Columbia September 2014

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

S EPTEMBER 2014

COLUMBIA

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS sePTembeR 2014 ♦ VOlume 94 ♦ NumbeR 9

COLUMBIA

F E AT U R E S

8 An Extraordinary Jubilee Year The mother parish of Canada and the United States celebrates 350 years of faith and history.

BY MARTINA DE VRIES

12 In Defense of Our First Freedom Catholics stand up for religious liberty, conscience rights and free speech in prominent court cases.

BY CHRISTOPHER WHITE

16 Working Toward Recovery Typhoon victims in the Philippines regain hope and employment through the Order’s Livelihood Project.

BY BRIAN CAULFIELD

20 Quo Vadis?

Knights’ support of vocation discernment programs assists youth in hearing God’s call.

BY JENNIFER REED

24 Evangelization and the ‘Digital Continent’ An interview with Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, about The Pope App, the Church and new media.

BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI

A relief image of Our Lady is depicted on the inside of the bronze Holy Door that was created for the 350th anniversary of NotreDame de Québec Parish with financial support from the Order.

D E PA RT M E N T S 3

Building a better world The message of Pope Francis to the Supreme Convention challenges Knights to live out our vocation to fraternity.

BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

TOP RIGHT: Photo by Daniel Abel

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Learning the faith, living the faith By receiving God’s love and sharing it with others, we can make the light of heaven visible on earth.

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Knights of Columbus News

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Knights in Action

Order Pledges $1.4 Million for Special Olympics World Games • Knights of Columbus Establishes Fund to Aid Persecuted Iraqis • Knights of Columbus Announces Accelerator Term Insurance Series • St. John Paul II Relic Visits East Coast Cathedrals • Vatican Publisher Releases Italian Translation of Father McGivney Biography

BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI

PLUS: Catholic Man of the Month

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Modern-Day Knights STRATFORD Caldecott, a beloved Catholic writer from Oxford, England, died in July at age 60 after a long battle with cancer. He was a close friend of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family and the Knights of Columbus, and contributed several articles to Columbia in recent years. In one such article on St. Joseph as a model of knighthood, he quoted an essay by the German poet Reinhold Schneider, who wrote that “the mission of the knight still remains: there must always be men who serve that which is holy in this world without reservation and without salary, caring for the weak, the persecuted and the insulted, renewing the authority of law and fighting against injustice. The knight exists for the sake of everyone: that is his proper position in the world.”

Among the wide-ranging essays in his final book, Not As the World Gives: The Way of Creative Justice (Second Spring Books, 2014), Caldecott reflected further on the meaning of “spiritual chivalry.” Referring to the necessity of modern-day knights for the evangelization of culture, he reaffirmed that “the spiritual ideal of chivalry is far from being a relic of the past.” He went on to cite the Swiss theologian Father Hans Urs von Balthasar: “How is the world to be healed, how are the peoples to be reconciled, if not through such a new body of knights, which is nothing other than the carrying out of the will of Jesus Christ, here and now, in this time?”

In sharing such observations, as well as many other insights about the renewal of culture through faith, beauty and fraternal communion, Caldecott was not

merely an idealistic intellectual. Intimately aware that the Gospel has concrete and practical implications, he lived out the Christian virtues of “spiritual chivalry” in his everyday life.

Similarly, when Father Michael J. McGivney assembled a group of Catholic men in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and they took the name “Knights,” it was not a matter of romanticism. They understood that they had received a lofty mission: to bear witness to Christian principles in their homes and communities. They saw that knighthood, in the words of Balthasar, is “the only effective equipment with which the Christian can meet the present day.”

Still today, the Knights of Columbus fulfills this need, recognized by Caldecott and Balthasar, for modern-day knights who courageously guard the weak and serve what is holy. Recent issues of Columbia have highlighted the Knights’ role in building a culture of life and the Christian family. This issue features some of the many other ways the Order serves the Church and society, including defending religious freedom (see page 12), providing humanitarian relief through works of charity (see page 16), promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life (see page 20), and supporting the work of evangelization (see page 24). In these ways and others, Knights demonstrate that spiritual chivalry is hardly a thing of the past, but rather remains an essential and dynamic part of the Church’s life.♦ ALTON J. PELOWSKI EDITOR

Faith Resource: In the Image of Love The booklet In the Image of Love: Marriage, the Family and the New Evangelization by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Michelle K. Borras is part of the New Evangelization Series published by the Order’s Catholic Information Service. Exploring how God’s love dwells in, heals and transforms married love, this booklet explains why the family is at the heart of the Church’s mission of evangelization. To download this and other Catholic resources, visit kofc.org/cis.

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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 Logan T. Ludwig DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Charles E. Maurer Jr. SUPREME SECRETARY Michael J. O’Connor SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski EDITOR Andrew J. Matt MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Scalisi SENIOR EDITOR ________

Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. ________ HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4580 OTHER INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 FAX 203-752-4109 CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 E-MAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

________ Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER A bronze relief of Christ is pictured on the front of the new Holy Door at the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Québec.

FRONT COVER: Photo by Daniel Abel

E D I TO R I A L

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BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

Our Mission Statement The message of Pope Francis to the Supreme Convention challenges Knights to live out our vocation to fraternity

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS of our tribute, to the mission of the Church annual Supreme Convention is the mes- at every level.” sage sent to us by our Holy Father. This We can say that this is high praise religion should be relegated to the inner year was no exception. In fact, the mes- from our Holy Father, but these words sanctum of personal life, without influsage of Pope Francis this year was espe- bring with them an even greater respon- ence on societal or national life.” cially important. sibility for our actions in the future.

Finally, the letter conveyed Pope FranIn my concluding remarks to convenPope Francis is calling upon all cis’ gratitude for our efforts to “instill a tion delegates, I asked them to consider Catholics to cast aside what he has de- strong sense of civic responsibility” conthe message of our Holy Father as the scribed as a growing “globalization of in- cerning the “growing threats to the inOrder’s “mission statement” for the difference” and instead to build “a tegrity of marriage and the family.” coming year. Now, I invite every brother community of brothers and sisters who In my report to the Supreme ConKnight to study this message, because it accept and care for one another.” This, vention, I observed that nearly a decade is our road map for the months before Pope Leo XIII’s great ahead. The pope’s message was encyclical Rerum Novarum so transmitted to us in a July 28 clearly identified issues of soI ask that every brother Knight letter from Vatican Secretary of cial justice in the 19th century study Pope Francis’ message to State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and launched what has come and will be printed in full in the be known as the Social the Supreme Convention. It is our to October issue of Columbia. It is Doctrine of the Catholic available now at kofc.org.

Church, Father Michael J. road map for the months ahead.

The theme of this year’s McGivney established a fraterSupreme Council meeting, nal association of Catholic “You Will All Be Brothers: Our Voca- he stated, is our “vocation to fraternity.” men who would bring the values of the tion to Fraternity,” was taken from the And as I said in my annual report to Gospel into society in order to help pope’s message for the 2014 World Day the Supreme Convention, “Who better build up the common good. for Peace. In his message to us, the pope to respond to this call than the world’s In this, and so many other ways, Fareiterated that “the Church is called to greatest Catholic fraternal organization?” ther McGivney’s vision prepared the be a community of brothers and sisters Our response is one that must be Knights of Columbus for the laity’s acwho accept and care for one another taken up by every brother Knight, be- tive role in the life of the Church and and serve as a leaven of reconciliation ginning within our own families and society that was proposed by the Second and unity for the whole human family.” local councils. From there, it must Vatican Council.

He then observed that “this vocation reach out into our parishes and local Every brother Knight should be imfound particular expression in princi- communities. mensely grateful for the recent guidples of faith, fraternity and service The message of our Holy Father also ance given to us by our Holy Father on which guided the establishment of the cited “the distinguished history” of the how to live out our “vocation to fraterKnights of Columbus.”

Knights of Columbus in promoting “the nity” as Knights of Columbus. Now Pope Francis went on to say that “the virtue of patriotism” and our work to that the course is so clearly set, it is up fidelity of the Knights to these high build a more just society. In that regard, to us to see to it that we move forward ideals has not only ensured the contin- he thanked us for our efforts to defend in our mission with determination and ued vitality of [our] Order, but has also religious liberty and the free exercise of integrity. contributed, and continues to con- religion, saying “no one can demand that Vivat Jesus!

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

Heaven, Here and Now By receiving God’s love and sharing it with others, we can make the light of heaven visible on earth

by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

PERHAPS YOU’VE NOTICED pretty irksome. Instead, Jesus taught how the liturgy often refers to the life us, “Be perfect, just as your heavenly of heaven. We pray that we will not Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). In other see how these principles help us to exonly be prepared to go to heaven, but words, “Be merciful, just as your Fa- perience heaven right here and now. that we will also start living the king- ther is merciful” (Lk 6:36). dom of heaven here on earth.

Heaven is a place of perfect love. HEAVENLY PRINCIPLES You might wonder how the life of When we love others, especially the We begin, as always, with charity. St. heaven is possible amid our daily rou- poor and needy, then we begin to ex- John the Evangelist sums up the very tines and problems. But before we start perience something of the wonder and heart of Scripture when he says, “God singing Peggy Lee’s old tune “Is That awe of heaven. When we keep the Ten is love” (1 Jn 4:8, 16). The three PerAll There Is?” let’s try to understand Commandments in the spirit of the sons of the Holy Trinity love each what our Christian tradition is other with a love that is pure, saying. Then let’s go one step passionate and beautiful. further and ask how we as What’s more, we are created Every desire, every feeling of Knights of Columbus might for love. St. John Paul II often understand this truth of our that our lives don’t make discontent, is a tug at the heart said faith. sense without love. When we open our hearts to God’s grace, from heaven, which is not an PERFECT LOVE which is revealed in Christ’s gift idyllic country but rather the The Church teaches us that of self on the Cross and so readheaven is eternal life with God. ily available to us in the sacralife of God himself.

It is participating in the life ments, and allow ourselves to be and love of the Holy Trinity drawn into God’s life and love, with all the saints in a state of we experience great joy. It isn’t supreme happiness. Heaven is sharing Beatitudes, we start living the life of just the fleeting happiness we feel when with our whole being in God’s love — heaven on earth. As we say in the things are going well; it is the joy of the the only love that satisfies the longing Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Holy Spirit that endures. of our heart. thy will be done, on earth as it is in God’s love poured into our hearts is Obviously, we aren’t there yet. Many heaven.” the source of charity. “We love because people are alienated from God and So what does this mean for the he first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). The more even deny that he exists. The world is Knights of Columbus? Let me suggest we welcome God’s love, the more we torn by wars and all kinds of human that the four principles of our beloved will be moved to reach out to those suffering. We ourselves may at times Order are four keys to living the life of around us in love and service. Love is give in to estrangement, division and heaven. I am convinced that our ven- more than a short-lived emotion; love self-centeredness. To the extent that we erable founder, Father Michael J. Mc- seeks to share with others the gift of dido so, we are not living the life of Givney, gave us these principles vine love that God has shared with us. heaven. because as a follower of Christ and as a No wonder Father McGivney made We might wonder, then, why an all- devoted priest, he was already living charity the first principle of Order. loving and all-powerful God doesn’t the life of heaven amid his strenuous When brother Knights provide coats just give us a pass. After all, life can be pastoral labors. Following his lead, let’s for inner-city children, support Special 4 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

Olympics or simply help fellow parishioners in need, they are in small ways manifesting heaven on earth.

Charity, of course, gives rise to unity: a oneness in professing and living our faith, and in our dedication to the Order’s principles. It means that when we, the family of the Knights of Columbus, engage in works of charity, we find ourselves united in friendship and in mission.

Indeed, when we build unity in our Order and in our Church, we start sharing in the joy of heaven. In fact, heaven is where the saints are completely united in God’s life and love.

There are no divisions or disputes.

HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS

Offered in Solidarity with Pope Francis GENERAL: That the mentally disabled may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life.

POPE FRANCIS: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters — ST. RENÉ GOUPIL: Painting by Tracy L. Christianson

MISSION: That Christians, inspired by the Word of God, may serve the poor and suffering.

Unity, in turn, leads to fraternity. In heaven, all are united as brothers and sisters because, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, they rejoice together in the presence of God the Father.

There, the Lord’s words are perfectly fulfilled: “For you have only one Father who is God and you are all brothers and sisters” (cf. Mt 23:8-9). In our care and concern for our fellow Knights and their families — our readiness to reach out to them in times of trouble, illness, loneliness or financial hardship, and our desire to support one another in living and bearing witness to the faith — we are bearing witness to heaven here on earth.

Finally, I’d like to offer a word about patriotism. Many of our brother Knights and their family members have sacrificed for love of their homeland. Yet, even as we love our native land on earth, our true native land in heaven calls to us. Every desire, every feeling of discontent, is a tug at the heart from heaven, which is not an idyllic country but rather the life of God himself.

So when we hear the liturgy talk about living the life of heaven even now, let’s never dismiss such talk as “pie in the sky.” No, let’s get down to the business of living the heavenly life today.♦

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

St. René Goupil (1608-1642) AFTER STUDYING MEDICINE and working in a Paris hospital, René Goupil entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1639, but was soon forced to leave because of ill health and partial deafness.

Moved by accounts of the Jesuit missionaries in New France, Goupil volunteered to serve them as a donné (lay assistant). He set sail in 1640 and worked for the next two years as a surgeon and physician in Québec hospitals.

In 1642, Jesuit Father Isaac Jogues asked Goupil to join him in bringing medical aid to the native Huron tribe.

Despite the dangers involved, including hostility from the native Iroquois, Goupil embraced the mission.

On Aug. 2, after embarking in canoes with 40 Frenchmen and Hurons, the group fell into Mohawk Iroquois hands. For the next two months, Goupil and the others were subjected to beatings and torture. Although Father Jogues encouraged him to escape, Goupil remained the priest’s constant and faithful companion to the end.

As they were reviled in one Iroquois village after another, Father Jogues marveled at Goupil’s patience and gentleness. “Though badly wounded him-

self, he cared for the other wounded, both the enemy who had been hurt and his fellow prisoners,” Father Jogues later wrote. Amid these ordeals, Goupil expressed his ardent desire to take vows as a Jesuit brother, to which Father Jogues readily assented.

On Sept. 29, in response to Goupil making the sign of the cross over a young child, an Iroquois struck him in the head with a tomahawk. Goupil uttered the holy name of Jesus and breathed his last, near present-day Auriesville, N.Y., becoming the first of the eight North American Martyrs. Canonized together in 1930, their feast day is celebrated Sept. 26 (Canada) and Oct. 19 (United States).♦

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

Order Pledges $1.4 Million for Special Olympics World Games THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS has announced a donation to cover the costs of athletes from the United States and Canada attending the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The Order’s $1.4 million sponsorship will cover the expenses of every athlete from the two countries during the event. More than 7,500 athletes from 185 countries competed in the last World Summer Games, held in 2011 in Athens.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson made the announcement July 14 during a news conference at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Joining him were Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles, who is a member of Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral Council 2540, and World Games CEO and President Patrick McClenahan.

“The Knights of Columbus were there with Special Olympics and its founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, from the very beginning,” said Supreme Knight Anderson, adding that Sargent Shriver, Eunice’s husband, was “a friend and proud member of the Knights.”

The supreme knight added, “Our support exemplifies our commitment to the dignity of every person, our dedication to assisting with our neighbors’ needs whatever they may be, and our deep appreciation for the great work done

by Special Olympics.”♦

Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles (third from left) helps Special Olympics World Games Global Messengers Caley Versfelt and Marco Martinez unfurl a World Games flag in front of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Also pictured are, from left, actor Eduardo Verastegui, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, Deputy Supreme Knight Logan Ludwig, World Games CEO and President Patrick McClenahan, and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California Bill Shumard.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS announced Aug. 11 that it is establishing a fund to assist those facing a horrific and violent persecution and possible extinction — particularly Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and the surrounding regions.

The Order pledged an initial $500,000 and will match an additional $500,000 in donations from the public.

“The unprovoked and systematic persecution and violent elimination of Middle East Christians, as well as other minority groups, especially in Iraq, has created an enormous humanitarian crisis,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “Pope Francis has asked the world for prayers and support for those affected by this terrible persecution, and we are asking our members, and all people of good will, to pray for those persecuted and to support efforts to assist them by donating to this fund.”

Anderson added: “It has shocked the conscience of the world that people are systematically being purged from the region where their families have lived for millennia — simply for their faith. It is imperative that we stand in solidarity with them in defense of the freedom of conscience and provide them with whatever relief we can.”

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A displaced woman and child flee violence from forces loyal to the Islamic State in Sinjar, Iraq, Aug. 10.

Those seeking to assist with the humanitarian relief efforts can donate to K of C Christian Refugee Relief by visiting www.kofc.org/Iraq or by sending checks or money orders to: K of C Christian Refugee Relief, Knights of Columbus Charities, P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966.♦

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Photo by Jillian Rose — IRAQ: CNS photo/ Rodi Said, Reuters

Knights of Columbus Establishes Fund to Aid Persecuted Iraqis

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

TOP RIGHT: Thomas Serafin

Knights of Columbus Announces Accelerator Term Insurance Series ADDING TO its portfolio of topquality insurance products, the Knights of Columbus announced the new Accelerator Term Insurance series available to Knights and their eligible family members.

The new series will offer term insurance protection up to age 85, a 15-year increase from previous term products.

Level Term Insurance offered in the Accelerator Term Insurance Series includes a special acceleration feature that automatically increases the initial death benefit of the policy by 5 percent for each of the first five years of the policy.

Term Insurance from the Knights of Columbus is an economical way to cover short-term needs such as income replacement, mortgage protection, debt protection and tuition expense protection.

“We are always looking to update and to innovate to better serve our members and their families,” said Chief Insurance Officer Thomas P. Smith Jr. “With the new Accelerator Term Insurance, we are giving our members and their families another fantastic option for protection.”

The release of the Accelerator Term Insurance Series comes amid another record-breaking year for Knights of Columbus Insurance. The program, founded by Venerable Michael McGivney in 1882, topped $94 billion of insurance in force in early 2014 and earned the highest possible ratings for financial strength (A++, Superior) from A.M. Best for the 39th consecutive year.

To learn more about the Knights of Columbus Insurance program and the new Accelerator Term Insurance Series, contact your local Knights of Columbus agent or find your agent at kofc.org/findagent.♦

St. John Paul II Relic Visits East Coast Cathedrals THIS SUMMER, the Knights of Columbus sponsored a relic tour of St. John Paul II to major East Coast cities, including Baltimore, Boston, New York and Philadelphia.

The relic, which consists of a vial of the late pope’s blood, was entrusted to the Order in 2011 for the Saint John Paul II National Shrine by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, archbishop of Kraków and John Paul II’s longtime personal secretary.

The tour began June 21 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, where Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley celebrated Mass the next day with the relic in the sanctuary.

On July 13, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York celebrated Mass in the presence of the relic at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The following weekend, the relic was placed in the sanctuary of the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput celebrated the July 20 evening Mass, with Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput delivers a homily about St. John Paul II at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul during a special East Coast tour of the saint’s blood relic. and his wife, Dorian, in attendance.

In addition, another relic consisting of a piece of John Paul II’s bloodstained cassock from the 1981 assassination attempt was brought to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore on June 21 as part of the Fortnight for Freedom celebration with Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori.♦

Vatican Publisher Releases Italian Translation of Father McGivney Biography VATICAN PUBLISHING house Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV) unveiled Il Parroco, the Italian translation of Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster’s biography of the Order’s founder, Venerable Michael McGivney, at an event in Rome June 25. The book was originally published in English in 2006 under the title Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism.

LEV launched the Italian edition at Rome’s Augustinian Patristic Institute.

The event featured brief presentations

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

and LEV Director Father Giuseppe Costa.

Il Parroco chronicles the life of the founder of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. Showing the range of Father McGivney’s pastoral work, from ministering to prisoners to confronting head-on the various issues facing his parishioners, the book tells the story of a parish priest who, in his short life, distinguished himself by his tireless efforts on behalf of his flock.

More information about Venerable Michael McGivney is available at fathermcgivney.org.♦

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An Extraordinary Jubilee Year The mother parish of Canada and the United States celebrates 350 years of faith and history

by Martina de Vries | photos by Daniel Abel

W

ith outstretched arms, a relief image of Christ welcomes pilgrims to the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. The image is depicted on a massive bronze door that was commissioned for the 350th anniversary of the historic parish, which was established Sept. 15, 1664.

Underwritten by the Knights of Columbus, including state councils throughout Canada, the Holy Door stands as a symbol of communion amid this grace-filled jubilee year. The seventh Holy Door in the world and the first in the Americas, the door was ceremonially opened Dec. 8, 2013, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and will remain open until Dec. 28.

“This has been an extraordinary year for the universal Church and especially the Church of Québec,” said Bernard Labrecque, a member of Charles-Neuf Council 11693 in Charlesbourg and a volunteer for the jubilee.

This year, as thousands of pilgrims have participated in events to celebrate the mother parish of the United States and Canada, the Church in Québec has also welcomed the announcement of a new cardinal and two new saints: a bishop and a nun who were instrumental in establishing the faith in 17th-century Canada.

As Father Denis Bélanger, rector of the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, noted, the convergence of so many causes for celebration is “no small thing.”

CRADLE OF CANADIAN CATHOLICISM After the first settlers came to New France in 1608, religious communities soon followed: the Récollet Fathers in 1615, the Jesuits in 1625, and the Augustinian nuns and the Ursuline sisters in 1639.

In 1658, François de Laval was consecrated a bishop at age 35 and appointed as apostolic vicar to the fledging Church in New France. In 1664, five years after arriving, he established the parish of Notre-Dame de Québec (originally called NotreDame-de-la-Paix, or Our Lady of Peace). A decade later, he was appointed the founding bishop of the Diocese of Québec, which was the largest diocese in the world at the time, covering most of North America.

“As one of Bishop Laval’s successors, I feel a particular bond with him,” said Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix in a 2012 interview.

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“I admire his audacity, his courage and his determination to help the Catholic Church take root here and to spread the Gospel.”

In 1874, the Vatican named Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral a basilica to underscore its historic role in the establishment and expansion of the Christian faith in North America. The archdiocese officially became Canada’s primatial see in 1956, and the cathedral was declared a historic monument 10 years later.

Preparations for Notre-Dame’s 350th anniversary festivities began in 2012 with the promotion of a jubilee pilgrimage itinerary for visitors. Titled “On the Path of Our Pioneers in Faith,” the pilgrimage features six historic religious sites, retracing the journey of the founders of the Church in New France.

In August 2013, work began on a side chapel of the cathedral-basilica to create a new passage for the Holy Door. Earlier that month, at the 131st Supreme Convention in San Antonio, the Order launched a two-year Marian Prayer Program featuring an image of the painting of the Immaculate Conception that hangs above the main altar of the cathedral-basilica.

“Consider visiting Québec sometime in 2014 for a pilgrimage that could change your life,” said Archbishop Lacroix, addressing the convention during the launch of the prayer program.

“Come with your family, your parish, your councils and assemblies, your diocese. Come to the beautiful city of Québec and let the Lord renew your faith,” added the archbishop, who is a member of Charlesbourg Council 6289.

Accepting his invitation, the Order’s leadership gathered in Québec in November 2013 for their midyear meeting, which included a guided tour of the cathedral. During the event, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson praised Bishop Laval as “a man of courage, a man of vision, a man of evangelization.” Noting that Venerable Michael McGivney began his seminary studies in Montreal, the supreme knight called the Order’s founder “a spiritual son of Blessed Bishop de Laval and the French Catholicism of his day.”

Finally, on Dec. 8, 2013, Pope Francis announced the beginning of the jubilee year, and the Holy Door was officially opened.

A RARE RITE OF PASSAGE So what exactly is a Holy Door? This is a question that Knights like Labrecque have been asked frequently, for they have helped

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The historic Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, a popular pilgrimage destination during its 350th anniversary, began its jubilee year festivities with the opening of a new Holy Door on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 2013, and will conclude Dec. 28, the feast of the Holy Family. usher thousands of people through the Holy Door over the past nine months.

“I tell them passing through the Holy Door is like passing through the gates of heaven,” Labrecque said. Inside, a person finds the final destination of his pilgrimage, “a place to gather as one universal, Christian family.”

When he first announced the plan for the Holy Door in 2012, Archbishop Lacroix noted it would be a “a humble door, a narrow one, recalling the invitation of Jesus to ‘enter through the narrow door’ (Lk 13:24).”

Since Holy Doors are open only during a holy year or a jubilee, passing through one is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people. Authorized by the Vatican, there are only seven Holy Doors in the world. The others are at the four major basilicas in Rome; in Ars, France; and at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Pilgrims who pass through the Holy Door during a jubilee year may receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, including confession, reception of Communion and detachment from sin.

In addition to visiting and gaining the indulgence for themselves, many pilgrims have carried others spiritually with them, helping souls in purgatory find their way to heaven.

One prominent example occurred earlier this year after a devastating fire ravaged Résidence du Havre, an elderly housing complex in L’Isle Verte, on Jan. 23, claiming the lives of 32 senior citizens. In March, a group of pilgrims each held one of the victims in his or her heart while passing through the Holy Door — a moving tribute to those lost in the tragedy.

To date, more than 150,000 pilgrims have passed through the Holy Door since it opened, representing nearly 40 percent of all visitors coming to see the cathedral. Even tourists, coming SEPTEMBER 2014

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Archbishop (now Cardinal) Gérald C. Lacroix of Québec stands with Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and more than 40 K of C chaplains before the main altar of the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec after a Mass of pilgrimage during the Order’s midyear meeting Nov. 7, 2013. Above the altar hangs the image of Mary as the Immaculate Conception, the centerpiece of the Order’s current Marian Prayer Program.

PILGRIMS, SAINTS AND BLESSINGS On Feb. 22, the Church in Québec, and indeed all of Canada, rejoiced as Pope Francis made Archbishop Lacroix one of 18 new cardinals.

The following month, a relic of St. André Bessette, the beloved French-Canadian Holy Cross brother who was canonized in 2010, visited the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec for three weeks. Denis Lavoie, a member of Charlesbourg Council 6289, carried the reliquary into the cathedral behind an honor guard of Fourth Degree Knights.

At the start of the jubilee year, Cardinal Lacroix had requested that Lavoie find and manage volunteers who would guide pilgrims through the Holy Door and answer their questions after their passage — a task requiring more than 2,500 volunteer hours.

“Ninety-five percent of the volunteers for the jubilee are Knights of Columbus,” Lavoie said. “Our spouses are also very important. They get us going on the days we’d rather stay home.”

The Church in Canada welcomed the announcement of two new saints on April 3, when Pope Francis signed canonization decrees for Bishop Laval and Ursuline Sister Marie de l’Incarnation, who had arrived in New France 20 years prior to the pioneering bishop.

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Three months later, on July 11, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, celebrated a Mass commemorating the anniversary of the dedication of the original church of Notre-Dame de Québec to the Immaculate Conception in 1666. The procession included the same cross that St. François de Laval had used for the original dedication.

In his homily, Archbishop Bonazzi asked, “Why did the first missionaries of Canada, the Canadian martyrs, St. Marie de l’Incarnation, St. François de Laval … leave their homelands? Because they were captivated by one person: Jesus Christ. This cathedral-basilica was built in order to help us discover a personal relationship with the Son of God.” The event also included the presentation of a commemorative plaque, honoring major donors to the cathedral, including the Knights of Columbus.

Finally, August saw a celebration marking the 375th anniversary of the arrival of the Augustinian nuns and the Ursuline sisters, and a novena for the feast of the Assumption took place Aug. 6-15. Even more events are planned through the close of the jubilee year Dec. 28 (see sidebar).

The jubilee continues to bring a multitude of blessings to the Church in Québec and to the many pilgrims who come to the basilica, thereby realizing Cardinal Lacroix’s wish that the jubilee draw North Americans closer to their faith. As he noted at the opening of the Holy Door in 2013, “When people decide to embark on this journey toward encountering and following Christ, anything becomes possible. A new world can be achieved.”♦ MARTINA DE VRIES is the director of the Corporation of Religious Heritage and Tourism of Québec.

Photo by Tom Serafin

solely for the attraction of the Holy Door, have multiplied this year. Compared to the first six months of 2013, the cathedral saw a 45 percent increase in visitors during the first half of 2014.

Among those visitors have been numerous Knights of Columbus groups, often recognizable by their Immaculate Conception prayer cards, distributed for the ongoing Marian Prayer Program.

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CELEBRATING THE JUBILEE THE CATHEDRAL-BASILICA of Notre-Dame de Québec will continue to host 350th anniversary events through the remainder of 2014. For more information on events: visit notredamedequebec.org.

September-December: Conferences and talks on various themes, including faith, family, history, patrimony, culture and heritage.

Sept. 14: Pontifical Mass celebrated by Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, archbishop of Havana, appointed by Pope Francis as papal legate for the 350th anniversary of the founding of Notre-Dame de Québec.

Oct. 19: Patronal feast of Notre-Dame des Victoires.

Nov. 30-Dec. 7: Novena to the Immaculate Conception.

Dec. 8: Patronal feast of Notre-Dame de Québec.

Dec. 28: Closing of the jubilee year and the Holy Door on the feast of the Holy Family.

Clockwise from top: Archbishop Lacroix strikes the first hammer blow on a wall on the north side of Notre-Dame de Québec where the Holy Door would be installed. • The bronze relief of Christ on the front of the Holy Door is pictured beside the glass entryway to the cathedralbasilica. • Flanked by Fourth Degree Knights, Denis Lavoie, a member of Charlesbourg (Québec) Council 6289, carries a relic of St. André Bessette into the cathedral-basilica. • Archbishop Lacroix, together with Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop Lori, visit the tomb of St. François de Laval, founding bishop of the Québec Diocese.

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In Defense of Our First Freedom Catholics stand up for religious liberty, conscience rights and free speech in prominent court cases

by Christopher White

I

n his classic treatise, Democracy in America, the French po“I first thought this was a public stunt, and he’s doing this litical thinker Alexis de Tocqueville observed, “Religion in to cater to the crowd that had helped elect him,” recalled VanAmerica ... must be regarded as the foremost of the political der Bleek. “He was a very pro-abortion-minded governor. I institutions of that country; for if it does not impart a taste just didn’t think this would have any teeth until a few weeks for freedom, it facilitates the use of it.” In surveying the later when we received the first notice, basically saying that United States, Tocqueville understood quickly that the prac- this rule is in effect and you will need to comply. If you don’t, tice of religion was essential to the moral fabric of this country we’ll revoke your license.” and to its continued success as a democracy.

In 1997, Vander Bleek became co-owner of Fitzgerald PharYet in a country that was founded by individuals eager to macy. Less than a decade later, he was faced with a grave escape religious persecution, the early years of the 21st cen- choice: adhere to his conscience and refuse to comply, or potury have given way to a newfound tentially risk the end of his pharmaceuhostility toward religion that threatens tical career. For Vander Bleek, the the very principles upon which Amerchoice was clear. He immediately conica was founded — or, as the U.S. tacted his personal attorney, a fellow OT ONLY IS IT Conference of Catholic Bishops deKnight of Columbus. Realizing that scribed it, “our first, most cherished this was going to be a much larger YOUR RIGHT AS AN liberty.” issue than his practice could take on, It is well-known that numerous inthe attorney advised Vander Bleek that AMERICAN CITIZEN TO dividuals, businesses and organizahe would look into the matter and seek tions have challenged the U.S. out some more robust help. Vander EXPRESS YOUR RELIGION Department of Health and Human Bleek, along with his co-owner Glenn IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE, Services mandate requiring insurance Kosirog, were put into contact with coverage for contraception and aborAmericans United for Life, a pro-life IT’S A RESPONSIBILITY.” tifacients. But there have also been law firm and advocacy group that has many lesser-known cases that evidence received support from the Supreme a disturbing trend in both federal- and Council. state-level infringements on religious AUL was the first to file suit. Gov. freedom and individual conscience rights.

Blagojevich responded to the immediate protests of the rule by stating that “pharmacists with moral objections should find REFUSING A BITTER PILL another profession” and that as part of their duties, they “must Dr. Luke Vander Bleek, a member of St. Mary’s Council 3916 fill prescriptions without making moral judgments.” in Morrison, Ill., received a foretaste of what many private Mark Rienzi, a law professor at The Catholic University of business owners are now experiencing in light of the HHS America and senior counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious mandate. On April 1, 2005, then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich is- Liberty, took over as lead counsel of the case for Vander Bleek sued an executive order requiring all pharmacists to provide and Kosirog in 2006. Suit was filed under the Illinois Health emergency contraception (commonly referred to as “the Care Right of Conscience Act, which provided health-care morning-after pill”) on demand. professionals with protection from punishment for declining

“N

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Photo by Stephen Folker/Giraffe Photography

Dr. Luke Vander Bleek, a member of St. Mary’s Council 3916 in Morrison, Ill., stands behind the counter of Fitzgerald Pharmacy, the business he co-owns in Morrison. In 2012, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in favor of Vander Bleek’s First Amendment rights, allowing him to decline filling prescriptions for “the morning after pill.” to offer services that conflicted with their religious convictions. According to Rienzi, “Most states have an abortion-specific protection for medical professionals to exempt, but we have 50 states, and they all do things differently. Fortunately, the Illinois Act is very strong.”

In 2008, the case finally reached the Illinois Supreme Court, which granted standing for the pharmacists to challenge the governor’s rule. Once the case went to trial, the Illinois government was unable to prove that there was compelling interest to force pharmacists to violate their conscience — even lacking evidence of a single individual who was unable to gain access to emergency contraception from some other provider. As Rienzi noted, “The government had no evidence of a single person that could not get the drug.

There was no reason to force these guys to get involved. This case showed that some of the big, loud claims of the government could not trump individual freedom.”

Eventually the case went to the Circuit Court, which ruled that the law was invalid. On Dec. 10, 2012, seven years after the battle began, Vander Bleek and Kosirog were granted a final victory to continue their pharmaceutical practice without having to sell emergency contraception.

In reflecting on the case, Vander Bleek feels motivated by the victory and is hopeful that it will encourage others, particularly his fellow Knights, to stand up for their rights.

“Every one of my brother Knights ought to ask themselves, ‘Am I being called here to stand up?’ In my case, I felt like my name was being called, and it was time to do something.”

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Cyril “Pete” Korte, a member of Highland (Ill.) Council 1580 and president of Korte & Luitjohan Contractors Inc., is the plaintiff in a case challenging the HHS contraception mandate.

STANDING UP FOR TRUTH About 250 miles south, in Highland, Ill., another Knight has recently taken up a similar challenge. Cyril “Pete” Korte, a member of Highland Council 1580 and president of Korte & Luitjohan Contractors Inc., founded his construction company as a small venture in 1958, installing gas lines for the city of Highland. Since then, Korte & Luitjohan has grown to employ more than 80 permanent workers, with most construction projects providing jobs to between 90 and 110 workers on any given day. Recognizing that the HHS mandate would require that he violate tenets of his Catholic faith, Korte sought judicial intervention.

The case eventually made its way to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in favor of Korte, who was represented by the American Center for Law and Justice.

The case also set an important precedent for similar cases — including the notable Hobby Lobby case. According to Edward White, senior counsel with the ACLJ, “This is the first appellate court decision that says the individual owner and the company they own each has separate rights. … We now have a binding court decision that evidences certain rights and violations, and this should be helpful for others in similar situations.”

The Seventh Circuit case brought temporary relief to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors and that victory was further cemented by the Supreme Court’s 5-4 June ruling in the Hobby Lobby case, which said that closely held corporations, such as Korte & Luitjohan, are exempt from having to comply with the mandate under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In his opinion for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito Jr. wrote, “HHS has not shown that it lacks other means of achieving its desired goal without imposing a substantial burden on the exercise of religion.”

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TAKING TO THE STREETS At age 64 — when most people are considering retirement — Eleanor McCullen began a new career as a volunteer sidewalk counselor outside of abortion facilities. For more than a decade, McCullen has been a regular presence outside of Planned Parenthood on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.

During these years, she has counseled scores of women against abortion and offered assistance in all forms: emotional, financial, physical and spiritual. Yet in 2007, a Massachusetts state law was passed that imposed a 35-feet buffer zone outside of abortion facilities, which threatened McCullen’s ability to carry out her mission. Now, at age 77, McCullen has found herself as the victorious plaintiff in a unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court ruling, which concluded that “the buffer zones burden substantially more speech than necessary.”

Like Vander Bleek in Morrison, Ill., McCullen was represented by Mark Rienzi. According to Rienzi, “What’s wrong with the [Massachusetts] law is that the government is taking a piece of public sidewalk and allowing abortion clinics to say whatever they want, while not allowing other folks who want to have a peaceful conversation to do the same.”

According to McCullen’s friends and critics alike, her approach to sidewalk counseling is a non-violent, peaceful one that is orderly and undisruptive.

“We offer a story of love, gentleness, and compassion,” she said. “There’s a myth about sidewalk people that we’re angry…. I just want to say that we can help you. We have resources. We have a lot of ways in which we will support you with love.”

Unfortunately for McCullen, the case was plagued by the usual politics that dominate the abortion debate. Yet, as McCullen notes, “This is not about abortion. It’s about our First Amendment rights being taken away. I should be able to say to you, ‘I can help you.’ I shouldn’t have to be 35 feet away.

Photo by Sid Hastings

Korte believes that these cases will serve as a call to action for other Christian business owners to exercise their own rights.

“The worst evil in any day and age, in any place, is to stand by and do nothing in the face of injustice or poor judgment,” he said. “My hope is that all good citizens and small business owners, especially Christians, stand up for truth and for our rights.”

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Photo by Bryce Vickmark

Eleanor McCullen, plaintiff in a pending Supreme Court case on free speech, offers sidewalk counseling in front of a Planned Parenthood facility in Boston.

This is America. Once you compromise on one little thing, it just opens up a gateway to other violations of freedom.”

In January, the case was heard before the U.S. Supreme Court, with all of the justices appearing to show great interest in the case. “I thought all the justices were fair and honestly grappling through the issues,” noted Rienzi.

Prior to the court’s June ruling, McCullen remained optimistic.

“Either way, we’ll still continue in this work,” she said at the time. “Even if we lose, we have still won because this has pro-

vided me a chance to put a good and positive face on sidewalk counselors.”

Following the court’s ruling, McCullen has pressed on with her work, though she has been met with new resistance from abortion advocates.

“The unanimous decision makes clear that the First Amendment is for everyone, including peaceful pro-life sidewalk counselors,” Rienzi said. “The government has ample tools to prosecute anyone who engages in misbehavior — tools the state hasn’t had occasion to use for decades — and the court told them to use those tools instead of trying to imprison peaceful speakers like Eleanor McCullen.”

Both the McCullen case and the Hobby Lobby case, he added, show that the Supreme Court takes First Amendment rights seriously. The government cannot restrict those rights without “real evidence of serious problems that cannot be addressed in other ways,” he said.

While the legal landscape for religious believers may appear bleak at times, religious liberty is being upheld and protected by the courts in a majority of cases, and the Christian plaintiffs are offering a consistent witness of hope.

As these vindicated warriors — Vander Bleek, Korte and McCullen — remind us, their individual causes represent principles far greater than themselves.

“If not me, who? If not now, when?” asked Vander Bleek.

“That’s the duty of the citizen: to stand up to the government. Not only is it your option and your right as an American citizen to express your religion in the public square, it’s a responsibility.”♦ CHRISTOPHER WHITE is a columnist for Catholic Pulse.com and the co-author of Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops is Revitalizing the Catholic Church (Encounter Books, 2013).

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Working Toward Recovery Typhoon victims in the Philippines regain hope and employment through the Order’s Livelihood Project

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In early June, 40 new motorized boats were delivered to fishermen in Western Samar through the Livelihood Project in the Philippines.

Photo by Ronalyn Ramos Regino

W

ith an innovative program based on neighbor helping neighbor, the Knights of Columbus is helping people in the Philippines get back to work after the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan. When the storm swept through the central portion of the archipelago in November 2013, more than 6,000 people were killed and millions more were forced to flee their homes.

Under the Knights of Columbus Livelihood Project, sponsored by the Supreme Council, laborers who lost their businesses due to the storm are being paid to construct motorized

boats for fishermen whose vessels and equipment were washed away by the 195-mph winds and 20-foot storm surges. The first boats were delivered in late March, and periodic deliveries since then will bring the total number of boats to more than 100 by the end of the summer. Along with the boats, the fishermen receive fishing gear such as nets, hooks, lures, nylon string and heavy-duty rope.

The Livelihood Project also includes the delivery of seeds to farmers whose topsoil was washed away by the floods and whose land was covered by toppled trees. With financial assisSEPTEMBER 2014

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Photos by Roy Lagarde

Supplied with chainsaws, builders in Eastern Samar cut fallen trees into boards for new boats and temporary shelters. • After receiving a new motorized boat, fisherman Gerardo Casilides returns to the sea to take up his trade.

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tance from the Supreme Council, local Knights purchased and distributed 10,000 coconut seedlings to help farmers replant and provided chainsaws so that they could clear their land of trees, which could also be used for wood to rebuild their homes.

TOP RIGHT: Photo by Ronalyn Ramos Regino

A NETWORK OF SUPPORT The Diocese of Borongon and the Archdiocese of Palo, the two hardest-hit areas, received more than $50,000 in emergency relief funds from the Supreme Council late last year, as Knights worked to get emergency food and water supplies to storm victims in remote areas that had not yet been reached by international relief agencies. Drawing on reports from Knights in local councils throughout the affected areas, the Visayas State Council began delivering canned food and bottled water shortly after the storm hit, and continued relief efforts for months with funds from the Supreme Council (see Columbia, February 2014). In total, more than 30,000 food packs were prepared and distributed, in addition to other necessities such as used clothes, tarpaulins, corrugated metal for temporary roofing, and handheld tools.

Now, the Livelihood Project is designed to go beyond these basic relief efforts to provide storm victims with the means to return to work so that they can support themselves and their families. The project is being funded by the Order’s Philippines Disaster Relief Fund, which grew to more than $800,000 with donations from Knights and other donors. The Supreme Council made an initial grant of $250,000 when the storm first hit on Nov. 8, 2013.

The fishermen chosen as beneficiaries were identified through a network of Filipino Knights who walked through the devastated neighborhoods to assess the needs of survivors.

There are more than 300,000 Knights in the Philippines, where the typhoon was given the local name of Yolanda. Key organizers of the project include Supreme Director Alonso Tan, Visayas Deputy Rodrigo Sorongon, Visayas Secretary Anthony Nazario, and regional deputy Fred Lagria, whose home in Tacloban was damaged in the storm.

“The damage to the area has been enormous; I estimate that it will take at least three years for things to get back to normal,” Lagria said. “Everyone has worked hard to help, with those who have something sharing with those who lost everything, and people looking out for their neighbors. The Knights have been here all along, and I am very blessed to be part of this effort.”

Hilario Ando, a team leader of the boat builders in Borongon City, said, “All of us here in this fishing village are involved in the work. Now that we have this project, we can buy food for our families and send our children to school.”

COMING TO THE RESCUE A delivery of 40 new motorized boats was made in Basey, Western Samar, in early June, with Filipino K of C leaders taking part in a boat blessing and a ceremony for transferring the boats to the fishermen and their families.

“Typhoon Yolanda damaged our house. A big tree fell on the roof, and I had a small boat that was also destroyed,” said Danilo Abayan, a fisherman in Eastern Samar, near the center

A fisherman in Western Samar inspects his catch after plying the waters in his new boat. of the storm. “I wasn’t able to save it because the wind was so strong.”

He added, “I feel happy and thankful for this help from the Knights of Columbus. With my age and our current situation, I never thought I could afford to have my own boat because I lost my source of income.”

Likewise, Danilo Bihas of Samar was able to get back to fishing to support his wife and their two young children.

“Our situation was difficult after Yolanda,” said Bihas, who received a motorized boat from the Livelihood Project. “I don’t know how many coconut trees fell on our house. Through God’s mercy, we were able to survive. My family is still intact.

But we lost everything — my fishing equipment and our house.

We saved nothing except some clothes. The rest was swept away by the typhoon. I thought I would never find work again.”

Gerardo Casilides lives on an island off the coast of Eastern Samar that was completely flooded in the storm.

“Our house was right in the path of the storm and was destroyed, so I went to my neighbor’s with one of my children,” he recalled. “But that house was also destroyed. We were right inside the house at the time and two persons were washed out by the storm surge. They were a married couple. But I was also able to rescue another couple and three more individuals. We had to hold on to anything we could find. We couldn’t cross to safer ground because the water level was too high, so we waited till the water subsided.”

After receiving a boat, Casilides said, “This boat is our main source of income because we are on an island and have nowhere to go but to the sea. I thank the people of the Knights of Columbus for this big help to our family, and not just to us but to all the other recipients.”♦ BRIAN CAULFIELD is editor of Fathers for Good and vice postulator for the canonization cause of Venerable Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus.

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Quo Vadis?

Knights’ support of vocation discernment programs assists youth in hearing God’s call

by Jennifer Reed | photos by Chris Heisey

B

y late June, school was not in session at Mount St. Mary’s The co-founders of Quo Vadis Days, Father John Cihak of Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. However, the seminary’s the Archdiocese of Portland and Father William Dillard of Memorial Gym was abuzz as 90 young men chatted over lunch, the Diocese of San Diego, first developed the program in and a dozen Knights went table to table making sure they had 2000 in response to Pope John Paul II’s call for a new evanplenty to eat. gelization. It has since spread to more than a dozen dioceses Here, early summer brings with it hot and humid days. But across the country, with local councils supporting discernit also ushers in another climate: one of vocation discernment. ment camps in places such as Spokane, Charlotte, Allentown For the past decade, the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., has an- and Philadelphia. nually held the Quo Vadis Days discernment camp at the semThe Portland camp balances recreation, prayer and presentainary. The five-day experience offers young men ages 15-25 a tions from priests and seminarians to include a full spectrum of chance to listen to God’s call while immersed in a schedule of activities for participants, ages 13-18. A bonfire at the concluprayer, sports and recreation, and presentations from priests sion of each day gives campers time to talk to priests and semiand seminarians. narians in a relaxed environment.

“This time gives me a chance to listen to where God wants This year’s event, held June 23-26, included a presentation by me to go with my life,” said first-time Archbishop Alexander Sample, hiking, participant Joseph Tokar, 19, a member fishing and a talent show. Campers also of Monsignor George V. Lentocha prayed an international rosary together Council 3501 in Middletown, Pa. at the bonfire, with each decade in a difUO VADIS DAYS IS SO “I want to keep myself open to the ferent language to celebrate their famipossibility of the priesthood and look lies’ countries of origin.

ATTRACTIVE BECAUSE IT’S A for where God wants me to be,” added The program consistently draws 50Tokar, who will head to St. Joseph Uni70 young men each year, and more than PLACE WHERE THE HIDDEN versity in Philadelphia in the fall. half of them are repeat participants.

First launched in the Archdiocese of Similarly, the inaugural Quo Vadis DESIRE TO BE HOLY IS Portland in the Jubilee Year 2000, Quo Days camp at Mount St. Mary’s SemiAWAKENED.” Vadis Days discernment camps have nary drew 50 participants in 2005. expanded to dioceses throughout the Within two years, the program reached United States. In many cases, local its current average of 90 young men.

K of C councils have supported the proApproximately 70 percent of them are gram and similar discernment initiatives, helping to provide repeat campers each year, and 70 percent of the diocese’s nearly young men and women opportunities to explore and potentially 40 seminarians have attended the program. embrace a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

Campers and seminarians aren’t the only regulars though.

Knights of Columbus have been supporting the initiative since IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST it was introduced.

Legend has it that as St. Peter fled the persecution of Nero, In Portland, councils donate food and snacks, facilitate dayhe encountered Jesus on the outskirts of Rome. “Lord, where time activities, and arrange carpools to take the boys to and from are you going?” (in Latin, “Quo vadis, Domine?”), Peter asked. Camp Howard — a Catholic camp situated on 240 acres of “To Rome, to be crucified again,” came the reply. Humiliated, Oregon forests and meadows. Knights also sponsor some Peter returned to the city, where, feeling unworthy of being campers to cover the $50 cost. crucified in the same way as Christ, he asked to be crucified “We have worked with the Knights from the beginning, so it upside down. has developed with their help, and it is dependent upon their For more than a decade, U.S. dioceses have been asking young help,” said Father Theodore Lange, a formation director and Catholic men the same question: “Quo vadis?” — “Where are professor at Mount Angel Seminary and the current director of you going?”

Quo Vadis Days in Portland.

“Q

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A Quo Vadis Days camper wears a shirt in observance of the event’s 10th anniversary in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., while attending Mass celebrated in the chapel at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.

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Clockwise from top: Father Raymond LaVoie, director of the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Office of Vocations, prepares campers for afternoon recreation, which includes football, Frisbee and a water balloon launch. • Mike Yakubick, a member of St. Joseph Council 12788 in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and state Squires director, welcomes participants to a lunch prepared and served by Knights in Memorial Gym at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. • Mike Casey, a member of Council 12788, refills a cooler with cold drinks. • Greg Mikolajczak, a member of Council 12788, serves food to campers.

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“The Knights of Columbus are one of the finest examples of men in the Church who are actively serving through their support of priests and seminarians, and their work to foster a culture of life,” Father LaVoie added.

Quo Vadis Days participants sit in quiet reflection in the chapel at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.

“Having the Knights here has a great impact on the young men at the camp, regardless of their vocation in life,” added Father Lange, a member of St. Benedict Council 15595 who also serves as the Oregon state chaplain.

Mike Yakubick, a member of St. Joseph Council 12788 in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and the state Squires director, coordinates the efforts of the various councils that support the program in Harrisburg.

This year, Yakubick and fellow Knights were busy getting lunch ready while Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, who was appointed as bishop of Harrisburg in January, celebrated Mass for Quo Vadis Days participants.

By the time the hungry campers raced across the field from the chapel to the gym, the Knights had prepared a hearty menu that included 70 pounds of pulled pork and 60 pounds of marinated chicken, with an accompaniment of side dishes, drinks and desserts. The following day, the Knights were also on hand to man the grills for a cookout.

“We’ve become a well-oiled machine in providing these meals for the boys,” Yakubick said. “Everyone knows their role in making this happen.”

Each year, participating councils contribute funds for the purchase of food and supplies, which can cost up to $1,500.

Surplus funds are presented to Father Raymond LaVoie, the diocese’s vocations director, for the purchase of prayer books, Tshirts and water bottles for campers.

“With so many returning campers each year, we get to know the boys and talk to them about their discernment, or how things are going in their lives,” Yakubick said. “We want them to see us as Catholic men serving and leading holy lives.”

Father LaVoie, who has directed Quo Vadis Days since it was introduced in the Diocese of Harrisburg, said that the Knights are an integral part of the atmosphere at the camp.

“One of the goals of Quo Vadis Days is to help form young men into good Catholic men,” said Father LaVoie, who is a member of Our Lady of Queenship Council 4068 in Camp Hill, Pa.

FEEDING HEARTS AND MINDS In addition to assisting Quo Vadis Days camps, Knights are fostering young vocations through various council events. One such example is the “Breakfast with the Sisters” and the “Breakfast with the Clergy” sessions that were launched this past winter

by Sharpsburg Council 12862 in Newnan, Ga. “The idea was to give young people the opportunity to hear about the choices that the sisters and priests made to embrace a religious vocation,” said Grand Knight Dino Cervone.

The two events offered young men and women in grades 812 an intimate yet informal setting to interact with religious sisters and priests — four Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, a Jesuit priest and three priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

The council limited the number of attendees of each breakfast to 25 in order to foster one-on-one discussion. Knights set up the gathering in the parish hall; prepared pancakes, eggs and sausage; and served refills to allow the young people to continue conversation with the clergy and religious at their tables. After breakfast, the priests and sisters offered their individual vocation stories and then answered questions.

“Perhaps it planted a seed in a few of the kids who attended,” Cervone said. “Just by cooking the breakfast, serving the meal or cleaning tables, our Knights helped make that happen in some way.”

Whether it’s a vocations breakfast, Quo Vadis Days camp or a discernment retreat, the goal of each initiative is the same: to provide an environment where young people can seriously consider how God may be calling them.

“You’re given the opportunity to think and discern, to ask questions and to express your thoughts,” Joseph Tokar said, reflecting on his Quo Vadis Days experience.

“The highlight of the week for me is the overall atmosphere,” said 18-year-old Malachi Scripko, as he gestured to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, with the grotto’s renowned statue of the Blessed Mother towering above the campus.

“We’re being with priests, being able to have spiritual direction, and being with a group of peers who enjoy the same love for the Church,” added Scripko, a Columbian Squire with St. Joseph Circle 5102 in Mechanicsburg, Pa. “I feel that here, I can be myself.”

Indeed, young men commonly discover at Quo Vadis Days camps a unique perspective about their faith and future — a perspective that speaks to the heart.

“Young men need to be supported, accepted and challenged in order to thrive. The challenge for them to grow in virtue is something that they long for,” explained Father Lange.

“One of the reasons why Quo Vadis Days is so attractive,” he added, “is because it’s a place where the hidden and often suppressed desire to be holy is awakened.”♦ JENNIFER REED is managing editor of The Catholic Witness, the newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg.

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Evangelization and the ‘Digital Continent’ An interview with Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, about The Pope App, the Church and new media

by Alton J. Pelowski

A

fter decades of diplomatic service with the Holy See, Today, it is important for us to grasp that evangelization is hapArchbishop Claudio Maria Celli was appointed to lead pening, is a reality, in the context of social networks, and that the Pontifical Council for Social Communications in 2007. we are invited to bear witness to Christ there.

Under his leadership, the council has launched a number of In other words, the challenge for the Church today is not new media initiatives, including the Vatican’s official YouTube to use the Internet to evangelize, but to evangelize from within channel in 2009, the Web portal News.va in 2011 and the this digital milieu. @Pontifex Twitter handle in 2012.

The mission of the Church is always the same: We are inThe Knights of Columbus directly supported the develop- vited to announce the Gospel to the men and women of today. ment of News.va as well as “The Pope App,” which was This is our point of reference. In being present in such a conlaunched in January 2013. Following Pope Francis’ election text, we are not simply “bombing” the social networks with two months later, The Pope App became the most-downloaded religious messages. No, what we have to do is give witness — news application in many countries, including the United personal witness. Pope Francis said very clearly to the young States, Canada, Mexico and Poland. people in Assisi last year (citing St. To commemorate the July 4 launch Francis): “Always preach the Gospel of The Pope App 2.0, Columbia Ediand, if necessary, use words!” tor Alton J. Pelowski interviewed Archbishop Celli about the new app, COLUMBIA: How has The Pope App HE CHALLENGE AND THE the digital revolution and the implicadeveloped since it was first launched? tions for the new evangelization.

ARCHBISHOP CELLI: We were aware RESPONSIBILITY IS TO BE THERE, of the great success of The Pope App, COLUMBIA: What led the Vatican to and we thought that the moment had BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE WILL expand its communications efforts to arrived to offer people an even better, KNOW THE GOSPEL ONLY IF include new media? more effective way to follow the acARCHBISHOP CELLI: Today, with adtivities of the Holy Father. The secWE ARE PRESENT. vances in Internet and smartphone ond edition of the Pope App includes technology, communication has almuch-improved graphics and funcmost no limits. People are intercontionality. nected all around the world. As a The app integrates with News.va, result, new technologies are changing our culture and creating which is an aggregator for news — a new way for the Holy See a place where people are living. to be present in the field of communications. This makes key I remember when we proposed to Pope Benedict XVI the sources of information accessible, which is very important. The possibility of opening a YouTube channel. He told us very content of News.va is updated three times per day and is availclearly, “I want to be where people are.” This is the milieu able in five languages. where people are living — hundreds of millions. We are thereThe Pope App is the best way to be near the Holy Father — fore invited to announce the Gospel to the men and women to listen to what he is saying and follow what he is doing — as well as to discover what is happening in the Church. Its of today on this “digital continent,” as Pope Benedict put it.

The Second Vatican Council spoke about media and instru- many features, including live streaming, allow you to follow ments of communication — mainly radio, television, film and the Holy Father’s major events, such as general audiences and the press. With these instruments we announced the Gospel. religious ceremonies.

“T

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The Pope App, which is free and available for Apple and Android platforms, was first launched in January 2013 with support from the Knights of Columbus and soon became the most-downloaded news application in many countries. The Pope App 2.0, which includes enhanced features, was launched July 4.

COLUMBIA: Who is the audience of the Vatican’s new media initiatives?

ARCHBISHOP CELLI: Today we have around 90,000 visitors per day to the News.va website. It is also important for us to be present on Facebook, where we reach millions of people in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French.

With News.va and The Pope App, Catholics can easily obtain faithful, up-to-date information about what the Holy Father is saying and doing, and also what is happening in the Church. It is especially relevant for Knights of Columbus, who are committed to the Holy Father and his teachings.

News.va is even giving great support to the bishops. For example, during the canonization ceremonies of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, many bishops approached me to thank me for what we were doing, because they now have access, day to day, to all of the teachings of the Holy Father — his addresses, homilies and reflections.

I remember one bishop told me that, because of the time difference, he was able to read the Holy Father’s Christmas Eve homily and quote it in his own homily the next morning.

This was beautiful.

COLUMBIA: We live in an era of sound bites and constant distraction, which increasingly seems to be hostile to contemplation and silence. What advice do you have for Catholics trying to live and communicate Gospel values amid this cultural atmosphere?

ARCHBISHOP CELLI: Humanly speaking, if I want to give depth and strength to the words I convey, I need silence. The same goes with evangelization. In approaching Jesus Christ, we discover that he loves us first. And we need moments of silence to perceive this. We cannot always remain surrounded by noise.

What we are also trying to do, therefore, is to help people rediscover the meaning of silence. In his message for World Communications Day in 2012, Pope Benedict stressed that silence is part of communication. We must rediscover this essential truth. To communicate effectively requires that ability to listen effectively — receiving what Jesus is speaking deep in my heart.

COLUMBIA: In his message for this year’s World Communications Day, Pope Francis described how the digital world SEPTEMBER 2014

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THE POPE APP 2.0 On July 4, the latest version of The Pope App was released to iTunes and the Google Play store. A free, digital gateway to the latest news and information about Pope Francis, the app features: • Top headlines from Vatican TV, L’Osservatore Romano, Vatican Radio and more.

• Content from News.va, the official hub of Vatican media.

• Official papal texts from vatican.va and tweets from the @Pontifex Twitter account.

• Latest photos, videos, webcams and live feeds of Vatican events. can serve an “authentic culture of encounter” and that “Christian witness, thanks to the Internet, can thereby reach the peripheries of human existence.” What does it mean to say that digital media can serve a “culture of encounter”?

ARCHBISHOP CELLI: In today’s society, a person who is not considered “productive” runs the risk not only of being unappreciated, but also of being eliminated. Pope Francis reminds us of the attitude of the Good Samaritan, which means making ourselves responsible for those we encounter.

The Holy Father used the example of the field hospital after a battle. Why? Because people are really suffering. The attitude of the Good Samaritan is one of proximity, which means taking care of the person in need. When Jesus concludes the parable of the Good Samaritan, he says, “Go and do the same.”

This is a new style of living.

In reference to communication, this means that Christians must look to dialogue with others, listening to them and accompanying them in their struggles. New technologies offer the possibility to listen and receive — almost immediately — what the Holy Father is saying, as well as a means to personally engage with others.

Pope Francis emphasizes that the doors of the Church must always remain open. This means that people can perceive that they are accepted and loved, no matter their condition in life; it also means that disciples must go outside and encounter other people who are suffering, feeling alone and facing difficulties.

COLUMBIA: Last year, the Church celebrated the 50th anniversary of Inter Mirifica, the Second Vatican Council’s decree on social communications, and January 2015 will mark the 10th anniversary of The Rapid Development, Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter on the same subject. How has the wisdom expressed in these documents guided the Church as the world of communications and technology has continued to change?

ARCHBISHOP CELLI: With Inter Mirifica, an ecumenical 26 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

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Pope Francis meets with Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, July 7 to observe the features of The Pope App 2.0. Also pictured is Thaddeus Jones, project coordinator. council spoke about the topic of communications for the first time. Pope John XXIII wanted this theme to be discussed and evaluated by the council fathers.

Later, in 1975, Pope Paul VI said in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi, that the Church “would feel guilty before the Lord” if she did not use these instruments to spread the Gospel. Pope John Paul II wrote The Rapid Development, one of his last documents, in 2005, when the new technologies and social networks were already present.

We are therefore taking advantage of the technology that comes into our hands. Today, we have Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr. Tomorrow, these instruments will change.

The mission, however, is always the same: to announce the Gospel, to announce Jesus. For us, the challenge and the responsibility is to be there, because many people will know Jesus and the Gospel only if we are present. Many people will never enter a church, so the only chance for them to hear the Gospel is if Christian disciples announce Jesus where they are.

I think this is a challenge for us, but also a great opportunity.

COLUMBIA: What additional advice would give you our readers regarding new media and the new evangelization?

ARCHBISHOP CELLI: I know many of your readers are present on Facebook and elsewhere. My invitation to the Knights of Columbus is to be witnesses of Jesus in the social networks where they are already present, but do not proselytize. Rather, bear witness to an authentic synthesis of life and the Gospel.

Paul VI had a wonderful expression: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”

All Catholics, Knights included, first need to nurture themselves with the Gospel of Jesus. The new Pope App also allows them to be nourished with the words of the successor of Peter.♦

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KN IGHTS IN ACTION

REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES

devastating 2010 earthquake, including the Healing Haiti’s Children program and a clip from the 2013 Supreme Convention about the Haitian Amputee Soccer Team. Attendees shared ideas and literature on fundraising and ways to build further momentum for Haitian Knights in Florida.

PARISH FESTIVAL

A mother looks on as Steve O’Malley of Gilmary Council 3868 in Pittsburgh presents a new coat to her daughter during a council-sponsored Coats for Kids distribution. Knights gave out 120 coats to needy children throughout the area with the aid of local food banks and religious education classes. Council 3868 typically distributes at least 100 coats each year as the cold-weather months approach.

San Pedro and San Pablo Council 15218 in Matamoros, Mexico Northeast, participated in a parish festival organized at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Knights ran the food booth for the festival, providing stew and other Mexican dishes for sale. The booth raised 5,500 pesos (approximately $425), which was donated back to the parish.

MILITARY PACKAGES

USED TOOL SALE

St. Mark Council 13491 in Clarkesville, Ga., held a used tool sale to assist two local parishioners with unneeded tools to sell. The sale raised

more than $900, approximately half of which was donated to the council for its charitable fund.

BOCCE TOURNAMENT

James D. Hart Council 9673 in Woolmarket, Miss., held its annual charity bocce ball tournament at St. Mary Church to benefit Special Olympics. The event raised $800 to support athletes with special needs.

Bob Wilson (left) and Will Chichenoff of Yakima (Wash.)

Council 894 hold their caulk guns while working to weatherize the exterior of a Habitat for Humanity home that the council helped to build.

Knights donated $5,000 to St. Paul Cathedral in order to kick-start the church’s Habitat for Humanity project. Since the start of the project, the Knights have volunteered more than 100 hours in construction help.

HAITIAN K OF C RALLY

Msgr. John J. O’Looney Council 6590 in Margate, Fla., hosted the first all-state membership rally to bring together Haitian councils in Florida. The Florida State Council Membership Team arranged the rally, which was attended by approximately 60 people and presented in Creole. The event included three videos documenting the support given to Haiti by the Knights of Columbus after the

Our Lady of the Waters Council 12544 in Bushnell, Fla., and its ladies’ auxiliary collected toiletries, candy and prayer cards for U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan.

Knights and their ladies packed the goods into 55 care packages, which the council shipped overseas at a cost of $800. When Knights and their families gathered to assemble the care packages, each person was asked to bring a dish of food. After the job was done, the council celebrated with a potluck.

A runner competes in the “Mission Run” held in the walled city of Intramuros and hosted by Padre Burgos Assembly in Manila. The run aimed to nurture in local youth a deeper interest in the national history of the Philippines; strengthen the fraternal bond among brother Knights; reinforce awareness of the Knights of Columbus as a Catholic and patriotic organization; and raise support for the construction of the Santisimo Sacramento Chapel in Baseco. With more than 1,260 runners participating, the run was an exercise that successfully combined charity, history and patriotism.

trips and support for area food pantries.

ROOF REPAIRED

SCRAP DRIVES

Father Van Poppelen Council 7233 in Birch Run, Mich., has been sponsoring semi-annual scrap drives since 2011.

By collecting unwanted metal, tools and appliances, the council has raised more than $10,000 for a variety of charitable initiatives, including maintenance equipment for local parishes, signage to send children on mission

St. Volodymyr Council 15743 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, volunteered to repair the roof of the parish center at the Ukranian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Volodymyr and Olga.

Several council members, all from the roofing and construction trades, completed the job over two weekends, saving the cathedral a significant sum of money.

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KNIGHTS IN ACTION

mission school in Martin, Ky., after a visit from the Piarist Fathers, who work with poor children in Appalachia.

Knights collected more than 1,500 pounds of school supplies, in addition to $120 in cash, a box of candy, a portable radio, a camera and an electric keyboard.

FIGHTING MS

A SPAGHETTI FIESTA

Bremerton (Wash.) Council 1379 hosted a spaghetti fiesta that raised $1,100 for the Olympic Peninsula Kidney Center.

FAMILY FESTIVAL

Holy Family Council 15056 in Parma, Ohio, hosted a pancake breakfast and family

festival. More than 250 people attended the event, including 55 children, who all received rosaries from the council. The day also included children’s crafts, face painting, a magician and hayrides. Knights also gave complimentary tickets to the event to about 20 needy families. Proceeds from the festival were added to the council’s charitable fund.

BUDDY WALK PHOTOS

Students in grades 1-3 from Balanti Unit I Elementary School crowd around K of C volunteers to receive rice porridge with beef during a feeding program sponsored

by Marikina Valley (Luzon) Council 6178. Knights provided a nutritious meal for about 120 students during the program.

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St. Pius X Council 8901 in Lafayette, La., volunteered at the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana’s annual “Buddy Walk,” which promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Specifically, Knights took memory photos of walkers and their friends, distributing more than 300 pictures to attendees.

SCHOOL PREPARATION

St. Cecilia Council 11356 in Coatesville, Pa., spent several months painting an unused parochial elementary school to prepare it for new students. At the request of Father John Oulds, pastor of St. Joseph Church, the school was reopened to accommodate a large increase in the number of religious education students at the parish.

Knights painted the interior and exterior of the building and made several repairs to ensure that the facility was ready for learning.

FUNDS FOR MISSION TRIP

SUPPLIES FOR MISSION SCHOOL

Father Dubois Council 7092 in Okotoks, Alberta, donated $500 to students from Holy Trinity Academy who will take a mission trip to Costa Rica later this year. The funds will help the students pay for their trip and make a direct donation to the mission in Costa Rica.

St. Michael Council 13799 in Sterling Heights, Mich., was prompted to hold a school supply collection for a

Father O’Dea Council 8424 in Sacramento, Calif., re-

SEPTEMBER 2014

GYM BRIGHTENED

John Haase of Mount Carmel (Ill.) Council 1343 adds corn to a batch of chowder that the council sells each year for charity. Preparations for making the annual 400 gallons of chowder begin months in advance when Knights and their family members plant and harvest some of the ingredients for the recipe.

From there, volunteers continuously stir the chowder during the cooking process to ensure that none sticks to the massive cooking pots. Chowder sales and donations raised $6,200, which the council uses to support various church and school functions.

paired and replaced the lights and ceiling tiles in the gym at St. Philomene School.

Knights secured use of a scissor lift to replace broken globes, bulbs and starter lamps. Council members also swapped out or securely fastened ceiling tiles to prevent them from falling.

FUNDS FOR BUILDING

St. Helena Council 7965 in San Antonio donated $5,000 of its bingo earnings to St. Helena’s Church to open a checking account for the church’s building fund.

Knights presented the fund to Father Lénin Náffate, pastor of the parish.

UPPER LEFT: Photo by Andre Cormier

Don Bangay, culture of life director for the New Brunswick State Council, Richard LeBlanc and State Deputy Armand T. LeBlanc lead the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, a men’s march to combat rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Approximately 200 men — including several Knights of Columbus — donned women’s shoes to raise money for the organization, which hopes to open a shelter or safe house in Shediac. State Deputy LeBlanc and his team netted $2,000.

Epiphany Council 3485 in Camden, N.J., hosted a benefit for Edwin Ferraro, the son of longtime member Gabriel Ferraro. The event featured food, a silent auction and door prizes donated by local merchants. The event raised more than $14,000 for Edwin’s medical expenses as he battles multiple sclerosis.

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KNIGHTS IN ACTION CROSS REPLACED

Msgr. Desmarais Assembly in Amos, Québec, built and installed a metal cross at the entrance to the village of Villebois in Abitibi. The metal cross replaces a wooden one that had deteriorated over time and was beyond repair.

WHEELCHAIRS ON LOAN

Our Lady of the Lake Council 10463 in Lago Vista, Texas, donated three wheelchairs to the Lago Vista Volunteers, a local group that provides medical networking and loans medical equipment at no charge to needy recipients.

FILM SCREENING

El Paso (Texas) Council 638 hosted a corporate Communion at St. Joseph Church followed by a lunch and a screening of the film Bloodmoney: The Business of Abortion. About 50 people attended the screening,

Members of Father Vilarrasa Council 7268 in Benicia, Calif., grill up hamburgers and hot dogs during the annual “Mass on the Grass” at St. Dominic Church. Some 800 parishioners and guests attended the outdoor Mass, which was followed by games and a council-sponsored lunch.

which was followed by remarks by one of the local organizers of 40 Days for Life.

CEMETERY CLEANING

Members of Dalton Council 1448 in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, joined with parish volunteers to clean an old cemetery in their community. Knights removed grass and brush to make the cemetery — which dates from 1802 — more presentable.

WHEELCHAIR DRIVE

District Deputy Jules Moquin of Florida District #45 and Richard Mauch of Father Gabriel Council 3746 in Melbourne install piping to accommodate the wiring for a video security system at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. After several thefts, Knights responded to an urgent need for more security at the church.

The council donated $5,000 raised at a charity luau and pancake breakfasts to purchase the system and volunteered 300 hours to install it.

St. Stephen the Martyr Council 13374 in Renton, Wash., held collections after four Masses and two Sunday breakfasts to raise money for the Global Wheelchair Mission. The council netted $9,200 to purchase wheelchairs for the needy. Parishioners also donated four wheelchairs for use in the church and parish hall.

SPAGHETTI FOR RADIO

Our Lady of Lourdes Council 12404 in Enola, Pa., teamed with parishioners to host and serve an all-you-caneat spaghetti dinner to benefit Holy Family Catholic Radio AM 720 WHYF. More

than 180 people attended the event, which raised approximately $1,800 to support Catholic radio for central Pennsylvania.

cally nets approximately $1,000 for the council’s charitable fund.

ROOF REPAIRED

Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude Council 10292 in Mannheim/ Heidelberg, Germany, donated six bags of food and other goods to the Women’s Shelter in Mainz. Since 2006, Knights have provided ongoing support to shelters throughout the region, providing food to help feed the needy in Germany.

Father Shine Council 1966 in Plattsmouth, Neb., came to the aid of a parishioner with disabilities who needed repairs made to the roof of her house. Knights stripped off old shingles, replaced rotted plywood and installed new roofing paper before finishing the job.

GARAGE REPAIRED

Silver City Council 2 in Meriden, Conn., repaired the garage doors at St. Joseph Church. Knights volunteered 100 hours and donated $600 in materials to repair, paint and stain the new garage doors.

BUS TRIP

Father Stephen T. Badin Council 4263 in Granger, Ind., hosts a yearly bus trip to see a Chicago Cubs baseball game. Organized for the past 14 years by diehard Cubs fan Joe Stackowicz, the trip includes food and beverages for attendees as well as door prizes. The event typi-

CONTRIBUTION TO SHELTERS

ABUSE ALTERNATIVES

Msgr. James J. Hickie Council 6695 in Bristol, Tenn., purchased and donated $500 worth of household, kitchen and personal care products for infants and children to Abuse Alternatives Inc., a shelter for women and children who have suffered domestic violence.

SHELVES REPLACED

Father Francis Koch Council 6343 in Echo Lake, N.J., replaced 15 sagging shelves at the St. Joseph Cares Food Pantry. The pantry serves both parishioners at St. Joseph Church and the community.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Supreme Council Awards $1.2 Million in College Grants FOR THE 2014-15 academic year, the Knights of Columbus awarded scholarships totaling more than $1.2 million to 546 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 $287,500 in grants to 115 seminarians in the United States and Canada.

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

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 30 new recipients listed here, 77 scholarships were renewed. New recipients are: James C. Berrigan, Mark D. Cerutti, Benjamin J. Coble, Christopher F. Coles, James T. Coyne, Jacob E. Crapps, Adam N. Desseyn, Anne M. Dolan, Luke R. Douglass, Lucille R. Finnegan, Benjamin S. Giles, Colleen M. Halpin, Robert P. Jacques, John F. 30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

Kill Jr., Paul A. Kozhipatt, Anna M. Krah, Ryan P. Lee, Brian R. Long, Kristofer P. Muzzi, Michael F. Nicholas, Emily C. Nichols, Hunter D. Peterson, Camille L. Puthoff, Matthew J. Rehagen, Teresa A. Roach, Jacob F. Shore, Catherine A. Spale, Sarah M. Stefanski, Kathryn A. Stein and Amanda L. Vocelka.

FOURTH DEGREE PRO DEO AND PRO PATRIA SCHOLARSHIPS

A total of 97 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

SEPTEMBER 2014

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, 20 new scholarships were awarded and 77 were renewed. The following are first-time recipients: Erica R. Catanoso, Vicky L. Consbruck, Michael S. Coughlin, Alexis B. Edwards, Robert M. Gallant, Rowan M. Hornbeck, Joseph A. Huff, Claire S. Kramer, John P. Martz, Sarah V. Narus, Lisa L. Nguyen, Hannah M. O’Connell, Daniel J. O’Hagan, Brendan F. O’Leary, John S. Puszcz, Phineas J. Reichert, Bridget M. Ryan, Craig M. Schmerbauch, Michael C. Singleton and James P. Walsh.

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 that is the same as for their U.S. counterparts. Ten new scholarships were awarded and 29 renewed for the current academic year. New recipients are: Lauren A. Boudreau, Heidi N. Bouwman, Jenna M. Cahill, Courtney M. Chiasson, Peter A. Johnson, Martine P. Jomphe, Zora Z. Lacroix, Connor B. Livingston, Natalie R. Pouliot and Whitney WillcottBenoit.

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. Seven scholarships were awarded and 15 renewed for the current academic year. New recipients are: John P. Arkfeld, Gabriel W. Goehring, Timothy A. Hamling, William A. Hawkins, Adam C. Kneepkens, Jacob D. Sessions and Christopher J. Turley.

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 needbased grants that are administered, in general, according to the rules of the Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships.

Three new scholarships were awarded for the current academic year and four were renewed. The new recipients are Mary E. Hinze, Claire C. Hull and Liam W. O’Connor.

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 Scholarships. Four new scholarships were awarded, and seven were renewed for the current academic year. First-time recipients are Patricia M. Lombardo, Emily A. Newsom, Jennifer L. Pittman and Anna L. Wyatt.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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, 21 new scholarships were awarded and 25 grants were renewed. New recipients are: Breanne Caldwell, Atia Chaudry, Mikael Dobson, Katrina Douglas, David Gellately, Dayna Green, Zachary Jones, Javena Khan, Jeffrey Lavallee, Shelby McLean, Alexander Olszewski, Danielle PoirierFroats, Jessica Regnier, Christopher Seguin, Janahan Selvanayagam, Fareha Sultan, Mahnoor Sultan, Rhyland Taylor, Andrew van Vliet, Tyson Villeneuve and Aaron Wilson.

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS

The Order has an endowment at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., that provides Knights of Columbus Graduate Fellowships. Two new fellowships were awarded and four renewed. The new recipients are Richard Raymond and Brooks Zitzmann.

Three new fellowships for the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at The Catholic University of America were awarded for the current academic year. The first-time re-

cipients are Brian Hanson, Gabriel Milano and James Stanley.

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. One new fellowship was awarded for the current academic year.

The new recipient is Travis M. Wilkinson.

SISTER THEA BOWMAN FOUNDATION - K OF C SCHOLARSHIPS

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 Order declared that Matthews 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 firefighters. An application must be filed within two Swift years of the member’s death or the determination of his total and permanent disability.

As of June 30, a total of 818 children have been recorded as eligible for benefits from the trust fund since its establishment in 1944. Thus far, 345 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 48 future candidates. To date, 289 students have completed their education through the fund.

During the 2014-15 academic year, eight students will pursue undergraduate degrees through the Matthews-Swift fund — five renewals and three new scholarships. The new recipients are Mitchell J. Atkinson, Patrick L. Barta and Kristen M. Merchant.

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 December 1996, the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors, in partnership with the Sister Thea Bowman Foundation, authorized a four-year grant in the amount of $25,000 per year to support deserving AfricanAmerican students pursuing a Catholic college education.

Periodically, the board has approved continuation of the grant program. In August 2005, the amount of the four-year grant was increased to $37,500 per year.

For the 2014-2015 academic year, two new scholarships have been awarded and two scholarships will be renewed.

PUERTO RICO SCHOLARSHIPS

T. Pojas, Princess P. Postrero and Merlito R. Reyes.

For the 2014-15 academic year, two new scholarships of $500 each were awarded and 14 were renewed. New recipients are Ángel I. RiveraJimenez and Giancarlo E. Ventura-Muñoz.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

MEXICO SCHOLARSHIPS

PHILIPPINES SCHOLARSHIPS

Three new scholarships were awarded in the amount of $500 each, renewable for up to four years. In addition, 14 were renewed. The new recipients are: José Aranda-Cuevas, Alicia López-Sahagún and Arlette Vega-Ibarra.

For the 2014-15 academic year, nine new scholarships of $500 each were awarded, and 27 were renewed. New recipients are: Theresa Q. Andam, John L. Añover, Clyde A. Baguio, Senly A. Camen, Jade A. Jumalon, Gleden K. Luzada, Jessa

Scholarship applications for the 2015-16 academic year will be available after Oct. 1, 2014. To obtain an application or request more information, contact: www.kofc.org/scholarships Dept. of Scholarships Knights of Columbus P.O. Box 1670 New Haven, CT 06507

SEPTEMBER 2014

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P RO M OT I O NA L & G I F T I T E M S

FOURTH DEGREE K OF C SUPPLIES IN THE UNITED STATES THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment 1-800-444-5632 • www.kofcsupplies.com

Looking good while doing good!

LYNCH AND KELLY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-548-3890 • www.lynchkelly.com

A.

IN CANADA ROGER SAUVÉ INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-266-1211 • www.roger-sauve.com

JOIN THE FATHER MCGIVNEY GUILD

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09/14

A. Water-Repellent Lightweight Jacket.

This navy blue Devon & Jones® jacket will help you shrug off the raindrops. Made of a lightweight and breathable 65% polyester/35% cotton shell with a mesh lining and elastic cuffs and waist. Yoke vents allow for air movement. The outside pockets are self-locking, and there is an inside zip pocket and a covered front zipper. Available with the emblem of the Order or the Fourth Degree Emblem embroidered on the left breast in full color. — S-XL: $50, 2XL: $52 and 3XL: $53.

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

OFFICIAL SEPT. 1, 2014: To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 06506-1492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, Place d’Armes Station, P.O. Box 220, Montreal, QC H2Y 3G7 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.

COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2014 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2014

B. Nike® Sphere Dry 1/4 Zip Pullover — Personalized. Constructed with Nike® Sphere Dry technology to wick moisture while retaining body heat, this high-performance pullover is made of 100% polyester and has a 1/4 zip, fabric collar, open cuffs, and an open hem. Distinctive contrast stitching adds sporty appeal, complete with a contrast Swoosh design trademark on the lower left sleeve. Emblem of the Order or the Fourth Degree emblem on the left breast in thread color that matches the trim. Available in black or stone blue. This item can be personalized with your council/assembly name and number on the right bicep.

(Please allow 7-10 days for personalized orders.) — S-XL: $80, 2XL: $82, 3XL: $83, 4XL: $84. (Also available without personalization, M-3XL $71-$74)

B.

C. C. Sport Tek Full Zip Sweatshirt — Personalized. This comfortable sweatshirt offers maximum versatility with full-zip detailing. Athletic cut gives freedom of movement while the colorfast fabric keeps colors true wash after wash. Made of 65% cotton/ 35% polyester with rib cuffs and waistband, set-in sleeves, and front slash pockets. Emblem of the Order or the Fourth Degree emblem on the left breast. This item can be personalized with your council/assembly name and number. (Please allow 7-10 days for personalized orders.) — S-XL: $48, 2XL: $50, 3XL: $51, 4XL: $52. (Also available without personalization, M-3XL $38-$41) Order these and other items online at:

knightsgear.com Questions? Call: 1-855-GEAR-KOC (855-432-7562)

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K N I G H T S O F C O L UM B U S

Building a better world one council at a time Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.

TO

BE FEATURED HERE , SEND YOUR COUNCIL’ S

Members of Holy Name of Mary Council 14201 in Rockwood, Ontario, stand with chopped wood and chainsaws ready while clearing brush from Camp Brebeuf, a local Catholic youth camp. Knights volunteered to clean fallen trees from the camp following a particularly harsh winter.

“K NIGHTS IN A CTION ” C OLUMBIA , 1 C OLUMBUS P LAZA , N EW H AVEN , CT 06510-3326

PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO : OR E - MAIL : COLUMBIA @ KOFC . ORG .

SEPTEMBER 2014

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

K E E P T H E F A IT H A L I V E

‘I KNEW THAT THIS WAS WHAT GOD WAS ASKING OF ME.’ Looking back, it is amazing to see how God has worked in my life. During high school, I grew in my faith and became increasingly involved in parish activities. I read St. Therésè’s Story of a Soul when I was 15 and felt very attracted to Carmelite spirituality. While visiting the sisters, I was overwhelmed with the peace and joy they had in their deep prayer life and service to the children and elderly. I knew that this was what God was asking of me.

I am thankful for the support of the Knights of Columbus as I discerned my vocation. Both my father and my grandfather are Knights, and they believed in the importance of praying for vocations every day.

Every young person should pray each day to discover God’s plan for his or her life. Through prayer, God speaks in the silence of your heart.

Daily Mass and the sacrament of confession are great aids in coming to know your vocation, and the advice of priests and sisters is also invaluable during discernment. When you surrender to God, it is incredible what he can do.

Photo by Sid Hastings

SISTER MARY GABRIEL NELSON Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus St. Louis, Mo.