a wheelchair through the Order’s collaboration with the Global Wheelchair Mission during a distribution in the Diocese of Thanh Hoå, Vietnam, in November 2018.

OCTOBER 2019

♌ C O L U M B I A ♌

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International THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS are champions of charity — not just in the United States, but in every country where we are present.

This is certainly true in Canada.

Over the past year, Canadian Knights donated $19 million and 5.7 million hours to charity.

Last April, in the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, the local government proclaimed “Knights of Columbus Week,” stating that our Order is renowned for our “quiet acts of charity.”

Knights celebrated this special week by serving their community — they served meals to the homeless, raised $5,000 for Special Olympics, and refurbished a Habitat for Humanity supply store.

In Mexico, one council hosted an event to feed and clothe more than 300 needy people while another council raised money for the construction of a local seminary and parish church. And every council joined together to host a pilgrimage to Christ the King Mountain with an icon of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians. More than 1,000 members and their families joined in the procession and Mass.

Across the Pacific, South Korea now has the world’s fastest-growing Catholic population, and when I visited the country in April, I challenged our growing community of Knights to join in their country’s historic role in the evangelization of Asia. To that end, Knights in South Korea established a Peace Refugee Center to serve people who have fled violence across the world.

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

And in the Philippines, Knights continue to serve with excellence — especially in times of sorrow. In January, a terrorist attack struck Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo. It left 23 people dead, including three Knights. In the wake of that barbaric attack, our brother Knights in the Philippines held a Triduum for Peace, and Knights throughout the world joined them to pray for the victims.

And across the Atlantic, our Order is growing in size and impact.

I saw this firsthand last October, when the Board and I traveled to Poland. It was a pilgrimage dedicated to St. John Paul II on the 40th anniversary of his election as Pope. To celebrate this historic event, Knights led and participated in numerous events across the country. It was also the 100th anniversary of Poland’s independence, and our Order was at the forefront of many patriotic commemorations.

I also had the opportunity to meet with the president of Poland. He thanked the Knights for our charitable contributions to his country.

In Lithuania, Knights are helping address children’s health care needs, providing legal aid and advice to parishioners, and much more. They also played a central role in Pope Francis’ visit to their country last September.

In Ukraine, the Knights deserve special mention for helping those who suffer in the ongoing war with Russia.

They held summer camps for the children of veterans, visited hospitals where the wounded are being treated,

and repaired the home of a family who lost their sons in battle. I have met with their wounded veterans and with their Gold Star mothers. Our entire Order joins them to pray for a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The last country I will mention is France, where this year our brother Knights came face-to-face with disaster.

It was only four short months ago that Notre-Dame Cathedral suffered a catastrophic fire that destroyed its roof and threatened to destroy the entire ancient structure. By the grace of God, and the skill of first responders, the cathedral still stands. Its greatest treasures are also safe. Father Jean-Marc Fournier, chaplain of the Paris Fire Brigade, rushed into the blaze to recover the Blessed Sacrament and the Crown of Thorns. To him, we are grateful.

The Knights in France proudly support the cathedral’s reconstruction.

They have already printed and distributed more than 50,000 prayer cards that show the famous statue of Our Lady of Paris. Knights everywhere join with them to pray for a full and faithful reconstruction. May the Cathedral of Notre-Dame once again blaze, not with fire, but with a vibrant, living faith.

Also, in France and around the world, our Order mourned the loss of our dear Canadian friend, Jean Vanier.

Jean was the founder of L’Arche, a movement for people with intellectual disabilities. In 2005, I presented Jean with our highest honor, the Gaudium et Spes Award.

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Culture of Life

Supreme Knight Anderson, Virginia State Deputy Edward Polich (left) and local Knights present the Order’s 1,000th ultrasound machine donation to Alexandra Luevano, director of the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Manassas, Va., in January 2019. Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington blessed the machine.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, through countless acts of charity, aďŹƒrms the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death. î “is service is fundamental to our principle of unity. And nowhere is our commitment more obvious — and today more important — than in our stand for the sanctity of unborn life.

Over the past year, Knights joined and led pro-life marches across America and many other countries. Without a doubt, we are one of the strongest voices for life in the world.

We also continue to place ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers across America. Ten years ago, we set a goal to place 1,000 ultrasound machines. In January, we met that goal. Our ultrasound initiative is now the greatest humanitarian achievement in the history of the Knights of Columbus.

But we are not done. We will not rest while so many children’s lives are still at stake. Let us continue this great work so that every community will have access to life-saving ultrasound services.

We can, and I am confident that we will, save millions of unborn lives. But pro-life is not only a matter of charity.

It is also a matter of justice.

Today, the pro-life cause is moving forward. In state after state, we are passing commonsense, pro-life bills to protect the innocent unborn.

And Minnesota is a leader in this pro-life effort. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has enacted the Born Alive Infant Protection Act and the Woman’s Right to Know Act. This state requires informed consent, mandatory counseling and a waiting period, parental notification and increased availability of ultrasounds. The state of Minnesota is a national leader in protecting the unborn child’s right to life.

Why is the cause of life winning? î “e answer is simple — the American people agree with us. î “e overwhelming majority of Americans say that extreme abortion policies have no place in our country.

Earlier this year, we commissioned a nonpartisan poll using the wellrespected Marist Institute for Public Opinion.

We found that 8 in 10 Americans say abortion should be limited to — at most — the first three months of pregnancy. That includes 65 percent who describe themselves as “pro-choice.�

And if the Supreme Court revisits Roe v. Wade, about two of every three Americans want the court to allow states to restrict or ban abortion.

These numbers speak loud and clear.

And it is time for our elected officials to listen.

If politicians continue to ignore the scientific evidence that ultrasound

technology now makes available, and if they continue to ignore American public opinion, then perhaps they should retire from office.

And if they refuse to retire, then perhaps they should be retired by the voters — especially Catholic voters.

Pope Francis has said that “human life is sacred and inviolable� and that using abortion is like hiring a hitman.

Each year, for nearly five decades, every supreme knight has come before this annual meeting and spoken in defense of the unborn child.

Every supreme knight has committed to the delegates of our Supreme Convention to work to protect the innocent unborn against the scourge of abortion.

And so again today, I pledge to you — the Knights of Columbus will never abandon the field. We will stay at the forefront of this noble cause.

My brother Knights, the day is coming when Roe v. Wade will be overturned. The day is coming when we will march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the steps of the Supreme Court, not in protest but in celebration. That day is coming when America will once again embrace life.

So, let us go forward together, sure in our step and confident in our hope that the Lord of life is also the Lord of history — and that he will grant us the victory.

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Late last year, the Knights also played a pivotal role in the unanimous passage of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act. That bill, which the president signed in December, will provide humanitarian relief for victims of genocide in Iraq and Syria.

Last fall, we also entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Agency for International Development in a new public/private partnership to establish a greater level of support for the Christian communities in Iraq.

religious liberty. And I can report to you that our leadership in this area is widely recognized and respected.

The combination of our financial support and policy advocacy is providing relief to Iraq’s Christians. As I mentioned last year, the Knights of Columbus helped the town of Karamles rebuild after its liberation from ISIS. We provided some $2 million, and as one of the town’s priests said, “Ninety-seven percent of the restoration of homes and church buildings came from the Knights of Columbus.�

Aiding Persecuted Ch And last month, I joined Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to address the State Department’s Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.

The Ministerial brought together government representatives from more than 100 nations and private sector leaders from around the world to advance

Last year, I reported to the delegates of our convention that we needed $1 million to finish the McGivney House, a 140-unit apartment building for Chaldean and Syriac Christian families.

The response was tremendous. I am proud to report that we have exceeded our goal and McGivney House is open.

What the Islamic State did was evil when, five years ago today, it captured the Christian towns of Qaraqosh and Karamles. But it was not the last word.

As I’ve already said, the Knights of Columbus has helped rebuild Karamles, and we are now helping to rebuild the cathedral in Qaraqosh. This year, we have committed more than $1 million to support Syriac Christian refugees and rebuild the Syriac Cathedral in Qaraqosh, Iraq. These refugee efforts have been organized by the Syriac Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan, who is here with us today on this fifth anniversary of assault by ISIS. Your Beatitude, we are deeply grateful for your courageous witness as a brother Knight and shepherd of your people, and we are proud to support you.

SO, TOO, WE WILL CONTINUE our efforts to save our fellow Christians in the Middle East.

Here as well, this is not only a matter of charity. It is a matter of unity — and it is a matter of justice.

In May, the British Government released a terrifying report. It concluded that persecution of Christians around the world is at “near genocide levels.�

We see that clearly in the Middle East, where Christianity is now on the verge of annihilation. Simply look at Iraq.

Over the past 15 years, the Christian population there has plummeted from one and a half million to about 120,000.

When I met with Pope Francis earlier this year about this crisis, he told me that “the Middle East without Christians is not the Middle East,� and he strongly encouraged us to continue our work.

I recently traveled to Iraq where I saw firsthand the difficulties facing Christians there — and the difference the Knights of Columbus is making.

Since 2014, we have committed more than $25 million to help persecuted Christians and others targeted for genocide in the Middle East. We provide food, housing, education and medical care for tens of thousands of displaced people. I heard time and again on my trip to Iraq: “Without the Knights of Columbus, our Christian community would not have survived.�

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ed Christians

Despite all we’ve done, Iraq’s Christians still suffer. Now, we are launching a new project known as “Adopt-aParish.� This initiative allows councils to directly support the parishes spread across Iraq. It requires a two-year commitment on the council’s part. I hope that many of our councils will adopt an Iraqi parish in need.

Our fellow Christians throughout the world also need our prayers. This year,

we will continue our Marian Prayer Program with the icon of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians. I urge every council to bring this program to their parish.

The road ahead for our Christian brothers and sisters is long and dangerous. But the Knights of Columbus will be there with prayers and support. We will work to ensure that Christianity has a future in the lands where it first flourished.

Above: Supreme Knight Anderson visits McGivney House with Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, Iraq, March 1, 2019. • Opposite page: Pope Francis blesses an image of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians, the centerpiece of the current K of C Marian Prayer Program, at the Vatican on Nov. 16, 2018.

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AS KNIGHTS, WE ARE not only called to help preserve the faith in the Middle East. In this challenging time, we are also called to renew and strengthen the Church in our own countries.

St. John Paul II told us, “A new state of affairs ‌ in the Church ‌ calls with a particular urgency for the action of the lay faithful.â€?

We cannot run away or stand on the sidelines.

We must do our part.

As we strive to renew our Church, we must remember that this renewal starts within our own hearts. ♌ C O L U M B I A ♌

OCTOBER 2019

That message was brought across the United States this year through our nationwide relic tour of the incorrupt heart of St. Jean Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. Some 300,000 people in 99 dioceses participated in prayer and veneration, and I’m pleased to announce that we will sponsor this tour in the major dioceses of Canada in the coming months.

We are grateful to the Shrine of St. Jean Vianney in France for making this tour possible.

Our faith is at the very heart of who we are and all we do. That is why, one

year ago, we launched the Faith in Action program model. By now, I trust that every council has introduced this concept to its members and begun to implement it. It is one of our most important initiatives.

Faith in Action provides councils with an unprecedented number of activities, spread across Faith, Family, Community and Life. It covers many of the charitable projects that I have discussed today.

And it also includes many opportunities for families to be a part of our Order’s work. Pope Francis has said, “The family is the fundamental locus of

Father Mark Ivany, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington, leads seminarians in prayer before the heart relic of St. Jean Vianney at the Saint John Paul II Seminary in November 2018.

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Defending the Faith

the covenant between the Church and God’s creation.” The foundation of Faith in Action is our determination to strengthen Catholic family life.

St. John Paul II called the Christian family a “domestic church.” That insight is key to our efforts to evangelize family life and to transmit the Catholic faith to our children and grandchildren.

We began with our Building the Domestic Church initiative. Last year we added our men’s spirituality program titled Into the Breach. Now, this year we are expanding this to reach husbands and wives through a marriage spirituality

program titled Complete My Joy. I urge every council to take up these three initiatives and to work with their chaplains to make these materials widely available.

A basic responsibility of every family — and especially the Christian family — is the protection of their children. I am proud of the way in which our councils have implemented our Safe Environment initiative.

I am also proud to announce to you that earlier this summer, we released as part of our Protecting Our Children program a new video for parents titled Protecting Our Children: A Family’s Response to Sexual Abuse.

The video recounts the story of a Knights of Columbus family whose son was victimized by sexual abuse and how this courageous brother Knight and his wife responded. Their story is shocking, but it is also inspiring and empowering.

I urge every Knight to view it and to share it with his parish. It is available for free on our website. This is one more important way that we can continue to build the family as a domestic church while strengthening our parishes.

Recently, Pope Francis has called for an “apostolate of prevention” to protect children from sexual abuse. This is precisely the goal of our new video — parents helping parents protect their children.

During the past year, I have heard many times how Faith in Action is helping our councils grow. Knights are becoming better men, better husbands, better fathers, better citizens and better Catholics. I ask every council to fully implement Faith in Action.

But make no mistake: As we live out our Catholic faith, we will be challenged.

Father McGivney stepped forward to meet the challenges of his day. He knew firsthand the bitter reality of prejudice and the cruel impact of “No Catholic Need Apply.”

To bring an end to the anti-Catholicism in America was one of the reasons so many men joined the Knights of Columbus. It’s why so many early members of the Knights of Columbus sought public office. It’s why so many Knights of Columbus cheered when one of our own members — Gov. Al Smith of New York — became a candidate for president in 1928 and then later when brother Knight John F. Kennedy was elected president of the United States.

We must always remember the tremendous efforts and courage required to overcome the bigoted contention that Catholic faith made a citizen “unfit” for public office. The anti-Catholicism confronting Kennedy’s campaign was at one point so ferocious that Rabbi Maurice Bloom of New York said that it reflected “the spirit of apartheid in South Africa” and “the spirit of the segregationists” in the South.

Historians have suggested that Kennedy’s election represented the “mainstreaming” of Catholicism in America. ey said that our country had turned the page on prejudice against Catholics.

But, sadly, I must report to you that there are those who would turn back the clock, and they are on the rise.

Consider a few of the most egregious attacks.

Two years ago, a prominent U.S. senator interrogated a nominee for the OCTOBER 2019

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Supreme Officers pray at the tomb of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko in Warsaw, Poland, in October 2018. achievements of the past are stolen from us and from our children’s children. We will not allow the real extremists to turn back the clock.

We shall meet this present danger with fortitude, and though the test may be severe, we will endure it. As our Church teaches that our fortitude cannot be separated from justice, we will stand this test not only for ourselves, but for all those of faith whose liberties now or in the future may be threatened.

As Knights of Unity, we stand for the innate worth and dignity of every human being. No exceptions.

Our support for human dignity has taken many forms.

It means supporting religious freedom and standing with those persecuted for their faith in the Middle East and around the world.

It means supporting the right to life of every person — including the unborn.

It means supporting those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

And it means standing against racism — which the Knights of Columbus has always done.

We admitted our first African American member in the 19th century, and he rose to a leadership role in a council in Massachusetts. We provided integrated service centers for American troops in World War I and contributed importantly to Black History in the 1920s.

And today, we support our bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

We continue to affirm a world where all are created equal, and we continue to work for a world where all are equal under the law — whether black or white, born or unborn, Christian or non-Christian.

These examples only scratch the surface of how we practice our faith and live out our principles. The Knights of Columbus has a story to tell — a story of 137 years of service, sacrifice and standing for truth.

Our Brotherhood is taking new steps to tell that story to the world. This fall, we will introduce a new campaign to show more people what we do and why we do it. We will explain Why We Are Knights.

federal judiciary during her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. The politician questioned whether the nominee, a Catholic mother of seven, was fit for the bench, warning her that “the dogma lives loudly within you.�

A similar incident took place this past December.

Two other U.S. senators confronted another Catholic nominee — this time, a brother Knight. The attack was leveled during his Senate confirmation hearing.

Saying that his membership in a Catholic organization that defends the family and the right to life disqualifies him from being a federal judge, one of the senators even pushed him to resign his membership in the Knights of Columbus. He was not the only brother Knight so questioned.

Have our elected officials forgotten that the Constitution of the United States forbids a religious test for public office?

And even more recently, a fourth U.S. senator claimed that only pro-choice candidates should be nominated as judges. This politician further said the pro-life side “is not acceptable� in modern society. She claims that being prolife is the same as being racist.

In other words, once again Catholics need not apply.

But as history shows, what may start with Catholics will not end with Catholics. In 1960, John F. Kennedy said, “While this year it may be a Catholic against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed, in other years it has been, and may someday be again, a Jew — or a Quaker or a Unitarian or a Baptist.�

And then he continued, “If this election is decided on the basis that 40 million Americans lost their chance of being president on the day they were baptized, then it is the whole nation that will be the loser.� Today, America now has more than 70 million Catholics, and if we cannot participate in public life because of our core beliefs, then surely it will be our nation that is the loser.

But we will never let that happen. My brother Knights, I pledge to you that we will not sit idle while the great

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Conclusion MY BROTHER KNIGHTS: The times call for men who put their faith in action. The times call for men who are proud of their heritage as Catholics, who see the value that their contributions have made to the history of their countries, and continue to make to their communities today. The times call for men who are Knights.

And so, we will strive as we always have: as leaders and as pioneers.

We are men called to a mission, and we will take our Brotherhood to new and unexpected places.

Our mission is timeless. Our societies need more than ever men of faith and fortitude — men willing to serve their family, community, church and country.

And so, we are called to forge a new generation of pioneers.

The Knights of Columbus will continue to grow in size and impact as we continue to embrace our founding ideals in new and renewed ways.

Our brotherhood will continue to flourish if we continue to embody the selflessness that defined our forefathers and still defines the best men of our day.

As I stand here today, one young man stands out in my mind.

On a bright Tuesday morning in May, he woke up as if it were just another day.

He went through his normal morning routine, packing his bag and heading off to school. His high school graduation was only a few days away.

But that afternoon, everything changed.

As he sat at his desk, another student entered his classroom and pulled out a gun.

Our young man had only an instant to decide — and then to act. He charged the attacker.

His courage distracted the gunman, giving his classmates time to escape. But his bravery came at a terrible price. He was shot, and he was the only person who died that day.

The hero’s name was Kendrick Castillo.

In the days that followed, the world learned that Kendrick was a faithful Catholic with a heart of gold. His father is one of us. Together, the two of them volunteered for a combined 2,600 hours.

He said Kendrick “wanted to be a Knight of Columbus because he wanted to help not only people, but his community.”

And in his last moments, Kendrick Castillo did both.

His parents, John and Maria, are here with us today.

This evening we will posthumously present Kendrick with the Knights of Columbus Caritas Award.

This award recognizes those who most profoundly embrace our Order’s principle of charity in their service and sacrifice for others. He is only the fourth recipient of this award.

Kendrick wanted to join the Knights and he had his First Degree marked on his calendar.

And so today, we will do something unprecedented.

I now ask the delegates here assembled to stand. And I now ask: “Shall we grant Kendrick Castillo full membership in the Knights of Columbus?”

My brother Knights, we have made a momentous decision. Kendrick wanted to join the Knights of Columbus to be more like us. By your acclamation, you have told the world that we want to be more like him.

We may never be called to give up our lives to save others.

But we are all called to give of our lives for others every day.

Few men gave more to the Knights of Columbus than did Father Michael McGivney. After founding our Order, he traveled tirelessly to promote it, helping recruit members and form councils.

Father McGivney profoundly changed lives.

As Pope Benedict XVI said during his visit to the United States, Father McGivney’s vision was “rooted in faith and a spirit of constant conversion and selfsacrifice.”

Father McGivney represented, the pope said, “the secret of the impressive growth” of the Catholic Church on our continent.

Standing here, I see what Father McGivney saw, so many years ago.

I see men of courage — leading, protecting and strengthening their families and their communities.

I see men of conviction — deepening their faith, devoting themselves to their parishes and drawing other good men to join with us.

And I see men who are — in a very real sense — pioneers. The vanguard of the Knights of Columbus. Behind you and beside you, stand many more — uniquely called and united in purpose.

I cannot tell you how far we will go in the years ahead.

But I can promise that through our unity, we will continue to rise in charity and fraternity.

And as we extend the hand of brotherhood, we will continue to transform the world around us — a world that needs more, not less, of the truth and witness that define all those who call themselves Knights of Columbus.

Vivat Jesus!

OCTOBER 2019

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K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S N E W S

K OF C ITEMS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

Columbia Receives 19 Catholic Press Awards

IN THE UNITED STATES THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC.

Official council and Fourth Degree equipment 1-800-444-5632 www.kofcsupplies.com IN CANADA ROGER SAUVÉ INC.

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J O I N T H E FAT H E R MCGIVNEY GUILD

!

Please enroll me in the Father McGivney Guild: NAME ADDRESS

Above: The opening spread of “A Lifeline for Persecuted Christians” • Left: The back-cover portrait

CITY

photo of Sister Christiana Marie Rene.

STATE/PROVINCE ZIP/POSTAL CODE Complete this coupon and mail to: The Father McGivney Guild, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or enroll online at: www.fathermcgivney.org

OFFICIAL OCTOBER 1, 2019: To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 371492, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, Place d’Armes Station, P.O. Box 220, Montreal, QC H2Y 3G7 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.

COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.

CANADIAN POSTMASTER — PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 50 MACINTOSH BOULEVARD, CONCORD, ONTARIO L4K 4P3 PHILIPPINES — FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL AT THE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIES TO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA.

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

OCTOBER 2019

THE CATHOLIC PRESS Association of the United States & Canada recently honored Columbia with 19 awards — six first-place, three secondplace, seven third-place and three honorable mentions.

The awards recognized content published in 2018 and were presented June 21 at the annual Catholic Media Conference in St. Petersburg, Fla. For the fifth consecutive year, Columbia was chosen as first place for “Best Coverage, Religious Liberty Issues.” This year’s trio of entries consisted of the September cover story “A Lifeline for Persecuted Christians”; “Return to the Land of Modern-Day Martyrs” by Inés San Martín, also in the September issue; and “The Last Martyr of Mexico” by Juan Guajardo (April). Judges stated, “These three compelling articles remind us that martyrdom is always with us.”

The magazine’s “Fathers for Good” column series placed first as the “Best Regular Column on Family Life.”

Three articles from Columbia’s July 2018 issue celebrating the 50th anniversary of St. Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae received first-place honors for “Best Explanation of Marriage.”

A collection of articles about K of C hurricane disaster relief in Puerto Rico and Texas in the March and December issues, respectively, and the social crisis of sex trafficking (February) placed first for “Best Coverage, Disaster or Crisis.”

The back-cover photo of Sister Christiana Marie Rene (November) by J. Craig Sweat also received a first-place award for “Best Single Photo, Portrait.”

To view the full list of Columbia’s 2018 award-winning content, visit kofc.org/columbia.

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K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S

Knights of Charity 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.

College Knights from councils in Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas and Florida join Mexican fellow pilgrims at the Church of the Fifth Apparition in Mexico City, the first stop on the Camino de San Juan Diego, a walking pilgrimage in the footsteps of the saint.

Their journey culminated in a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which houses the miraculous image of Our Lady imprinted on St. Juan Diego’s tilma, or cloak. The pilgrimage was part of a mission trip co-sponsored by the K of C and FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

TO BE FEATURED HERE , SEND YOUR COUNCIL’ S “K NIGHTS IN A CTION ” PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO : C OLUMBIA , 1 C OLUMBUS P LAZA , N EW H AVEN , CT 06510-3326 OR EMAIL : KNIGHTSINACTION @ KOFC . ORG .

OCTOBER 2019

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K E E P T H E FA I T H A L I V E

‘I FELT AN INNER PEACE AND HAPPINESS.’ I attended Catholic school in Ghana, and the missionary priests there were my role models. Their authentic joy and unconditional love attracted me to religious life, and I had a growing desire to respond to God’s love through service to the poor.

As I continued my studies and began my career as a teacher, I made time to pray and attend daily Mass. Still, I asked myself, “What next? What am I to do with my life now?� A spiritual director helped me to deepen my prayer life and listen more to God. One day, I was meditating on the verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope� (Jer 29:11).

An online search led me to the Oblate Sisters of Providence, and I began corresponding with the vocation director. Despite the long distance, I felt an inner peace and happiness that I might join the congregation one day.

Thanks be to God, I made my first profession in August 2019!

SISTER MARY PAULINE TAMAKLOE Oblate Sisters of Providence Baltimore, Md.

PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.