(313) 2025 Annual Report of the Supreme Knight Makes Us Proud to Be Knights

 AMDG

The Report/Speech delivered by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly at the 143^rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Washington was so touching that it brought tears to my eyes.  It was a powerful speech that reviewed the accomplishments of the order both at the national and the local level, which is just as important because its great success depends upon the participation and dedication of every member.

The Supreme Knight opened his speech by recalling that in the wake of the Industrial Revolution then Fr. Michael McGivney put the social teachings taught by Pope Leo XIII into practice and founded the Knights of Columbus.  Today Pope Leo XIV emulates his predecessor by fighting for the welfare of the poor under new circumstances.   

“In this world of deep confusion about the deepest questions, we will make clear in everything we do that Jesus Christ is the answer. As we proclaim this truth, we stand in solidarity with the Vicar of Christ.” while thanking Pope Francis for his support and praise for the works of charity done by knights around the world.  He recalled Pope Francis saying “we need more priests like Father McGivney.”   The order donated a broadcasting truck and helped restore Bernini’s baldacchino over the main altar and the adjacent Chair with the statue of St. Peter.

An overall view of the St John Paul II National Shrine (and museum) which the Knights of Columbus purchased, made extensive renovations, and maintains for you to visit in Washington D.C. after praying in the nearby magnificent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception whose bell tower the Knights helped to finance.  Go to saint john paul ii national shrine - Search.  

Charity.  “We don’t merely volunteer. We see the face of Christ in those we serve. And we sacrifice for them because that’s what Jesus did for us.  This hope in Christ inspired Father McGivney and the first Knights to put their faith into action.” 

The list of Knights of Columbus charities is long…..Coats for Kids, soup kitchens, campaigns against human trafficking, 19,000 wheelchairs to the needy last year. 

Encouraging are the words of Archbishop Lori, our Supreme Chaplain, in Ukraine: “This war may try to destroy your homes (deliberate bombing of civilians in a brutal war of aggression), your communities and your peace, but it cannot destroy your identity as a temple of the living God. You are his people, and he walks with you… every step of this difficult journey.” 

In Gaza, floods, wildfires, etc., the knights are there.  In one case a wildfire destroyed a home completely except for a statue of the Blessed Mother.

Building a Culture of Life Through Education and Legislation.  High priority is to help mothers and children.  That includes helping pregnancy resource centers and donating ultra sound units (2000 since 2009) so that mothers can observe the tiny living human being in their wombs.  ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy) is a most important initiative.  Some 60% of abortion-minded women would not abort if aware of sufficient material and emotional support.

In this photo 150 French knights on pilgrimage wade through the water surrounding the Mount Saint Michel Monastery in Normandy at low tide.  It is said that the high tide can come in as fast as a galloping horse.  American and Canadian knights make pilgrimages on foot carrying the Silver Rose to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and Polish knights go to the shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. 

The Knights of Columbus is also concerned with the formation of the faith of its members.  “Men are a major reason why abortion is so common. Too many men fail to respect women. And too many men abandon women once they’re pregnant. They’d rather run than take responsibility. The truth is that too many men are acting like boys…..We don’t need boys. Women need husbands. Children need fathers. And we all need men to act like men!”  Blessed McGivney created the Knights of Columbus to give men a place to pursue greatness.  More than 140 years later, we are still helping men grow as husbands and fathers.”

Gaining traction is the COR movement, which consists of prayer, Bible study, and discussion in small groups.  He urges every council to organize a COR group.

The Pilgrim Icon of the Sacred Heart

“And I encourage you to consecrate your family and your home to the Sacred Heart (His image in a place of honor is basic). This devotion speaks to the timeless promise that God has made to us.  In the Sacred Heart, we see the limitless love of Jesus Christ, and we find the courage to love with the heart of a father.”  The Pilgrim icon of the Sacred Heart sponsored nationally by the Knights of Columbus will be in our parish in November. 

Our 146 college councils, including West Point and Annapolis, play a unique role in promoting vocations.  Furthermore, the Knights of Columbus supports seminarians and now the training of Nigerian priests at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Membership. The Supreme Knight urged every knight to bring in two new members to augment the order of 2.1 men in 17,000 councils in North America and 67 councils in the military. 

Knights of Columbus Insurance not only insures the security of our families, but also uses its surpluses to support the order’s charities.  Over the years, the Knights of Columbus has also been at the forefront in defense of religious liberty in the face of anti Catholic bigotry.  

Patriotism is the pillar of the 4^th Degree whose 125^th anniversary we are celebrating this year.  The Knights have always supported our military.  In fact for years the Knights of Columbus have provided 700,000 copies to date of the Armed with the Faith prayer book to military personnel to preserve and strengthen their faith. And each May, “we sponsor the Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage”. 

“St. John Paul II taught us that loving your country is just as natural as loving your family. That means patriotism isn’t an option. It’s an obligation…..We will foster the good in our countries. We will actively work to make them better. And we will hand on our love of country to our children and our grandchildren.  This is what a patriot does. And the Knights of Columbus will never apologize for our love of country!” 

While in the Ukraine, “several Knights in the Ukrainian army asked me to establish the Patriotic (4^th) Degree in Ukraine. They were preparing to go to the frontlines. And they told me that, if they were going to die, they wanted to die as Fourth Degree Knights. I granted their request.”  Brother knight, follow their example and make the effort to obtain your 4^th Degree!  Not a knight yet?  We would love to have you join us!.....for great fellowship and opportunities to serve.

“The world is searching everywhere for hope — in science, in politics, in ideology. But the world will find it only in Jesus Christ, the author of hope. As Knights, we point the way to him. And as we move forward, we draw strength from our Lord — and from the heroes of our past.”