OUR PRINCIPLES IN ACTIONIn word and deed, Pope John Paul II taught about charity, fraternity, unity and patriotism

THIS MONTH’S TOPIC:

T he age-old disciplines of the Church— prayer, fasting and almsgiving —

are very much part of our daily lives, espe-cially at this time of year. Though these arerecommended to all, their fulfillment is leftup to the individual. Some may comment about their Lenten

disciplines, but you hear very few actualcomplaints. Is that not a good sign? It indi-cates that we all feel the need to convertthose powers within each one of us as we

allow our minds to be enlightened throughprayer, to help our emotions to maturethrough fasting, and to strengthen our wills

through charitable acts. Let us pray that thisLent may truly prepare us to encounter theRisen Christ as we open wide those doors ofour personal “upper room.”Now to our business of promoting spiri-

tual formation among our members. History was made here in New Haven

during the first week of March. Statedeputies have been meeting biannually, but

Father John P.Grace, O.S.A.Director of Chaplain Programs & Development

P ope John Paul II often expressed great af-fection for the Knights of Columbus. Even

more profoundly, by his own priestly exampleand his vast efforts to teach all nations aboutJesus Christ, he shed a good deal of light on theColumbian virtues.

UNITED IN CHARITYLike many others, I had the privilege of par-

ticipating in Masses celebrated by John Paul II in his private chapel.After vesting, we priests and bishops would quietly take our place

there, only to find the pope already absorbed inprayer. John Paul II’s life of deep prayer,founded upon the Eucharist and his frequentreception of the sacrament of penance, was thesource of an immense pastoral charity. Thepope loved his worldwide flock, both consolingus and teaching us the truth about God andman. In a special way, he loved the poor and

the vulnerable, as we saw by his defense of the unborn and his inter-ventions on behalf of the elderly and those condemned to die.

Bishop William E. LoriSupreme Chaplain

SEE gatherIng, PAGE 3

SEE PoPe John Paul II, PAGE 2

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CHAPLAIN’S reporta P r i l 2 0 1 1 � v o l u m e 4 � n u m b e r 4 � w w w . k o f C . o r g / C h a P l a i n s

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS In Service to One. In Service to All .l e a r n i n g t h e f a i t h , l i v i n g t h e f a i t h � 1 C o l u m b u s P l a z a , n e w h a v e n , C t 0 6 5 1 0 - 3 3 2 6 , u s a

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

Making History

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To put into practice the first principleof the Order, we too must pray daily andmake the Eucharist and all the sacramentsthe foundation of our lives in Christ. Inother words, before showing charity toothers, we must welcome Christ’s mercyand love. All of our charitable work is butthe evidence that this love has taken rootin our hearts.Pope John Paul II’s ardent life of prayer

was also the source of his insight andstrength as he relentlessly strove “to pre-serve the unity of the Spirit in the bondof peace” (Eph 4:3). His homilies, ad-dresses and writings were suffused andshaped by the doctrine of the Holy Trin-ity — the source of the Church’s com-munion and the ultimate basis for unityof the human family. John Paul II taught bishops and priests

that the unity of the Church was at theheart of their ministry. He traveled to theends of the earth to unify God’s peopleand worked persistently for Christianunity, especially with the various Ortho-dox communions. He also reached out tothe Jewish community and other reli-gious groups. The unity that he pro-moted was built not on compromise, buton the truth about God and the humanperson, fully revealed in Christ. A pro-found philosopher in his own right, JohnPaul II defended reason’s capacity fortruth. He witnessed to the truth in whichthe rights and dignity of the human per-son is rooted and upon which a civiliza-tion of love can be built amid the diversecultures of the world.The pope’s witness to unity-in-truth

should inspire us to pray and work forunity in our Order, in the Church and inthe world. Our unity does not springmerely from our own good will, but is in-stead rooted in God. This profound senseof unity must extend to all of our rela-tionships.

LOVE OF BROTHER, LOVE OF COUNTRYClosely allied to unity is fraternity,

what John Paul II often referred to as soli-darity. The pope understood this to meanmuch more than just a group of peoplewith common interests. Rather, he fre-quently taught that at the heart of a trulyuniversal brotherhood is the very fact thatChrist assumed our humanity. By becom-ing man, Christ in a certain way united

himself to every person. The pope alsotaught that the family, based on the loveof husband and wife, is where humandignity, the virtues and brotherly love arefirst learned.Through baptism, we become the Fa-

ther’s adopted children and, thus, broth-ers and sisters in Jesus. Our brotherhoodwith Christ is constantly re-establishedand strengthened each time we receive hisbody in the Eucharist. So, with PopeJohn Paul II, we can say that our faith inChrist is the source of our fraternity. It isexpressed in how we support one anotherin professing and living the faith, and inhow we help one another in times ofneed.Our fraternity includes our families

and all those who share our Catholicfaith. It also extends to people who needa helping hand or who long for the full-ness of truth. We manifest our brother-hood by placing ourselves “in service toOne, in service to all.” Thus, when wegreet one another with the title of“brother,” let us remember that we arebrothers in Christ.During John Paul II’s papacy, the

world witnessed the fall of communismin Eastern Europe. Even then, however,the pope did not rest easy. In his love forthe world, he taught the relationship be-tween truth and freedom. True love ofcountry demands that its citizens use theGod-given gift of freedom to protecthuman dignity and to secure the com-mon good. From the time of its founding, mem-

bers of the Knights were patriots, evenwhen their love of country was not appre-ciated by their fellow citizens. To be sure,creating a culture that respects life andloves justice is a very difficult task.Nonetheless, many of our brotherKnights work tirelessly doing just that,some with their very lives. Because we want what is best for our

country, and because our patriotism isrooted in charity, unity and fraternity, wewant our native lands to respect other na-tions and to be forces for justice andpeace in the world. Linked to such au-thentic patriotism is a longing for ourtrue homeland in heaven. May BlessedPope John Paul II continue to inspire usto live the principles of our Order andstrengthen us by his prayers.

F or an entire generation he was an inspira-tional leader and the only pope they had

known. Now the Knights of Columbusthrough Headline Bistro is giving members ofthe “JPII Generation” the opportunity to saythanks. Those wishing to participate can visit

headlinebistro.com or kofc.org and use the linkthere to access the form to submit their messageof why they’re thankful for Pope John Paul IIand his pontificate (in 500 words or less, please).All entries will be brought to Rome during theweek of his beatification, May 1.Here are some messages already received:

“Thank you, John Paul II, forshowing our generation what trueheroism looks like: for standing up fortruth, for defending the dignity ofevery life, and for teaching us to notbe afraid to live our lives for God. I re-member being struck, as all the newsoutlets covered your last few days on

earth, that yours was a lifefully lived. What an incred-ible witness you gave us to

Saying‘Thanks’ toPope John

Paul II

SEE thanks PAGE 4

PoPe John Paul II, FROM PAGE 1

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M E M B E R S H I P I N T H E K N I G H T S O F C O LUM B U S 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.

the state chaplains gathering was limited to coming together for a fewhours before the Supreme Convention. The statistics may have passedinto the history books, but we believe the event is history in the mak-ing and we anticipate a new appreciation of the chaplain’s role at everylevel — from local councils to the Supreme Council.Sixty-six chaplains were present. Not all state chaplains were avail-

able, so some associates or substitutes came to represent their jurisdic-tion. Unfortunately, a few jurisdictions were unable to send a delegate.Yet it was indeed an inspiring fraternal expression of the internationalcharacter of our Order.As we set about organizing our agenda some months ago, our

supreme knight offered four points of reference: a clear spiritual aspect,an intellectual aspect, a programmatic aspect and fellowship. All wereincluded in the four-day meeting. We recited the Liturgy of the Hourstogether each day and we had concelebrated Mass in St. Mary’sChurch and the Supreme Council office building with Bishop WilliamE. Lori as main celebrant. The intellectual aspect was very obviousthrough the presentations delivered by the supreme knight andsupreme chaplain as well as other members from the Supreme Councilstaff. We examined our programs as we responded to the questions of-fered at the break-out session and from the material presented by thespeakers. Lastly, the fellowship was obvious throughout, especially dur-ing mealtimes and free time. In his opening address, the supreme knight stated “ …We are going

to keep our parishes strong … with parish-based councils that aregoing to keep our parishes active and dynamic … places where the

laity is formed and participating in works of charity … and the laity isunited with their pastors and priests … we are committed to makingthe Knights of Columbus an organization that participates in the greatrenewal of the Catholic Church today … and we must enter into thethinking and practice formation of what it means to be a Knight ofColumbus committed to charity, unity and fraternity within the think-ing of this great renewal.”In his address to the assembly, Bishop Lori said: “Among the things

that Father McGivney left behind were the four principles of the Order(charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism). Father McGivney never de-veloped a systematic catechesis on the four principles … but they goright to the heart of the tradition and really help us to understand, loveand live our faith in its totality. This is the mark of a saintly man whomay not be a theologian but in whom the very essence of Christianitythrives.” And so, Bishop Lori launched into the spirituality of ourbeloved four principles, a central theme for our meeting.Space is too limited here to relate all that happened and adequately

compliment all who spoke, but we are grateful for such an inspiringmeeting, the first of its kind. For more coverage of the four-day gather-ing, visit kofc.org.We are encouraged, and with enthusiasm have already commenced

preparations for future meetings.God bless and keep you all.

REV. JOHN P. GRACE, O.S.A.DIRECTOR OF CHAPLAIN

PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPMENT

JOHN.GRACE@KOFC.ORG

gatherIng, FROM PAGE 1

THREE EXECUTIVES from the Department

of Fraternal Services shared their insights with the

chaplains and then answered questions in a work-

shop setting. The theme throughout was that the role

of the chaplain at the state and local council level is

absolutely vital, and ways must be developed to im-

prove communication and collaboration between

council members and their chaplains.

Fred abraham, Executive Vice President (Fraternal),

emphasized the dramatic effect that a chaplain’s pres-

ence and input can have on a council.

“Your role as spiritual advisor is crucial,” he said. “As

the largest Catholic lay organization for the Church,

collectively we can be the strong voice to fight all the

evils of our society, whether it is in support of God’s

law on marriage, life in all its stages, religious liberties

or standing up for the infirmed, disabled or elderly of

our communities and our nation.”

He mentioned 10 ways chaplains can collaborate and

encourage their parish-based councils, including:

1. Proclaim proudly that you, as a priest, are a

Knight.

2. Have regular dialogue with the grand knight.

3. Identify potential leaders from your congregation

for the Order.

4. Find collaborative programs that will benefit the

council and the parish community.

5. Hold a retreat for the Knights or establish other

forms of spiritual formation.

6. If you are unable to attend monthly meetings, at-

tend a meeting each quarter to start, or at least

provide a spiritual message to be conveyed to the

membership at the meeting.

7. Encourage the grand knight to develop and sup-

port strong youth and family programs that will

form a basis for future membership growth.

8. Help the grand knight and the council to be ac-

cepted by the parish by inviting him to sit in on

key parish committees or councils.

9. Establish a monthly breakfast at a local restaurant

for the Knights with you as the moderator.

10. Promote and encourage the family unit and our

faith as keys to the Knights’ ability to grow and

flourish. The family unit that prays together and

works together stays together. The wife is crucial

to the success of this; she is the glue that binds.

george hanna, Senior Vice President (Fraternal

Services), opened his talk with these words: “Charity

is the foundation of the Order. All we accomplish is for

the love of our fellow man and our Church.”

Relating the Order’s first principle – charity – to the

programs conducted by councils, he pointed out how

successful councils are involved in a variety of charita-

ble programs in the parish and the community.

Mike Durbin, Senior Vice President (Membership

Growth), said that the Order is looking to the guidance

and pastoral care of its chaplains to “change the cul-

ture” from an organization that is primarily known for

its social activities to one that is committed to evan-

gelical charity. There are many beneficial spiritual en-

richment and prayer programs that the Order

conducts, Durbin pointed out. But the chaplains must

ensure that these programs are built upon and in-

creased, so that every Catholic man will see in the

Knights of Columbus a place to deepen their faith and

draw closer to God, he said.

Fraternal Sharing at State Chaplains Meeting

K of C and World Youth Day 2011The Knights of Columbus will be a part of the excitement of

World Youth Day 2011 as the co-host of

the official English-speaking center for

pilgrims at the event in Madrid to be held

Aug. 16 to 21. The Order is hosting the

site, with the Sisters of Life and several co-spon-

sors, including Apostleship of Prayer and Holy

Cross Family Ministries, at the Palacio de Deportes,

a 12,000-seat soccer stadium/concert facility. The

center will be home to English-language keynote

speakers, programs, musical performances, discus-

sions and other activities throughout the week. A

Knights of Columbus/World Youth Day website will be

launched in the near future that will include more details on

the Order’s involvement and the event itself. It will also be a live site during WYD 11

to allow people not attending to share in the joy and celebration of the event.

Watch kofc.org for more details.

The Knights of Columbus Book Club Discusses:Jesus of Nazareth: From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection In April, The Knights of Columbus Book Club is

proud to feature Jesus of Nazareth: From the

Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection

(Ignatius, 2011), by Pope Benedict XVI. This new

volume, the second of the pope’s planned trilogy

on the life of Christ, coincides with the com-

mencement of the Lenten season and focuses

on Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. In

this new work, the pope engages critical issues

such as how Christ viewed his own death, who

was responsible for his crucifixion, and the truth

of the resurrection. Please join us in late April

for a discussion of Jesus of Nazareth at

kofc.org/bookclub.

CHAPLAIN’Sreport1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326

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the hope we have in Christ and thefreedom that comes in following Him.Pray for us!”

— Liz H.

“On 06 Sept 1989, while I served inthe U.S. Navy I had the opportunity tobe in the General Audience for hisWednesday weekly address. I was aLutheran at the time but I was honoredafter the address to be of the many per-sons who was able to shake his hand ashe walked down the aisle. I was also

given a photo which showed me stick-ing out my hand and the Pope a fewpeople before me. ... the picture is in-grained in my memory. I believe that itwas in his will that today I becameCatholic.”

— Todd H.

Following a Jan. 14 decree that a French nun’srecovery from Parkinson’s disease was miracu-lous, Pope Benedict XVI announced that PopeJohn Paul II would be beatified on May 1.Upon hearing the news of the announcement

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said: “... the

beatification of Pope John Paul means thatCatholics, and indeed all people, have a modelfor the heroic virtue each of us should strive toembody. “A love of neighbor and defense of human

dignity, a willingness to break down barriers andto dialogue with people of other faiths, a will-ingness to forgive even the man who shot him,and the sincerity to ask for forgiveness for him-self and the Church. This was a man whotaught us how to live, and in the twilight of hisyears taught us how to die. He was in his life,and remains now, a man for all people, and anexample to us all.”

thanks, FROM PAGE 2