Columbia September 2010

KNIGHT S OF C O LUMBUS

S EPTEMBER 2010

COLUMBIA

Brother André 1845-1937

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SEPTEMBER 2010 ♦ VOLUME 90 ♦ NUMBER 9

COLUMBIA F E AT U R E S

7 Broadcasting Faith Catholic television communicates the Gospel message to a world longing for truth and hope.

BY MARY BETH NEWKUMET

12 St. Joseph’s Humble Servant Brother André Bessette of Montreal will soon become the first Canadian-born male saint.

BY MARC NADEAU

17 America’s Catholic Founder Although his story is little known today, Charles Carroll played an important role in founding the United States.

BY JOSHUA MERCER

20 Our Mother, Our Model The dogma of the Assumption helps us to understand our vocation and destiny as Christians.

BY MSGR. CHARLES M. MANGAN

22 A Challenge to Charity In India, violence and state laws are significant hurdles for religious freedom.

St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is pictured in Montreal. Blessed André Bessette, a Holy Cross brother who will be canonized Oct. 17, inspired the basilica’s construction, which began in 1924 and was completed in 1967, some 30 years after Brother André’s death.

BY BRIAN DOWLING

D E PA RT M E N T S 3

Building a better world Assisting our neighbors in Haiti reflects the call to respond with charity to those in need.

BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

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Learning the faith, living the faith

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New Supreme Secretary, Supreme Treasurer and Supreme Directors Announced • Order Launches Initiative to Help Haitian Children in Need

The first three commandments pertain to our duty to love God with our entire being.

PHOTO: Stéphane Larivière

BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI

PLUS Catholic Man of the Month

Knights of Columbus News

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Knights in Action

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Columbianism by Degrees

SEPTEMBER 2010

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A Poor and Humble Servant VISITORS TO St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal find the words “Pauper Servus et Humilis” at the tomb of Blessed André Bessette. These words, taken from St. Thomas Aquinas’ eucharistic hymn Panis Angelicus, are an apt description of Brother André, who was truly a “poor and humble servant.” This diminutive Holy Cross brother sought no recognition for himself, yet he became known as a living saint during his lifetime and will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 17 (see article on page 12).

Brother André not only grew up poor, he also embraced his vow of poverty. He wore his clothing until it was falling apart and handed over all donations to his superiors, without showing even the slightest curiosity as to the amount given. He was a model of service, obedience and humility as well. Uneducated and of poor health, he did not mind being considered the lowest member of his community. He served as the community’s porter, or doorkeeper, and gladly undertook many menial tasks from morning until night.

Because of his devotion, he quickly gained a reputation for sanctity. In addition to laboring long hours, Brother André spent a good deal of time in silent prayer each day. He also regularly visited and prayed with the sick and disabled, and as many as 10,000 healings were attributed to his intercession during his lifetime. Nonetheless, he would grow impatient with visitors who attributed to him the power to work miracles. Rather, he said, “The Good God makes the miracles, St. Joseph obtains them, and I am

only the wire which transmits their blessings.”

Brother André’s life and ministry were, in fact, inseparable from his love for St. Joseph. In addition to seeing Joseph as a friend and powerful intercessor, Brother André saw the saint’s silent, obedient devotion as something to be emulated. One of his closest friends, Joseph Olivier Pichette, once explained, “St. Joseph had lived a hidden life and [Brother André] viewed this as an example to follow.” During public events, Pichette said, “Brother André was present only by obedience and in a very discreet manner.” Even during his time in community, he usually only listened and smiled, believing he had nothing worthwhile to add to the spiritual discussions of the educated priests and brothers.

Brother André died Jan. 6, 1937, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, with Pichette and some Holy Cross brothers praying at his bedside. In the days that followed, an estimated 1 million people came to visit his tomb, an event unprecedented in Canada’s history.

Ultimately, Brother André’s life demonstrates that authentic holiness consists of recognizing our own weaknesses and allowing God to act in and through us. As we celebrate the canonization of Brother André, let us ask his intercession and turn to St. Joseph, so that we too may grow closer to God and serve our neighbor in a spirit of poverty, obedience and humility.

ALTON J. PELOWSKI MANAGING EDITOR

Knights of Columbus Book Club — September 2010 THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS, instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church, are the subject of Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi’s most recent book The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith (Ave Maria, 2010). Join Msgr. Vaghi, a member of Potomac Council 433 in Washington, D.C., for an online discussion of the book — the second in a four-part series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church — in late September. For more information, or to submit questions, visit kofc.org/bookclub.

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COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Dennis A. Savoie DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Emilio B. Moure SUPREME SECRETARY Charles E. Maurer Jr. SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski alton.pelowski@kofc.org MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Scalisi patrick.scalisi@kofc.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Brian Dowling brian.dowling@kofc.org CREATIVE & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ________ GRAPHICS Lee Rader DESIGN

Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. ________ HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 PHONE 203-752-4398 FAX 203-752-4109 E-MAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

________ Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER Brother André Bessette (1845-1937) is pictured in an undated photo.

COVER PHOTO: Archives of St. Joseph's Oratory

E D I TO R I A L

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

Giving Hope to Haiti’s Children Assisting our neighbors in Haiti reflects the call to respond with charity to those in need

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson WHEN A massive earthquake struck Knights at both the state and local level Haiti in January, it killed a quarter mil- have been generous in supporting our lion people and injured even more. relief efforts for Haiti and in donating Some of the youngest victims lost the to Knights of Columbus Charities. most — with around 800 children losHowever, there is still more to do. ing an arm or leg.

We learned that Project Medishare — lution and fled to New York City with If this happened in the United the group that runs the hospital in the family he served.

With his income, he bought his sisStates or another developed nation, Port-au-Prince — needed about $1 medical services and prosthetic limbs million to supply a prosthetic limb for ter’s freedom, as well as the freedom of would be provided. This is not the case every child who lost an arm or leg in many others, although he chose to rein Haiti. For the hundreds of Haitian the earthquake. With this financial as- main a slave until he was released in children who lost a limb in the earth- sistance, they can also supply new pros- 1807. A married layman, he spent his quake, there was little hope of living a thetic limbs and two years of physical life assisting orphans, schools, the Church and the underprivileged. normal life. therapy as the children grow.

Today, in the wake of the earthquake, Recently, a video produced by the In response, the Knights of ColumGlobal Wheelchair Mission premiered bus Board of Directors has launched Haitians face different challenges, including hunger, homelessness at the 128th Supreme Conand lack of medical attention. vention, held in Washington, Like Venerable Pierre TousD.C. It included the story of For the hundreds of Haitian saint, Knights do not simply a young Haitian woman at recognize that the suffering the Knights of Columbus children who lost a limb in the people in Haiti have physical wheelchair distribution in earthquake, there was little needs that we can help alleviHaiti earlier this year. She lost ate. The practice of charity, the her entire family in the earthhope of living a normal life. first principle of the Order, quake; she also lost her home also helps to meet spiritual and, more importantly, a leg. needs as we make a gift of ourAlthough she had been treated too late to receive a wheelchair, a new initiative, called “Hope for selves to our neighbors.

In 1852, a year before Pierre Tousshe was undeterred, and prayed to God Haiti’s Children,” with the promise to that more people would come to help. provide every child in Haiti who has saint died in New York, Michael J. When I, along with other K of C lost an arm or a leg in the disaster McGivney was born about 70 miles representatives, met this woman last with the prosthetics and physical ther- away in Connecticut. Father McGivney may have never heard of Pierre April and presented her with a wheel- apy they need. chair, we were moved by her situation, It is a once–in-a-lifetime charitable Toussaint — but they shared a combut we were even more moved by her opportunity, and the Knights of mon vision. The lives of both were personally transformed by Jesus prayers. She did not simply pray for Columbus are honored to help. material necessities, but instead saw In undertaking this work in Haiti, Christ, which allowed them to see the God as the provider of gifts through the Knights have an excellent example potential for Catholic laymen to put people, people who give. in Pierre Toussaint, a Catholic who was their faith into action.

Today, we follow their example as a The Knights of Columbus has al- a true model of charity during the 18th ready distributed about 1,000 wheel- and 19th centuries. Born into slavery force for good, as helpers of those in chairs to those injured in Haiti, with in Haiti, young Toussaint suffered up- need.

Vivat Jesus! even more on the way. And brother heaval at the time of the Haitian revo-

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

Loving God Above All The first three commandments pertain to our duty to love God with our entire being

by Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS are like an “owner’s manual” for our humanity. Far from being arbitrary or outdated, they are God’s way of helping us know how we should live so as to attain true happiness and fulfill the purpose of our existence. What they teach can be known, however imperfectly, by reason.

They universally apply to people of all times and places.

Jesus Christ reaffirmed the truth of the Ten Commandments not only by what he said and did but also by his very identity as the eternal Son of God. By assuming our human nature and becoming one of us, he revealed the Father’s love. He revealed us to ourselves and showed us who we truly are in the sight of God. The commandments are thus crucial not only in our human development, but also in our response to the many ways God calls us to share his life and love.

‘I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD’ Asked by a young man how to attain eternal life, Jesus told him to keep the commandments and then to follow him (see Mt 19:17, 21). We can “rediscover” the truth and permanent validity of the comThe 30th installment of Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori’s faith formation program addresses questions 434-454 of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Archived articles are at kofc.org.

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mandments by reflecting on how perfectly Jesus showed their fullest meaning (Compendium, 434). In Jesus, the good teacher, the commandments are summed up in loving the Lord with all one’s being and loving one’s neighbor as oneself (435; see Mt 22:37-40).

The Ten Commandments — also called the “Decalogue” or “ten words” — are a summary of the law given to Moses as part of God’s covenant with the people of Israel. The first three commandments pertain to love of God, and the remaining seven pertain to love of neighbor. Taken

break others. Although weakened by sin, we are enabled to keep the commandments because of the grace of Christ given to us by the Holy Spirit (438-441).

We turn now to the first three commandments, which regard our duty to love God with our entire being. The first is this: “I am the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods before me.”

Here, we acknowledge the only true and living God through the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. Through faith, we believe in God and reject deliberate doubt or unbelief, false teachings (heresy), the total reBoth as individuals and as a pudiation of the Catholic faith (apostasy), and the willful sepacommunity of faith, we are to ration of oneself from the adore and worship God alone.

Catholic faith (schism). The virtue of hope “trustingly awaits the blessed vision of God and his help” while avoiding despair or together, the commandments show us presuming that God will reward us no the path to freedom from sin so that we matter what we do. Charity “loves God can truly love God and neighbor in purity above all things” and thus rejects every of heart (436). Indeed, the command- form of ingratitude and indifference toments are not mere rules. What God asks ward God’s love. It also rejects laziness in of his people is that they express their our spiritual life and, above all, hatred of gratitude by doing what is right and God born of pride (442). good, in turn becoming the people he WORSHIPPING IN created them to be (437).

Following Jesus, the Church recognizes SPIRIT AND TRUTH the fundamental importance of the com- Both as individuals and as a community mandments and teaches us to follow of faith, we are to adore and worship God them. The Church also helps us see how alone. We do so in private prayer and in they are interrelated and pertain to our the celebration of the sacraments, most duties toward God and our neighbor. especially the Mass, and by giving praise Breaking one commandment can seri- to God by how we live. Our human digously weaken our love and dispose us to nity demands that the sincere search for

LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

God and one’s response to him must be carried out in freedom (443-444).

The worship of “false gods” forbidden by the First Commandment can take the form of power, money or pleasure, as well as demon-worship. Superstitious beliefs are also opposed to authentic religion. In our day, God is often profaned by ridiculing religious faith, and there is an aggressive atheism that seeks to discredit those who profess belief. With “practical atheism,” meanwhile, a person decides that not much can be known about God and then proceeds to live as if God did not exist (445). Forbidden also are idols or false images of God. This does not include things such as images of the Trinity

HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS

Offered in solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI GENERAL: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.

PHOTOGRAPH OF POPE: CNS photo/Paul Haring — RUIZ: Photo by Troi Santos

MISSION: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

or statutes of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints; these are not worshipped but simply serve to remind us of heavenly realities (446).

The Second Commandment forbids us to take God’s name in vain. The name of God is itself holy and worthy of all praise. When someone shows contempt for God’s name (blasphemy) or uses God’s name as a curse rather than a blessing, God is dishonored. This commandment also forbids us to swear by God’s name (447-448).

The Third Commandment tells us to “keep holy the Sabbath.” In the story of creation, God “rested” on the seventh day and asked his people to rest. Since Jesus

rose from the dead on Sunday, the Sabbath was changed to Sunday for Christians. We are to keep Sunday holy by avoiding unnecessary work and by attending Mass (450-453). Deliberately missing Sunday Mass violates both the Third Commandment and the first precept of the Church. Simply put, Christ in the Eucharist must be the center of our lives, and that cannot happen if we are absent from Sunday Mass. Finally, as citizens and believers we should do all in our power to preserve Sunday as a day of rest and worship.

By following the commandments in the spirit of the Beatitudes, may our lives truly be “a living sacrifice of praise.”♦

C AT H O L I C M A N O F T H E M O N T H

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (1600-1637) Memorial: Sept. 28 Lawrence (Lorenzo) Ruiz was born in the Philippines to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. Educated by Dominican friars, he served as an altar boy and sacristan in a church in Binondo, a Chinese enclave in the city of Manila.

He became a skilled calligrapher and a devoted member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. A layman, he married and had three children.

In 1636, Lorenzo was accused of murder and sought asylum among a group of Dominican priests traveling to Japan. Little did he know of the persecution awaiting Christians there under the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. Lorenzo and his companions were soon captured and taken to Nagasaki, where they suffered unspeakable tortures.

On Sept. 27, 1637, Lorenzo and the priests were taken to the “Mountain of Marytrs,” where they were hung upside down in pits. After two days, Lorenzo died.

When he was offered the chance to renounce the faith to save his life, he responded, “That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for him I will give many

thousands of lives if I had them.”

Between 1633 and 1637, 16 Christians gave their lives for the faith in Japan and so earned the martyr’s crown. Though many came to Japan from the Philippines, Lorenzo was the only native-born Filipino, and thus has the distinction of being the country’s first canonized saint and martyr.

Having left his family and homeland, Lorenzo Ruiz reminds us of Christ’s teaching that “everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life” (Mt 19:29).

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

New Supreme Secretary, Supreme Treasurer and Supreme Directors Announced ON MONDAY, Aug. 16, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson announced several significant changes in the top leadership of the Knights of Columbus.

Effective Sept. 1, 2010, Emilio Moure, who has served as supreme treasurer since October 2009, will become supreme secretary upon the retirement of Supreme Secretary Donald R. Kehoe. Charles E. Maurer Jr., who was appointed assistant supreme treasurer by the Board of Directors at its July 31 meeting, will become supreme treasurer.

Moure was elected to the Board of Directors in 2006 while serving as California state deputy and joined the Supreme Council staff as executive vice president of business management in April 2007 after a 23-year career as an executive at Emerson Electric Co. Maurer has been a member of the Board of Directors for nine years after serving as state deputy of Indiana from 19961998. A native of Richmond, Ind., he owns and operates a hardware business

Donald R. Kehoe

Emilio B. Moure

Charles E. Maurer Jr.

Former Supreme Secretary

Supreme Secretary

Supreme Treasurer

that has been in his family for 110 years.

Kehoe has served as supreme secretary since October 2007. He served as Virginia state deputy from 1990-1991 and joined the Supreme Council staff in 2000 after a 32-year career as an executive at the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C. In addition, delegates to the 128th Supreme Convention, Aug. 3-5, 2010, in Washington, D.C., elected two new members to the Board of Directors: Michael G. Conrad, past state deputy of

Nebraska 2008-10, and Luzon Deputy Alonso L. Tan. Retiring were Supreme Directors Alberto Solis of the Philippines and John Harrison of North Carolina.♦

Michael G. Conrad

Alonso L. Tan

Supreme Director

Supreme Director

“TODAY, I am proud to report to you that the Order’s Board of Directors has voted to provide every child in Haiti who has lost an arm or a leg with the prosthetic device they need,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson Aug. 3 during his report to the delegates at the 128th Supreme Convention.

Through the “Hope for Haiti’s Children” initiative, each child who lost a limb in the earthquake will receive three prosthetics and physical therapy over the course of a two-year treatment program.

The Order will provide more than $1 million for the program, and the University of Miami/Medishare Hos-

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pital will conduct the rehabilitation and fittings of the prosthetic limbs.

“Almost eight months after the devastating earthquake, we must not forget the children of Haiti, who still need our help and who continue to be so greatly affected by this disaster,” the supreme knight said during an Aug. 4 press conference, which was also attended by representatives of Medishare and the Global Wheelchair Mission.

“We believe that this program for the injured children of Haiti will not only alleviate their mobility issues in the near term, but will also provide real, concrete hope for their future,” the supreme knight said.♦

FACING PAGE: Photo courtesy Salt + Light

Hope for Haiti’s Children

BROADCASTING

FA I T H Catholic television communicates the Gospel message to a world longing for truth and hope

by Mary Beth Newkumet

n his last major document, an apostolic letter addressed to IPaulthose working in the field of communications, Pope John II wrote, “The Church is not only called upon to use the mass media to spread the Gospel but, today more than ever, to integrate the message of salvation into the ‘new culture’ that these powerful means of communication create and amplify” (The Rapid Development, 2005).

This is a mission that those responsible for major Catholic television initiatives throughout North America take very seriously.

From the youthful beginning of Salt + Light Television in Toronto, to the global reach of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in Irondale, Ala., to the revitalization of the CatholicTV Network in Boston, these works of grace vary in scope, size and audience. Yet, each has a special character; each is stewarded by people of great faith; and each has recognized the support of the local Church — including the Knights of Columbus — as a sign of the Lord’s initiative and providence.

Previous page: A Salt + Light crew is pictured at World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia. The creation of the Catholic television network in 2003 was inspired by World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto.

young Catholics can exhibit amid a culture of dissonance and despair. In 2003, he joined with others to create what he considered the natural next step following the Canadian World Youth Day experience: a medium that could bring the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to a weary world.

“As I look back, I see that none of our efforts were in vain and nothing from WYD 2002 would be lost,” said Father Rosica. “I can think of no better ministry to carry forth the message of World Youth Day than what has been entrusted to me with this particular mission — and I would never have dreamed it up in my wildest imagination.”

The personal response and enthusiasm of the young people on staff form the unique character of Salt + Light. “These are very intelligent, convincing and convinced Catholics, who are not RECOGNIZING A NEED afraid to give witness to their faith.

When Mother Angelica started And that’s what the world needs EWTN in 1981, she recognized a right now,” added Father Rosica. significant need to proclaim the At EWTN, the largest Catholic Good News of Christ — not so “The world of digital media network in the world, the much outside the Church, but heroic response of Mother Angelica within. In founding the network, communication, with and her sisters continues in an even she and the Franciscan Nuns of the its almost limitless more mysterious way. In 2001, Most Blessed Sacrament set out to Mother suffered a stroke that not offer Catholics the full life of the expressive capacity, only kept her off the air, but also Church from a studio adjacent to left her bedridden. EWTN Presitheir cloistered monastery in Ironmakes us appreciate all dent Michael Warsaw, however, dale, Ala. From the time of the more Saint Paul’s continues to recognize the ongoing EWTN’s inception, Mother Angelgenerosity of her prayerful response ica was focused on catechesis. “It’s exclamation: ‘Woe to the Lord’s work. not the purpose of this network to “We have a community of Poor be evangelistic in outlook,” she said to me if I do not Clare nuns, who, for the entire hisin a 1988 Columbia interview. preach the Gospel’ tory of EWTN have been praying “Our mission is to teach, to inspire, before Our Lord in the Blessed to bring the faith into the living (1 Cor 9:16).”

Sacrament 24 hours a day, seven room so that people know how to days a week, for the network and live their Catholicity.” its supporters,” explained Warsaw.

Helping parishioners live the full“That’s quite amazing, and it’s reness of their life with Christ was also ally the key to EWTN’s success.” the goal of Cardinal Seán P. O’MalFor Father Reed and CatholicTV, the personal response to ley when he arrived in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2003. Recognizing the need to strengthen the relationships between priests and Christ has come from helping to deepen the communion of their parishioners, the cardinal asked Father Robert Reed to oversee the local Church.

“To have the privilege of giving Jesus Christ to another person, the archdiocese’s television network — which was first launched to me it just encapsulates everything that a parish priest is supnearly 50 years earlier — with a renewed sense of purpose.

“My desire as director of the CatholicTV Network is to help posed to be,” he said. “That’s what we do at CatholicTV: We people connect more deeply, or to reconnect, with their parish connect people to Jesus.” communities,” explained Father Reed. “Everything we do begins GRASSROOTS SUPPORT with that motivation.”

Certainly, this need to connect also helped to inspire Basilian While each Catholic network and station has become fruitful Father Thomas Rosica to establish Salt + Light Television. As na- thanks to the support of the local Church, the practical assistional director and CEO of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, tance offered by the Knights of Columbus is seen as a special Father Rosica witnessed firsthand the hope and passion that confirmation of the mission of Catholic television.

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Photo courtesy of EWTN

“When I was appointed to this job after World Youth Day 2002, the Knights told me they would be with us, and they have been with us every step of the way,” said Father Rosica.

The Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation has received financial assistance from the Knights of Columbus, which in part has helped to produce popular documentaries about inspiring Catholics such as St. Gianna Beretta Molla, Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan and St. José Maria Escriva. A bilingual documentary on the life of Brother André Bessette is currently in production.

In addition to monetary support, Father Rosica, a member of Toronto Council 1388, also welcomes the friendship of the Order in Canada. “They are extremely supportive of all of our efforts here,” he said. “They go back and talk about Salt + Light throughout the country, and they get more people to subscribe to it, because this is paid television in Canada. With support from the Knights of Columbus, Salt + Light Television is really an instrument of the new evangelization.”

The Order has also supported EWTN from its inception with resources for both facilities and programming, particularly liturgies from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and meetings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“But even beyond the financial contributions, I think perhaps the greatest contribution has been the work that’s gone on at the local council level,” said Warsaw, who is a member of Father James E. Coyle Council 9862 in Birmingham, Ala. “Knights have raised awareness of EWTN and have assisted us in grassroots petition

Former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach Danny Abramowicz (right), with a team of co-hosts including Curtis Martin (center), hosts Crossing the Goal on EWTN. The program uses a sports show format to focus on men’s spirituality. drives to get EWTN launched on the local cable system.”

CatholicTV has also received invaluable grassroots help from the Order. For example, Knights have assisted with fundraising telethons, contacted local broadcast companies and participated in televised liturgies.

“The Massachusetts State Council has been incredibly supportive of us, both financially and in our various events,” said Father Reed, who belongs to Watertown (Mass.) Council 155.

All three networks not only broadcast pre-recorded K of C documentaries and programs throughout the year, but also provide live coverage of the Order’s annual Supreme Convention in August.

“EWTN is seen throughout the world, in the United States and Canada, Latin America, the Philippines and Poland, so there’s a tremendous amount of our viewing audience who are members of the Knights of Columbus,” explained Warsaw.

Televising the Supreme Convention each year helps to introduce potential members to the Order, he added.

Father Rosica agrees: “I believe that through Salt + Light Television, we are reaching out to a new generation of young people, and we are encouraging them to consider the Knights of Columbus in their future.”

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Basilian Father Thomas Rosica (right) and producers of Salt + Light Television discuss programming at the network’s studio in Toronto.

Much of Salt + Light’s programming, for instance, is available at the network’s website, saltandlighttv.org, including special offerings like the recitation of the rosary in French through a live uplink from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Meanwhile, as the network with the greatest reach, EWTN currently transmits nine separate full-time television channels around the globe and is also engaged in short-wave radio, terrestrial radio and full-time service on SIRIUS XM Radio.

“All our international and domestic channels are available as video streams online and have been since 1997,” said Warsaw, referring to the station’s expansive website, EWTN.com.

“Wherever technology offers opportunities to reach more and more people, EWTN has always been an early adopter.”

Recently, EWTN launched a new show called Crossing the Goal, which is hosted by former NFL player and coach Danny Abramowicz and focuses on the spirituality of men.

“The response to that has been overwhelming,” said Warsaw.

Photo by Joshua Lanzarini

AN EXPANSIVE MISSION In his message for the 44th World Communications Day, which was observed last May, Pope Benedict XVI wrote: “The world of digital communication, with its almost limitless expressive capacity, makes us appreciate all the more St. Paul’s exclamation: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel’ (1 Cor 9:16).”

At Salt + Light, the mission of evangelization expands as the network broadcasts programming in English, French, Italian and Chinese — all springing from the original witness of young people.

“Chinese young people worked with me on World Youth Day,” explained Father Rosica. “So now we have a whole Chinese division. They’ve done about 50 episodes of a magazinetype show for all of the Canadian Chinese Catholics in this country, and those shows are being used in Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China.”

Like the other networks, Salt + Light is also exploring new digital technologies and social media.

“We are not just limited to television,” said Father Rosica.

“Nowadays, we need to go to the ‘new areopagi’ of our day, which are all of those places where people are gathering.”

Photo courtesy of CatholicTV

“It’s practical, everyday advice for guys on how to live their faith: how to be better fathers, husbands and members of the Church.”

Always focused on the network’s original mission, Warsaw considers EWTN’s presentation of the Mass, rosary and other devotions to be its most important programming.

“We’re a sacramental Church, so everything we do as a Catholic media organization should be about pointing people back into being fully engaged in the life of their parish community and fully engaged into receiving the sacraments.”

At CatholicTV, Father Reed and his colleagues are also using the latest technologies to point men, women and children back to an active engagement with Christ. One of their most popular programs, Wow, is a Catholic game show with third-grade contestants who answer questions about the faith.

“The third graders and their teachers actually have the questions and answers to work on a month ahead of time with their parents, so it’s a learning experience for them in advance, and it’s a learning experience for our audience long after it airs,” said Father Reed.

Wow and other popular CatholicTV programming, such as We’ve Got to Talk with Father Dan O’Connell, can be

Father Robert Reed, president of CatholicTV, hosts a popular game show featuring third-grade students answering questions about the Catholic faith. watched in special 3-D episodes on the network’s website, catholictv.com. These offerings can also be embedded in parish websites.

“We even have a widget we call CatholicTV Junior,” Father Reed added. “It’s a free miniature version of our website, which parishes throughout the country can connect to.”

In addition, EWTN, Salt + Light and CatholicTV all share their programming with other Catholic television initiatives with an eye toward their universal mission.

As Father Rosica has pointed out, “No one of us has the hold on the new evangelization efforts in North America. We must work together in our efforts to sow seeds, build up the Church and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Catholic television must be at the service of the unity of the Church.”♦ MARY BETH NEWKUMET is vice president of Lumen Catechetical Consultants, Inc., a non-profit company specializing in communication for Catholic organizations. For more information, visit lifeaftersunday.com.

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S H

t. joseph’s umble servant

Brother André Bessette of Montreal will soon become the first Canadian-born male saint

by Marc Nadeau

I

n October 1921, a Columbia article titled “The ‘Miracle Man’ of Mount Royal” noted that “Knights of Columbus, 10,000 strong, made a pilgrimage to the Crypt of St. Joseph” earlier that year. The article, which praised the saintliness of the “humble lay brother” known as Frère André, prophetically concluded with these words: “Some day this church on the mountainside, successor to the little wooden

oratory of Frère André, will be the glorious basilica of St. Joseph, and the little miracle man of Mount Royal will probably be enshrined as the saint which every soul in Quebec believes him to be.”

Now, nearly 90 years later, Brother André Bessette will become the first Canadian-born male saint when he is canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 17, 2010.

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Brother André shared a close connection with the Knights of Columbus during his lifetime, and he serves as a model for Knights today as they grow in charity and devote themselves more closely to St. Joseph.

BROTHERS IN SPIRIT Brother André was born Alfred Bessette on Aug. 9, 1845, in SaintGrégoire d’Iberville, Quebec. He was the ninth of 13 children and suffered from many health ailments during his youth. Amid these periods of sickness, Alfred’s mother instilled in him a devotion to Jesus, Mary and Joseph — and he became the subject of misunderstanding and ridicule. At the age of nine, Alfred lost his father to a work-related accident. His mother died three years later of tuberculosis. Separated from his brothers and sisters, Alfred began living with an aunt and uncle, Timothée and Marie-Rosalie Nadeau of Saint-Césaire.

Although they probably never met, Brother André and the Knights’ founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, shared much in common as spiritual brothers. Both were born in the mid-19th century to poor families; both suffered from fragile health throughout their lives; and both devoted themselves to the poor and the needy.

Young Alfred Bessette even spent some time in New England states including Connecticut, where he labored in a textile mill before returning to Canada in 1867. A year later, Michael McGivney likewise traveled from Connecticut to Quebec, where he entered the Seminary of Saint-Hyacinthe, located about 40 miles east of what would become the site of St. Joseph’s Oratory on Mount Royal.

Alfred entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal on Dec. 27, 1870. His permanent presence in this teaching community seemed far from certain, especially given his frail health and lack of formal education. The latter was evident in the tasks he was given. Upon entering the community, Brother André became the doorman of Notre Dame College and also served as a nurse, barber, caretaker and even gravedigger.

Through his duties at the school, Brother André was asked to receive visitors, including many sick people seeking solace and help.

Françoise Deroy-Pineau wrote in her biography, Frère André, un saint parmi nous (Brother André, A Saint Among Us), “His job as a light maintenance man put him in charge of handling the oil that burned in front of the altar and certain statues, especially the statue of St. Joseph.” A symbol of faith and prayer when it is used by the sick, this oil would come to play a significant role in Brother André’s work. Like the St. Joseph medals that he carried, the oil often accompanied the healings and the miracles that Brother André attributed to St. Joseph’s intercession.

As word spread of a healing religious figure at Notre Dame College, people began to visit Brother André. At first, he greeted them at the school, which caused irritation among his colleagues and the

Previous page: A statue of Blessed André Bessette stands outside of St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal on the northern slope of Mount Royal. Brother André will become the first Canadian-born male saint on Oct. 17.

Left: Brother André stands with a delegation of the Knights of Columbus, including then-Supreme Knight James A. Flaherty (front left), during a K of C pilgrimage to the Crypt of St. Joseph’s Oratory April 17, 1921.

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experienced by the child Jesus while under his care.

Between 1916 and 1935, there were no fewer than 11 K of C pilgrimages that originated from as close as Quebec and as far away as California. One entry in the oratory archives notes a “visit of the Knights of Columbus” on Aug. 8, 1923. “Twelve buses and more than 200 automobiles brought [the Knights] to the ceremony at 3 p.m. Veneration of the relic went on uninterrupted from 3:30 to 5:30.”

Knights today are as close to Brother André as they were nearly a century ago. At the Order’s 128th Supreme Convention, held Aug. 3-5 in Washington, D.C., delegates adopted a resolution in honor of Brother André’s canonization. The resolution read, in part, that “Knights of Columbus will learn from Brother André and from St. Joseph what it is to care for Jesus through acts of charity for the sick and the afflicted” and that Knights “will honor the vision of Brother André through a commitment to charity, unity and fraternity.”

During a homily at the oratory on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19, Archbishop André Gaumond of Sherbrooke, Quebec, spoke of St. Joseph as “the quiet man, while in today’s society we have all become very talkative.” The archbishop, who is a member of StPamphile (Quebec) Council 3075, added, “St. Joseph understands his historic mission by depending on faith.”

These traits found in St. Joseph are mirrored in the personality of Brother André and in the work performed by the Knights of Columbus. More often than not, these works of faith are accomplished discreetly and far away from the public eye.

Brother André was “a man who distinguished himself by his fraternal hospitality,” wrote Holy Cross Father Jean-Guy Vincent in a recent article. “Throughout his life, he welcomed all kinds of suffering people, and he showed them great compassion. … Brother André was an active witness, a welcoming host, a man of compassion, a man of prayer, a builder and unifier of people,” added Father Vincent, who is a member of Pointe Claire (Quebec) Council 4832.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul wrote, “If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor 13:3). The compassion of Brother André was a living expression of this virtue of charity, which is also the first principle of the Knights of Columbus.

The man who made Montreal the worldwide capital of devotion to St. Joseph embodied, even while he was living, this civilization of love that we are called to embrace each day.♦

SONS OF BROTHER ANDRÉ Father Jean-Guy Dubuc, a priest of the Diocese of Montreal, is one of many writers who have discussed Brother André’s timidity and modesty. In his book Brother Andre: Friend of the Suffering, Apostle of St. Joseph, he noted that Brother André “hated to be photographed and was loath to be interviewed.”

There were, however, some notable exceptions. In her biography of Brother André, Deroy-Pineau wrote that the friar liked to be photographed with his friends, among whom she lists the Knights of Columbus.

On April 16, 1923, the daily Montreal newspaper La Presse published a large group photo of more than 300 members of Lafontaine Council 1356 who were visiting the Crypt of St. Joseph on pilgrimage. Father Édouard Laurin, who gave the homily during the Mass, noted that “the spirit of faith is lacking in a large number of families that have nonetheless received religious instruction.” He urged the Knights to be worthy of their name, to pray, to lead by example and, if necessary, to bring non-believers back to the faith by asking St. Joseph to inspire in them the same spirit of conviction

MARC NADEAU is the grand knight of Notre-Dame-du-Perpétuel-Secours Council 9825 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and works in the field of communications and public affairs.

IN HONOR of the upcoming canonization of Brother André Bessette Oct. 17, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson called on Knights from throughout the Order to join their Canadian brothers in celebrating Brother André’s life and virtue.

In his closing remarks at the 128th Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, Anderson announced two related initiatives. The first is a novena to Brother André that will take place Oct. 9-17. In addition, all First Degree exemplifications in the United States and

Canada from Oct. 1 to the end of the 2010-11 fraternal year will be held in honor of Brother André. Candidates will receive a special certificate, and anyone who recruits at least one member during this period will receive a special Brother André recruitment medallion.

“I hope that there are many thousands of new Knights of Columbus — sons of Father McGivney, sons of Brother André,” the supreme knight said.

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TITLE PAGE: Stéphane Larivière — BROTHER ANDRÉ WITH KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Oratory Archives

parents of students there. This, in turn, gave rise to a spirited opposition that made Brother André the target of many jeers. Some people began calling him a “crazy old man,” a “charlatan” or even the “oily brother.”

In 1895, when a tramway line was constructed in front of Notre Dame, at the base of Mont-Royal, and a shelter was built to receive travelers, Brother André obtained permission to greet the sick people who arrived at the station. According to one biographer, Micheline Lachance, he began greeting as many as 300 visitors per day.

In thanksgiving for the many favors obtained through St. Joseph’s intercession, Brother André began forming a plan to build an oratory dedicated to the earthly father of Jesus.

The gifts he received from many of his grateful visitors allowed Brother André to erect a wooden chapel on Mount Royal in 1904.

Several expansion projects followed. Construction of the “Crypt,” the first phase of the oratory, began in 1915, but Brother André encountered numerous difficulties while planning future expansions. The economic crisis caused by the stock market crash of 1929 forced the worksite to close from 1931-37. Despite this and other obstacles, Brother André remained steadfast in his vision.

Brother André died on Jan. 6, 1937, without seeing the oratory complete. The building was not finished until 1967, but at the time of Brother André’s death 30 years earlier, his work was already known beyond the borders of Quebec and Canada.

He was beatified May 23, 1982, by Pope John Paul II, and nearly 2 million people visit St. Joseph’s Oratory each year.

AMERICA’S CATHOLIC FOUNDER Although his story is little known today, Charles Carroll played an important role in founding the United States

by Joshua Mercer

C

harles Carroll of Carrollton (17371832), the last signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence to pass away, was also the only Catholic among the nation’s Founding Fathers. As one of the most highly educated and highly regarded founders, Carroll was an influential figure as the principles and structure of the American republic developed. Nonetheless, his story has been largely forgotten.

In a biography titled American Cicero: The Life of Charles Carroll (ISI, 2010), Bradley J. Birzer helps resurrect Carroll’s historical contributions. An associate professor of history and director of the Hillsdale College Program in American Studies in Hillsdale, Mich., Birzer argues that Carroll’s legacy cannot be understood apart from his Catholic faith and identity.

John Trumbull’s painting, “Declaration of Independence,” depicts the fiveman drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence presenting their work to the Congress. The original hangs in the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

COLUMBIA: Charles Carroll is relatively unknown among American Catholics, yet he was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence. Why don’t Catholics today know about this Founding Father?

BIRZER: Certainly, in his own time, Carroll was well-known.

John Adams even believed he would be remembered as one of the great founders, one of the greatest men of his day. Given that Adams had men such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in mind, this is not faint praise. At the time, the Carrolls (Charles and his cousin John, the first Roman Catholic bishop in America) were also regarded as the two great leaders of Roman Catholics in America.

But, I think Roman Catholics are as susceptible to memory loss as any other American. So, American Catholics have unfortunately forgotten their history. A couple of excellent books on Catholic history in America exist — I think immediately of John McGreevy’s Catholicism and American Freedom (2003).

COLUMBIA: Maryland started out as a Catholic colony, but it had become anti-Catholic by Charles Carroll’s lifetime. How did this happen?

BIRZER: One could argue without exaggeration that, after the passage of the Toleration Act of 1649, Maryland was the most religiously tolerant place in the entire world. In 1689, after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the removal of King James from the throne in England, Protestants in Maryland in a coup d’état took over the government and overturned the Toleration Act. From 1689 until the American Revolution, anti-Catholic laws multiplied. Throughout much of the 18th century, Catholics in Maryland could not testify in a court, appear to represent oneself in court, serve in the law, vote, serve in any political or governmental office, worship freely and publicly, raise their children “in a Catholic fashion,” or hold property without fear of confiscation by the whim of the government.

For better or worse, these laws were enforced only as the leaders

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PREVIOUS PAGE: Charles Carroll of Carrollton, c.1763 (oil on canvas), Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, USA / The Bridgeman Art Library International

Joshua Mercer, a member of Petoskey (Mich.) Council 923, interviewed Birzer about this forgotten Founding Father so that readers might gain an appreciation of Carroll as an influential thinker who helped establish American independence and legitimize Roman Catholicism in the United States.

TRUMBULL PAINTING: Wikimedia Commons

of Maryland chose to enforce them. Sometimes, they enforced them rigorously. At other times, they ignored the laws.

Part of our melting pot belief about America seems to encourage the notion that each major religion within Christianity had its own colony. Textbooks very simply identify Maryland as the “Catholic colony,” and the story stops there. Sadly, this gives us a false impression, as of course the story changes course radically in 1689 when the tolerant government was overthrown. At that point, Marylanders identified citizenship with membership in the Church of England. Catholics, Protestants believed and argued, could not be citizens. After all, their loyalty was to the Seat of Peter and not to the English throne.

soul — almost perfectly blended the humane with the Christian, forming a solid Christian humanism and offering it to the first 50 years of American history and culture.

One can see Cicero’s influence on Carroll in the American’s defense of the republic and traditional republicanism, in his understanding of liberty and order, and in his very humane perception of the world.

COLUMBIA: Did other Founding Fathers hold Carroll in high esteem, or was he considered an outcast because of his Catholicism?

BIRZER: Both. The Founders, as far as I can tell, greatly respected Carroll. Adams called him one of the best of his generCOLUMBIA: So when Charles Carroll decided to become ac- ation. Washington considered him a friend and a vital political tive in politics, he couldn’t even use his real name. Tell us ally. Jefferson sought him out for financial advice. Madison about that. turned to him and the Maryland Senate Carroll created as the BIRZER: The year 1773 proved model for the U.S. Senate. And to be key not only for Carroll but Hamilton thought he might be the for Maryland as well. At the beginbest successor to Washington as ning of the year, a prominent president. Regardless, it’s very difCarroll — in his life, his Marylander, Daniel Dulany, wrote ficult to find unadulterated praise mind, and his soul — a mock dialogue for the Maryland of Carroll. For, no matter what Gazette (the primary Maryland Carroll’s virtues, the other almost perfectly blended newspaper). In the dialogue, a wise Founders always had to add “... for and prudent “Second Citizen,” a a Papist” when describing him. the humane with the supporter of the governor and the Christian, forming a status quo, debates a witless “First COLUMBIA: How can Catholics Citizen,” a defender of the reforpromote the life of this great solid Christian humanism mation of the Maryland governCatholic American patriot? ment along republican (and what BIRZER: The best way to honor and offering it to the first was called “Whiggish”) lines. The Carroll, at least from my perspec50 years of American debate is so one-sided as to appear tive, would be to honor what he nothing less than absurd. Carroll, believed in. Catholics should be history and culture. to the surprise of Dulany, wrote a taking the lead in a revival of the response, publishing it under the liberal arts, republican theory and name of “First Citizen.” Each side constitutional reform, and ideas of elaborated on his views over the order and liberty. Our Church, next six months. The debate riveted all of Maryland, and the after all, not only sanctified the pagan world and the classical letters were read throughout the colonies, earning Carroll a learning of antiquity, but it also reached out to the pagan culstrong reputation as a Whig and a patriot. tures of the world, baptizing them, bringing them into a universal understanding of the humane and just.

COLUMBIA: But after awhile it wasn’t much of a secret that Personally, I am a huge fan of Roman Catholicism in EngCharles Carroll was “First Citizen.” land. After all, English Roman Catholics include King Alfred, BIRZER: Without question. While anti-Catholicism contin- Thomas à Becket, John of Salisbury, Thomas More, John Fisher, ued, to be sure, Carroll almost single-handedly proved to the Cardinal Newman, G.K. Chesterton, Hilaire Belloc, J.R.R. Maryland population that a Catholic could be a good citizen, Tolkien and Christopher Dawson. Throw in Evelyn Waugh and an intelligent citizen and a defender of liberty.

Alec Guinness and the many figures Joseph Pearce has so brilliantly written about in Literary Converts (Ignatius, 2000), and COLUMBIA: Your book is called American Cicero. Why do you the jaw simply drops. And why not? It seems to be a perfect think this is an apt title for Charles Carroll? combination — the Catholic traditions of education and justice BIRZER: Throughout the entirety of Charles Carroll’s life, he mixed with the humanism, common law rights and constituregarded Cicero as one of his two closest friends. The other was tionalism of the English. For Carroll, the American Revolution his father. Carroll believed himself to be in constant conversa- reformed, purified and returned the inherited English constitution with Cicero because of Cicero’s works, which Carroll con- tion and liberties to first principles. This was our inheritance sidered the second greatest set of writings in history, bested only and this is our greatness. It’s a beautiful burden to carry to the by the Bible. In this, Carroll — in his life, his mind, and his modern and postmodern world.♦ SEPTEMBER 2010

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OUR MOTHER, OUR MODEL The dogma of the Assumption helps us to understand our vocation and destiny as Christians

O

n March 25, 1998, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, my bishop informed me that I would be going to Rome to pursue a degree in Mariology, the study of the person and the mission of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I was very grateful for this assignment and remain so today.

During one of my courses at the Marianum, a theological school in Rome, we spent a significant amount of time considering the dogma of the Assumption. Pope Pius XII (1939-1958) had clearly and concisely defined the essence of the Assumption nearly 50 years earlier with his Nov. 1, 1950, Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus. He wrote that “the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

In my studies, I discovered there exist fresh insights waiting to be gleaned by those who carefully ponder this mystery. With sure guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church continues to assimilate the truth of the Assumption and comprehend what it means for Our Lady and for us. Now, six decades after Venerable Pius XII solemnly declared the dogma, various conclusions can be drawn from this authoritative teaching.

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IMITATING OUR LADY The most basic aspect of the dogma is that the “whole” Mary, soul and body, is now in heaven. The only woman ever to be hailed as the Virgin Mother is now in paradise doing as she did while waiting with the Apostles for the promised Paraclete — that is, devotedly praying in union with the friends of Jesus (see Acts 1:14). She showed concern for her son and his strenuous labors while on earth. Now, she demonstrates solicitude for her son’s continued work on earth as well as for us, the brothers and sisters of Christ.

We also recognize that our Blessed Mother has arrived where we hope to follow. Not only is Mary our Mother and Queen, but she is also our model. The gift of everlasting life is hers and we wish it to be our own. On earth, Our Lady cut through the inevitable confusion that results from the fallen human condition.

She knew what was most important, and her priorities were always “God-centered.” We also want to live for Christ and inherit what she already possesses: perfect and unending union with the Most Blessed Trinity. We pattern our receptivity to the Holy Spirit on her openness to him.

PAINTING: Assumption of the Virgin, Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) (c.1488-1576), Scala/Art Resource, N.Y.

by Msgr. Charles M. Mangan

CNS photo by Karen Callaway, Northwest Indiana Catholic

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, promulgated as a dogma in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, is depicted in a 16th-century painting by Tiziano Vecellio (Titian).

As the Second Vatican Council states, “[T]he Mother of Jesus, glorified in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come” (Lumen Gentium, 68; CCC 972). It is no coincidence, then, that the dogma of the Assumption was promulgated on Nov. 1, the Solemnity of All Saints.

Psalm 11:7 states, “The Lord is just and loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face.” Justice is the virtue by which one gives to another what is due him. God rewarded the Virgin Mary, who spent her entire existence obeying him. The Lord of the universe recognized her inspiring fidelity. And when we live filled with faith, hope and charity, we can expect that God will give to us the only prize that counts: indescribable bliss forever around his throne.

Our motto is succinct: “We would like to see Jesus” (Jn 12:21).

A LASTING CITY The dogma of the Assumption also reveals that the human body is marvelous in the sight of God and is destined for greater things.

Our modern era scorns the human body in two distinct ways — by excess and by defect. On the one hand, the body is turned into

a kind of god or goddess. According to this view, it deserves all possible pampering; no whim, no matter how disgusting or impure, may be denied it. On the other hand, the body is seen as nothing more than a “shell” that has no future after this life. Hence, it may be abused and treated solely at the discretion of oneself.

The Assumption offers a necessary corrective to us in this age of disbelief: God considers the human body to be magnificent and will transform the body at the moment of resurrection. The just will enjoy splendid bodies full of light and beauty, while those who have condemned themselves will be cursed with ugly bodies that testify to their grave misdeeds.

A well-known moral theologian has quipped that we exert too little effort thinking about heaven these days. While we may give a nod to the idea once and again, we are not so fixed on obtaining paradise that we are willing to alter our likes and dislikes — and even our thoughts, intentions, words and actions — in order to enter the “New Jerusalem.” The sooner we acknowledge that this earthly life is passing and that we will render an account of ourselves to Almighty God, the freer we will be to achieve all that he has marked out for us. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come” (Heb 13:14).

Finally, the Assumption shows that Mary deserves our sincere veneration and imitation. The woman who was assumed body and soul into heaven was the simple maiden of Nazareth who loved her chaste spouse, St. Joseph, and her child, Jesus. She cheerfully embraced her singular vocation, including the various joys and sorrows contained therein. We gladly honor the Mother of God for her perseverance in sanctity, and we seek her fail-proof celestial intercession. When we reproduce her shining virtues deep within our souls, we resemble her outstanding holiness, which pleases immensely the God who made us.

O Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us!♦ MSGR. CHARLES M. MANGAN is the director of the Office of the Marian Apostolate in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, S.D. He is a member of Marquette Council 815 in Sioux Falls.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will celebrate the Universal Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Sept. 8, 2010, to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe as the “Shield and the Patroness of Our Liberty.” A special “Rosary of Guadalupan Love” will be prayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City from 8-9 p.m.

CST. All Knights of Columbus and their families around the world are invited to join the prayer. For more information, to view a video of the special rosary or to obtain a DVD, visit kofc.org.

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a c ha ll en g e t o chari ty.

iots, attacks and other abuses are part of life in India for some Christians, whose passion for service and evangelization agitates tensions with other religious or political groups.

India has a democratically-elected government, media that are unafraid to report on abuses of power, and an independent court system. Nonetheless, according to a recent report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the country’s local governments lack the ability to uphold statutes of religious liberty and rectify cases of religious persecution.

Authorities have struggled to manage tensions that often initiate violence between religions and political groups, such as unprovoked attacks on Christians in the state of Orissa in 2008.

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these conditions, they also have to contend with proposed anticonversion laws, which would — according to some interpretations — make illegal even the simplest acts of charity, such as education or health care.

THE VULNERABLE MINORITY The religious diversity of India’s more than 1.1 billion people is not a new development. Numerous religions, including Christian and Muslim minorities, claim early roots in the world’s second most populous nation.

Christianity was introduced to the country in the first century, according to tradition, as St. Thomas the Apostle carried the Gospel from Jerusalem, through Syria and Persia, to the re-

CNS photo/Parth Sanyal, Reuters

R

In India, violence and state laws are significant hurdles for religious freedom

by Brian Dowling

gion of Kerala in southwestern India. European Catholic missionaries later reached the subcontinent in the 16th century, and Protestants entered India in the early 18th century.

Though well-established, Islam — which arrived in the 7th century — and Christianity are minor religions in India when compared to Hinduism, which is native to India. Many Hindu schools of thought were codified 200 years before the birth of Christ.

Today, Christians make up only 2.3 percent of the Indian population and are concentrated in the south and east portions of the country. Muslims account for 13.4 percent. As of 2001, more than 80 percent of residents registered as Hindu.

In view of numerous deep-rooted religious traditions, India’s federal constitution grants clear religious freedom to citizens.

Christians gather outside a shelter in Raikia village in the eastern Indian state of Orissa Aug. 30, 2008. Thousands of people, most of them Christians, have sought shelter in makeshift government camps in eastern India after anti-Christian violence.

But powerful state and local governments often fail to protect vulnerable Christian minorities. Examples of religious persecution are numerous.

According to Eglises d’Asie, a news agency in Paris, Christians in India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh were participating in a peaceful prayer meeting April 17, 2010, when 30 men suddenly attacked them and destroyed liturgical materials.

Two months earlier, Christians and extremist Hindus clashed SEPTEMBER 2010

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Bill Flynn, a member of Ocean City (N.J.) Council 2560, teaches English grammar to a classroom of seminarians at Shanti Bhavan Minor Seminary in Berhampur, India. for it, but there is a certain sense of fear that continues to pervade because they are waiting for — they’re fearful that another attack may come,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India is spearheading efforts to provide emergency food, shelter and relief supplies to the displaced, in addition to rebuilding the nearly 5,000 homes that were destroyed, according to Farris.

SUPPORTING THE CHURCH The situation in Orissa is a bit different in the city of Berhampur, where Bill Flynn, a member of Ocean City (N.J.) Council 2560, teaches English and computer science at Shanti Bhavan Minor Seminary.

“It goes into the background more and more,” he said, regarding the violence in 2008. “The few weeks after, seminarians didn’t leave the compound alone. Now they leave in groups of three or four.”

Flynn was sold on the idea of teaching at the seminary after meeting the school’s rector, Father Joseph Valiaparambil. Not long after their initial conversation, Flynn was on a plane to Berhampur to begin his work.

Photo courtesy of Bill Flynn

when Christians protested an image of Jesus holding a beer and a cigarette that appeared throughout the northwestern state of Punjab. According to the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, two Protestant churches were razed during the violence and another was severely damaged.

Most devastating, though, were the attacks suffered by Christian residents of Kandhamal, in the eastern state of Orissa, in August 2008. When a Hindu religious leader, Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, was killed by anti-government Maoists in Kandhamal, Hindu extremists blamed Christians for the attack. During the swami’s funeral procession, groups of Hindus assaulted Christians and proceeded to raid churches, homes and an orphanage. According to the All India Christian Council (AICC), more than 100 people were killed.

Rioters also destroyed thousands of homes, displacing at least 24,000 people.

Virginia Farris, policy advisor for Eurasia and human rights for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Office of International Justice and Peace, went to Orissa in March to survey ongoing efforts to reintegrate displaced Christians. In one place, an entire village was displaced and living in a single camp. “They were living in tents, with six to seven families in a tent,” she said.

During her eight-day visit, Farris sensed an apprehension among Christians in Orissa. “In most instances the villagers have obviously suffered a huge trauma and are receiving counseling

CNS photo/Parth Sanyal, Reuters

So far, Flynn and Council 2560 have helped the seminary re- and asks all to be “protagonists of the Church’s commitment to pair its whole plumbing system, re-drill a water well to reach clean proclaim the Gospel.” water, set up a computer lab with five stations, and buy new bikes The pope’s message further states: “The missionary impulse and fans for the seminarians, as well as tools for their garden. has always been a sign of vitality for our Churches, with their Flynn said that there are a few big differences between the cooperation and their unique witness of unity, brotherhood and Catholic Church in the United States and in India. “People feel solidarity that gives credibility to heralds of the Love that saves!” cheated if Mass isn’t two hours long,” he noted, adding that With support from Knights like Flynn and George, not to many Catholics in India leave for church at dawn and walk mention the millions of Catholics worldwide who have ofthrough dangerous neighborhoods to get there. The seminary fered prayers and financial support, Christians in Orissa are experience too seems to be more demanding: During the final currently moving back into homes from displacement camps. three years of a 13-year period of priestly formation, the semi- On June 29, a fast-track court set up in response to the 2008 narians participate in a “slum experience.” All seminarians are attacks convicted a government official affiliated with the sent into a major slum area for three weeks to live on the streets Hindu nationalist party with crimes related to the violence. with no money and only the clothes on their back.

Nevertheless, Christians continue to face challenges to their Another Knight, Mathew George, grew up in the southern religious liberty.

Indian state of Kerala, but has lived in the United States for the Seven of India’s 28 states have passed or are in the process of past 40 years. His family became longtime friends with Mother approving “freedom of religion laws,” which, according to Farris Teresa of Calcutta when she visited his home in India during and others, have been interpreted as anti-conversion laws that stihis father’s illness. fle evangelization. The laws criminalize conversion on the basis Today, George operates a of “force, fraud or inducelay apostolate called Catholic ment.” But some public offiAction Worldwide that supcials see the law’s consideration ports needy people in India of “inducement” as including and pairs seminarians with fihealth care or education. nancial sponsors in the “When you have that kind United States. of interpretation, then almost The primary service of the any action that can be taken Houston-based organization to provide what in a normal is to bring priests and reliChristian sense is charity, to gious into contact with diocehelp your neighbor, becomes ses and parishes in the United inducement,” said Farris.

States that need them.

Catholic Action Worldwide “If a parish in the United treads lightly in this regard beStates wants a priest from cause the state of Kerala has India, we try to find one for one such law. “The seminariTent shelters are set up for displaced people in Raikia village in the them,” said George, who is a ans and the orphans we are Indian state of Orissa Aug. 31, 2008. member of Bishop John L. sponsoring, they are not in Morkovsky Council 10290 in Kerala,” George said. “They Houston. are in the other southern Catholic Action Worldwide also enables people to provide states, because there are not restrictions there.” basic needs for orphans ($144) medication and housing for peoThe Gospel’s call to reconciliation and peace manifested itself ple with Hansen’s disease ($180) or a new concrete and brick in a unique way after the Orissa attacks, when a Hindu house for a homeless family ($1,000). landowner took a bold step to help displaced Christians.

When the attacks in Orissa occurred in 2008, George quickly “After the attack, he had provided land for Christian families sent an e-mail message to the USCCB. And in response, the an- to put up tents while their houses were being rebuilt,” Farris nual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, said. “He had encouraged some of the other members of the which takes place in November, included special prayers for Hindu community to join in this effort. But he, in essence, was Christians in India. a lone voice.”

For India to be a safer place for all religions, it needs more of SEEKING RECONCILIATION these voices. And as the state and local governments continue In solidarity with those in India and elsewhere, where divisions to address the religious violence, Knights will offer their chariand tension test the resolve of the local Church, the faithful table work, and the global Church will pray for reconciliation everywhere are constantly invited to join in prayer. and unity.♦ Pope Benedict XVI’s message for this year’s World Mission Sunday, which will be observed Oct. 24, places the understand- BRIAN DOWLING is the creative and editorial assistant of Columbia ing of international missions within the context of communion magazine.

SEPTEMBER 2010

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 25

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KNIG HTS IN ACTI ON

REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES

Pandey’s research to find a cure for breast cancer. Since that time, Pandey’s laboratory has expanded its studies to include melanoma, colon cancer, leukemia and prostate cancer. To date, Council 9671 has contributed a total of $26,000.

MI CASA ES SU CASA

Members of Holy Saviour Council 13710 in Boothwyn, Pa., dump new sod into a flowerbed in front of Holy Saviour Church.

Knights spent a Saturday morning landscaping the church and school grounds by laying new sod, planting flowers, removing weeds and adding mulch.

With help from local religious education students, Estevan (Saskatchewan) Council 3165 held a pancake breakfast at St. John the Baptist Church.

The event raised more than $1,100 to build a house for a needy family in Mexico.

REMEMBERING THE LAW OF MOSES

HEALTH PRESENTATION

ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMMING

Our Lady of the Highway Council 3835 in Little Falls, N.J., hosted a presentation on prostate cancer by Dr. James Saidi, an area urologist.

Saidi spoke to parishioners and council members about the disease, its diagnosis and treatments.

In honor of the council’s 90th anniversary, Edmundston (New Brunswick) Council 1932 made a series of charitable contributions to a variety of organizations: $25,000 to Edmundston Cathedral; $6,000 to the Edmundston Board of Education to provide meals to needy students; and $5,000 to a homeless advocacy group. In honor of its 30th anniversary, Rock Forest (Quebec) Council 7518 hosted a council brunch with several past grand knights in attendance. Proceeds from the event were donated to charity.

RESEARCH FUNDS

Pat Kleiber of Msgr. Bernard Doyle Council 1080 in Darlington, Wis., and his granddaughter, Olivia, happily display their pancakes and sausage at a council-sponsored charity breakfast. Proceeds from the event were donated to Catholic Charities.

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Five years ago, Father Victor C. Cote Council 9671 in Windsor, Ontario, decided to support Dr. Siyaram Pandey, a research professor at the University of Windsor who was receiving no financial support from outside sources.

Council 9671 approved a donation of $15,000 towards

SEPTEMBER 2010

Father James F. Norman Assembly in Midland, Texas, provided an honor guard for the dedication of a Project Moses Ten Commandments Monument at its parish. The bilingual monument was donated by Our Lady of Guadalupe Council 9215.

THE BEST MEDICINE

Bigfork (Mont.) Council 14060 held a spaghetti dinner and auction to benefit a 4-year-old girl who has cancer. The event raised more than $22,000 to help offset her medical expenses.

FLAGPOLE PLACED

St. Benedict Council 1225 in Florence, Colo., donated and erected a 20-foot flagpole at its parish. Knights raised funds for the project through a variety of charitable events throughout the year.

WAY OF LOVE

St. Joseph Council 9989 in Oshawa, Ontario, produced a Stations of the Cross CD, Way of Love, that is sold to benefit the council’s chari-

Members of Delaware Valley (N.J.) Council 7581 in Milford paint the interior of St. Edward the Confessor Church.

Knights volunteered 250 hours and donated all materials needed to renovate and paint the church, which was built in 1925.

ties. Knight Fred Cacciotti, a local singer-songwriter, composed the music that is played while the stations are read by children’s book author Robert Cutting. The council has sold hundreds of copies of the CD to date, raising more than $2,500 for its charitable fund.

I SAID ‘AMEN’

St. John Neumann Council 8305 in Wellton, Ariz., provided seed money to a prolife group called Abortion Must End Now (AMEN).

The council’s donation of more than $1,000 helped the organization set up a booth at the Yuma County Fair and pass out pro-life information.

LISTENING AT THE LIBRARY

Tweed (Ontario) Council 3403 donated $500 to the Tweed Public Library to purchase 10 new audio players.

K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N

bench to King’s College. The statue was previously located outside the council’s hall, but was donated to the college when the hall was sold.

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus John M. Doughterty of Scranton blessed both items when they were placed outside the school’s campus ministry center.

ho e in n e

OPPORTUNITY FOR CHARITY Grand Knight Bernard Brown (left) of Father Korstenbroek Council 2134 in Greenville, Miss., and Past State Deputy Robert Fratesi (1983-85) stand with Doug Shanks, head coach of the Mississippi Valley State University baseball team, and Dave Schrage, head coach the University of Notre Dame baseball team. Council 2134 prepared a spaghetti dinner for both teams after they played each other in the season opener.

St. Edward Council 2650 in Texarkana, Ark., held a red beans and rice dinner that raised $2,200 for Opportunities Inc., an organization that provides assistance to children with intellectual disabilities.

A NIGHT OUT

GABRIEL PROJECT

Colorado Springs (Colo.)

Council 582 started a Gabriel Project at Holy Trinity Church to provide pastoral care and emotional support to women in crisis pregnancies.

Knights obtained permission from their parish and diocese to start the project, recruited volunteers, hired a trainer, and donated two signs to inform pregnant women that help is available.

Council 11069, designed and built a meditation garden at the Women’s Help Center in Jacksonville.

STATUE, BENCH DONATED

Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) Council 302 donated a black granite statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a prayer

X-TRAORDINARY EFFORT

Our Lady of the Lake Council 4917 in Grimsby, Ontario, donated $15,000 to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation. The funds are earmarked for the foundation’s X-ray project, a $3.6 million initiative to purchase X-ray equipment for the hospital’s new facility.

FUNDING THE FINISH

Holy Trinity Assembly in Jacksonville, Fla., donated $400 to Jeffrey Byer to help complete his Eagle Scout project. Byer, whose father and brother are members of Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley

Grand Knight Frank Pannocchia (right) of Father Vincent Capodanno Council 11958 at Marine Corps Base Quantico (Va.) presents Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, with a check for $500. The funds will help support diocesan vocations.

Archbishop Broglio is a member of Santo Tomas Apostol Council 12027 in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Councils from Missouri District #37 sponsor a monthly dance party for people with intellectual disabilities. The dances are held September through May, with the theme corresponding to the month’s primary holiday. About 200 guests attend each event.

SPRINGTIME FOR LIFE

Msgr. Thomas F. Neary Council 13637 in Auburn, Mass., collected more than $4,000 worth of baby goods for Spring House in Berlin and Visitation House in Worcester, two facilities that aid women in crisis pregnancies. The council also recently painted the offices at Spring House and repaired the roof of the facility’s storage shed.

VOCATIONS DINNER AND AUCTION

St. Ignatius Loyola Council 10861 in Spring, Texas, hosted its annual dinner and auction in support of diocesan vocations. The event raised $40,000, which was presented to Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston.

Golf Season may be waning in the northern United States and Canada, but Knights have kept on par with golf tournaments for charity.

• St. Angela Merici Council 14617 in Missouri City, Texas — $18,000 for its parish building fund.

• St. Paul Council 13657 in St. Petersburg, Fla. — $13,000 for tuition assistance at St. Paul School.

• Hopewell (N.J.) Council 7103 — $1,000 for Special Olympics.

• St. Benedict Council 11590 in the Bronx, N.Y. — $3,500 for St. Benedict Church and School.

• Father Brian McKee Council 1387 in Sudbury, Ontario — $2,500 for Inner City Home.

• Sheptytsky Council 5079 in Toronto, Ontario — $20,000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Association Canada and Ukrainian Canadian Social Services.

• St. Patrick Council 370 in Nottingham, Md. — $1,800 for the Franciscan Center of Baltimore.

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♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 27

K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N

BACK TO SCHOOL Knights support education through scholarships and good deeds

+ A

SCHOOL IS BACK in session, and Knights have made every effort to ensure that young people around the world get the education they need and deserve. From awarding scholarships to distributing school supplies, these are just a few ways that Knights are helping to enrich young minds for the future.

SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOOL SUPPORT

• Burleson County Council 6366 in Caldwell, Texas — $15,500 to students.

• Msgr. James D. Kirwan Council 12765 in Robertsdale, Ala., donated $6,500 to St. Patrick School. The funds are earmarked for scholarships and for technology and computer upgrades.

• Hanford (Calif.) Council 2343 — $3,500 • Father Thomas Carmody Council 6498 in Normal, Ill. — $2,000 • McGivney Council 29 in Danbury, Conn. — $1,500 • Mary, Queen of Heaven Council 12253 in Malakoff, Texas — $1,500 • Our Lady of the Mountains Council 10799 in Sierra Vista, Ariz. — $2,250 • Sacred Heart Council 12537 in Southport, N.C. — $8,000 • Father John C. Hecht Council 13103 in Philo, Ill. — $250 • St. Mary’s Council 1235 in Taylor, Texas — $5,000 • South Plainfield (N.J.) Council 6203 — $7,000 • Webster (Mass.) Council 228 — $250 • Mary Queen Council 8494 in League City, Texas — $2,000

28 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

• Winona (Minn.) Council 639 conducted its annual chicken barbecue to benefit the council’s scholarship fund. Knights sold more than 800 dinners, proceeds from which will be used to award several stipends.

• San Fernando (Luzon) Council 3709 repaired 72 chairs for Sañto Niño Elementary School. Knights restored the chairs as part of a program to use cast-off and scrap materials to construct and furnish schools. By repairing the chairs in lieu of buying new ones, the council saved the department of education approximately $1,500.

• John F. Kennedy Memorial Council 5635 in Dunedin, Fla., donated $600 to Guardian Angels Catholic School to purchase new textbooks for the school’s religious education program.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Leon Puetz of Church of the Resurrection Council 11692 in Wichita, Kan., helps a young boy construct a birdhouse at a council-sponsored event for first-grade students at Resurrection Catholic School. Knights donated all materials for the project and helped 26 students construct wooden birdhouses from scratch.

A WARM GLOW

St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Council 10442 in Las Vegas purchased and installed an 18-shelf warming oven at its parish. The unit, which cost approximately $1,100, will aid with food service at parish events.

ENCHILADA DINNER

Father Roscoe Lawrence Finnegan Assembly in Las Cruces, N.M., held an enchilada dinner that raised $7,700. Part of the proceeds was donated to Las Cruces Catholic School, and the remainder was added to the diocesan priest retirement fund.

the Monte Siesta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Knights have hosted the games for the past eight years, helping residents have fun and win prizes.

KEEPING SCORE

St. Cabrini Council 3472 in Burbank, Calif., donated $10,000 to purchase a scoreboard for the newly constructed community center at St. Finbar Church.

HONORING PRIESTS

Msgr. Thomas Dillon Council 1014 in Huntington, Ind., hosted a clergy appreciation dinner that was attended by approximately 140 people. At the event, each priest in attendance gave a short talk on his call to the priesthood.

BINGO SESSIONS

Capital City Council 1017 in Austin, Texas, sponsors a monthly bingo session at

Members of St. Joan of Arc Council 12054 in Ridgely, Md., guide a roof joist into place while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity work site.

Knights volunteered to help the organization establish one of the first Habitat subdivisions in the state of Maryland.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Supreme Council Awards $1.44 million in College Grants FOR THE 2010-11 academic year, the Knights of Columbus awarded scholarships totaling more than $1.44 million to 655 students.

Most recipients are the children of Knights or Knights themselves attending Catholic universities or Catholic colleges in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico or the Philippines. These figures include $305,000 in grants to 122 seminarians in the United States and Canada, and 478 existing scholarships that will be renewed, provided the recipients maintain their current academic status.

At the grassroots level, K of C councils and assemblies reported distributing more than $6.4 million in scholarships in 2009, according to the annual Survey of Fraternal Activity.

For more information about the Order’s scholarship programs, visit kofc.org/scholarships.

FOURTH DEGREE PRO DEO AND PRO PATRIA SCHOLARSHIPS

A total of 185 U.S. students received Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships of $1,500 each. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence to incoming freshmen in bachelor’s degree programs at Catholic colleges or Catholic universities. The recipients are Knights of Columbus or Columbian Squires, the son or daughter of a Knight in good standing, or the son or daughter of a Knight who was in good standing when he died. Contingent on satisfactory academic performance, these scholarships are renewed for a total of four years.

This academic year, 40 new scholarships were awarded,

and 145 were renewed. The following are first-time recipients: Cathryn R. Aulbaugh, Matthew J. Aumen, Morgan K. Benson, Richard J. Calo, Paul G. Castellano, Maria A. Corsaro, Thomas P. Cunningham, Patrick M. DeToro, Margaret A. Domitrovich, Brian T. Ford, Madeline R. Gillen, Christine V. Gorman, Alfredo A. Guzman, Victoria N. Hay, John F. Healey, Hannah E. Johnston, Jolyn C. Kelsch, Michael J. Koprucki, Joseph W. Lampe, Karen E. Lehan, Kaitlyn V. Lynch, Joseph J. Macri, Matthew J. Mazzari, Ryan P. McConville, Vance S. Nygard, Jessica L. Peek, Maria N. Petela, Stephen A. Rehagen, Mary C. Rigali, Thomas J. Roman II, Jacob R. Saffert, Marta W. Schenck, Laura M. Shrum,

Courtney K. Smith, Andrew E. Stein, Madeleine J. Tanzi, Casey L. Tisdell, Amanda G. White, Christopher B. Wilbar, Matthew H. Zitkus.

FOURTH DEGREE PRO DEO AND PRO PATRIA SCHOLARSHIPS (CANADA)

These scholarships are for students entering colleges or universities in Canada, with requirements regarding K of C membership the same as for their U.S. counterparts.

Nine new scholarships were awarded and 33 renewed for a total of 42 grants for the current academic year. New recipients are: Alisha E. Andrashewski, Alyse N. Bédard, Danielle M. Cyr, Andrea B. Eyre-Carter, Benjamin D. Gordon, Catherine J. Jardine, Maria L. Kaardal, Corrine P. Klekta, Colin T. Power.

JOHN W. MCDEVITT (FOURTH DEGREE) SCHOLARSHIPS

This scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of the Order’s 11th supreme knight.

Recipients must be enrolled at a Catholic college or Catholic university in the United States and be a Knight, the wife of a Knight, or the son or daughter of a Knight. Widows and children of members who died in good standing are also eligible. In addition to the 28 new recipients listed here, 95 scholarships were renewed, for a total of 123 awarded. New recipients are: Connor J. Barth, Michelle K. Bridge, Anna E. Carmack, Melissa R. Crapps, Grace A. Deardurff, Joseph C. Fiorica, Anne E. Glaza, James M. Gorman, Elizabeth S. Hartges, Mary Clare K. Houlihan, Allyson C. Kelley, Gabriella A. Kennedy, Luke V. Koslosky, MaryJo M. LeChevallier, Donny J. MacDonnell, Suzanne M. Mages, Kaitlin T. Maggiore, John S.

McVey, Cody J. Miller, Jacob T. Palcic, Nora M. Quinn, Claire M. Reynolds, Renee D. Roden, Caleigh M. Ruether, Mary A. Sallah, Jarrett M. Shugars, Anne M. Solomon, Brett R. Ubl. ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

The Percy J. Johnson Scholarships are awarded to young men attending U.S. Catholic colleges or Catholic universities and are funded by a 1990 bequest of Percy J. Johnson, a member of Seville Council 93 in Brockton, Mass. Five scholarships were awarded and 16 renewed for a total of 21 awarded for the 2010-11 academic year. New recipients are: Michael R. Arnold, Justin M. Dufresne, Frederick S. Eggert, August G. Kunkel, Matthew J. McDonald.

In 2000, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. received a $100,000 donation from Frank L. Goularte. A scholarship fund in his name was established to provide $1,500 in need-based grants that are administered, in general, according to the rules of the Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships. One new scholarship was awarded for the current academic year and three were renewed. The new recipient is Sarah E. Ambach.

From 1995 to 1997, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. received bequests totaling nearly $200,000 from the estate of Anthony J. LaBella. In his will, LaBella remembered the kindness shown to him by Knights when he was an orphan in Farmingdale, N.Y. The bequests have since been used to establish a scholarship fund in LaBella’s name. Earnings from the fund provide scholarships for undergraduate study in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Pro Deo and Pro Patria Schol-

SEPTEMBER 2010

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 29

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

arships. Three new scholarships were awarded, and nine were renewed for the current academic year. First-time recipients are: Melanie R. Branecky, Rose M. Doucette, Heidi E. Fraitzl.

In 1997, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. received a bequest from Dr. Arthur F. Battista to establish scholarships for graduates of the Cornwall (Ontario) Collegiate and Vocational School.

These $1,500 and $2,000 annual scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need, community service and extracurricular activities. Preference is given to Knights; to the children or grandchildren of members; to students recommended by the Ontario State Council; and to students bound for Catholic colleges or Catholic universities. For the current academic year, 32 new scholarships were awarded, and 28 grants were renewed. New recipients are: Mudassar Abid, Susan Abunada, Vanessa Anderson, Firman Bancroft, Jennifer Beaudette, Megan Boland, Jordan Brown, Courtney Conway, Kelly Crites, Tara Cuthbertson, Brittany Doll, Lisa Duquette, Andrew Eisner, Joshua Forrester, Thor Grant, Trinh Ha, Hakima Hafizi, Sarah Hickey, Tyler Jones, Bradley LeducMclntyre, Vicky-Lynn MacDonell, Christopher Meister, Masooma Munir, Joshua O’Reilly, Joey Peloquin, Courtney Riviere, Cory Robinson, Katelyn Roy, Mathuran Sritharan, Natasha Skrypnyk, Rumsha Tahir, Yusra Umer.

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS

The Order has an endowment at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., that provides Knights of Columbus Graduate Fellowships. One

30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

new fellowship was awarded and five renewed. The new recipient is Ryan Mitchell.

One fellowship for the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, at The Catholic University campus, was renewed for the current academic year.

Full-time students in a master’s degree program to become teachers for people with intellectual disabilities are eligible for the Bishop Charles P. Greco Fellowship, named for the former supreme chaplain.

No new fellowships were awarded or renewed for the current academic year.

SISTER THEA BOWMAN FOUNDATION-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SCHOLARSHIPS

This scholarship is named for Sister Thea Bowman (19371990), an African-American religious who inspired many people with her urgent and uplifting call for better education for children of the black community.

In August 2005, the Board of Directors approved a fouryear grant in the amount of $37,500 per year for five single black mothers to study at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, Neb., while their children attended daycare offered through the college. The scholarships were awarded in 2006, and the recipients graduated earlier this year.

MEXICO SCHOLARSHIPS

One new scholarship was awarded in the amount of $500, renewable for up to four years. In addition, eight were renewed for a total of nine scholarships. The new recipients is Gloria Estrada-Morales.

PUERTO RICO SCHOLARSHIPS

For the 2010-11 academic year, four new scholarships

SEPTEMBER 2010

Educational Trust Fund THE FRANCIS P. MATTHEWS and John E. Swift Educational Trust offers scholarships to the children of members who are killed or permanently and totally disabled by hostile action while serving with the armed forces during a covered period of conflict. In 2004, the Matthews Order declared that military conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan would be covered under the trust fund. Also eligible are the children of members who are killed as a result of criminal violence directed against them while performing their duties as full-time law enforcement officers or full-time Swift firefighters. An application must be filed within two years of the member’s death or the determination of his total and permanent disability.

As of June 30, 805 children have been recorded as eligible for benefits from the trust fund since its establishment in 1944. Thus far, 342 eligible children have chosen not to use the scholarships, three have died and 125 who began college either discontinued their studies or fully used their scholarship eligibility before graduation. There are 46 future candidates. To date, 283 students have completed their education through the fund.

During the 2010-11 academic year, six students will pursue undergraduate degrees through the Matthews-Swift fund — five renewals and one new recipient, Alicia M. Aubin.

of $500 each were awarded and 12 were renewed. New recipients are: Jorge FuentesOcasio, Imarayda GarcíaCastro, José Rabassa-Colón, Rubén O. Rivera-Durán.

PHILIPPINES SCHOLARSHIPS

For the 2010-11 academic year, nine new scholarships of $500 each were awarded, and 27 were renewed. New recipients are: Arvin G. Agner, Katrina B. Baliling, Hershey S. Calago, Brette B. Castillo, Carmela N. Goc-ong, Kevin V. Lebril, Gerard P. Pascual, Fritz D. Raran, Lee A. Tajor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Scholarship applications for the 2011-12 academic year will be available after Oct. 1, 2010. To obtain an application or request more information, contact: Department of Scholarships Knights of Columbus P.O. Box 1670 New Haven, CT 06507 1-203-752-4332 www.kofc.org/scholarships

O N - TA RG E T R E C RU I T I N G

K OF C ITEMS

‘TAP’-ING INTO A COUNCIL’S POTENTIAL A SERVICE PROGRAM that benefits Catholic school students while attracting new members is a win-win situation.

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) sponsored by Saint Mary Council 4444 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is such a program. TAP originated from the “24-Hour Knight” program — a guide put out by the Order’s Department of Fraternal Services that shows how men can be active members of their councils by volunteering just 24 hours per year. Council 4444 took the idea further by offering tuition assistance to members with children at Saint Mary School who meet TAP requirements.

“How TAP catches most of our new recruits is it defines the commitment of being a Knight,” said Grand Knight Bart Koepke. “TAP defines for all new recruits the minimum amount of commitment required to participate in the program. Once a new recruit hears it only requires approximately two

hours per month, they are virtually lining up at the door.”

The council holds fundraisers for the program and prorates the assistance that is available to students based on the amount of money that is raised. The result is that Knights in the program often put in more service than the minimal requirement.

While TAP’s focus is helping K of C families afford a Catholic education while growing volunteer hours, a happy by-product has been a boost to the council’s recruiting efforts. In two years, Council 4444 saw 24 new members and eight transfers and reactivations attributed to the program.

“As a father of seven, I deeply appreciate the TAP [program] as it has encouraged my more active participation in Knights activities and the influx of young fathers into the K of C,” said council member Eric Davis.

For more information on the TAP program, visit the council’s website at www.kofc4444.com/TAP.

Available from the following designated official suppliers IN THE UNITED STATES THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. Official supplier and manufacturer 1-800-444-5632 or www.kofcsupplies.com LYNCH AND KELLY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment manufacturer 1-888-548-3890 or www.lynchkelly.com IN CANADA ROGER SAUVÉ INC. Official K of C distributor in Canada 1-888-266-1211 or www.roger-sauve.com

OFFICIAL SEPT. 1, 2010:

To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 06506-1492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, CASE POSTALE 935, Station d’Armes, Montréal, PQ H2Y 3J4 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. COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869) 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 © 2010 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 — THIRD-CLASS POSTAGE IS PAID AT WINNIPEG, MB, PERMIT NO. 0100092699. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. REGISTRATION NO. R104098900. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 505 IROQUOIS SHORE ROAD #11, OAKVILLE ON L6H 2R3 PHILIPPINE S —FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL ATTHE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIESTO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA. 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.

OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENTTHEVIEWS OFTHE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.

09/10

J O I N T H E FAT H E R MCGIVNEY GUILD Please enroll me in the Father McGivney Guild:

Past Grand Knight Ed Villarreal (far left) of Saint Mary Council 4444 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., presents Regina Nadicksbernd, principal of St. Mary Catholic School, with a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) check for $17,703. Also pictured are: Msgr. Michel Cherup and Doug White, TAP chairman.

NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE/PROVINCE

“The 24-Hour Knight” is a guide that shows how men can be active members of their councils by volunteering just 24 hours per year. An article about the guide was published in the November 2009 issue of Knightline and can be accessed by visiting the Knightline digital archive at kofc.org/newsletters.

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

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C O LU M B I A N I S M B Y D E G R E E S

Charity ANNE MARIE RHONEMUS (center) sits on her new swing set, which was built by Sagadahoc Council 249 in Bath, Maine, from money raised during the council’s annual fund drive for people with intellectual disabilities. Anne Marie, who is the daughter of council member Robert Rhonemus, has Down syndrome. Also pictured are (from left): Ken Gibb, Robert Rhonemus, Louine Rhonemus, Mike Wyman, Brian Lewis and Bob Lydon.

• Maysville (Ky.) Council 1377 hosted a pancake breakfast to benefit seminarian Andrew Young. The event raised more than $700 to help with Young’s school expenses.

Unity

Fraternity

Patriotism

LEON DOTY of Walter J. Barrett Council 1954 in Boonton, N.J., presents seminarian Leonardo Lopez with a four-volume set of the Liturgy of the Hours. After learning that several seminarians were in need of the books but could not afford them, area Knights pitched in to help. Three councils and one assembly each bought a book set for a man studying for the priesthood.

• As part of its community outreach, Our Lady, Queen of Peace Circle 3706 in Cavite, Luzon, visited residents at the Elsi Gatchez Village, a home and school for orphans.

FATHER FRANCOIS BABULU and Father Dan Brady dedicate a new Knights of Columbus memorial plaza that was erected by St. Michael-Joseph Solari Council 11172 in Glen Allen, Va. Knights designed and built the plaza in honor of deceased council members and placed engraved pavers throughout the area. Parishioners from St. Michael the Archangel Church and members of Council 11172 also donated funds to place a Project Moses Ten Commandments monument at the site.

CADET BRIAN LOUIS (right) of Msgr. Cornelius George O’Keefe Council 8250 at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., helps a World War II veteran from a bus during a visit to the Culinary Institute of America. Knights assisted veterans from the Hudson Valley Health Care System who had come to the institute to celebrate the PT Phone Home Program, which implemented telephone service in the hospital rooms of veterans.

• The Knights of Columbus Essex County (N.J.) Federation donated $250 to the USO to purchase phone cards for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

KNIGHT S O F COLUMBUS

Building a better world one council at a time Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer.

We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.

TO

Members of Alubijid (Mindanao) Council 5905 plant new mangrove seedlings off the coast of Barrio Baybay, a fishing village about 2 miles from the town proper. The plants will serve as a breeding ground for marine life as well as a barrier against soil erosion and wave surges. Knights planted about 3,000 seedlings over two planting periods.

BE FEATURED HERE , SEND YOUR COUNCIL ’ S

C OLUMBIA , 1 C OLUMBUS P LAZA , N EW

“K NIGHTS IN ACTION ” PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO : H AVEN, CT 06510-3326 OR E - MAIL : COLUMBIA @ KOFC. ORG.

SEPTEMBER 2010

♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 33

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

KEEP THE FAIT H ALIVE

‘GOD CALLS ME TO GIVE A HUMAN FACE TO THE HEART OF GOD’ I was born and raised in St. Louis, the youngest of five children in a loving, faith-filled family. When I met the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — another loving community — I felt drawn by their spirit of joy, community prayer life and focus on the heart of Jesus. I experienced God touching my soul in a way that not only convinced me of his great love for me, but also invited me to love him and his people. While discerning what God desired of me, I decided to tell no one. Several months later, my mother asked me what I wanted to do with my life.

I could not speak. She replied, “You are going to be an Apostle, aren’t you?” I began to cry, and she responded, “Mothers pray too, you know!”

I believe God calls me to give a human face to the heart of God. This has taken shape in my role as an educator, a school administrator and now as a vocations director. My call to consecrated life continues to be God’s great gift to me.

SISTER COLLEEN SMITH Apostles of the Sacred Heart St. Louis, Missouri