columbia march 2009

MARCH 2009IN SERVICE TO ONE. IN SERVICE TO ALL.

America’sChurch

1959-2009

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

A B E N E F I T O F B R O T H E R H O O D

L I FE INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE ANNUIT IES

In a time of financial turmoil, youcan trust the Knights of Columbus.

Perhaps the worst thing about the difficult economic times we’re going through is not being

sure who we can trust, and whether the financial “experts” really understood the risks they

were taking.

At the Knights of Columbus, we know that you trust us to safeguard your family’s future. For

127 years, we’ve honored that trust by investing our assets carefully and conservatively.

That’s why we continue to maintain one of the highest surplus ratios in the life insurance

industry, and why, despite all the turmoil of the past year, we finished 2008 in the black.

Solid. Reliable. Trustworthy. Run by brother Knights for brother Knights. There for you when

you need us the most. That's the Knights of Columbus. Visit with your professional Knights

of Columbus agent today and learn more about how we can protect you and your family in

these uncertain times. Click "find an agent" at kofc.org or call 800-345-5632.

K

KNIGHTS IN ACTION

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE

OPENING ODE3 Remembering to Feast Amid the Fast

BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD3 Giving generously of time to help

others will set the stage for a hopefulfuture. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

LEARNING THE FAITH,LIVING THE FAITH

4 In the liturgy of Holy Week, we com-memorate Christ’s passion, death andresurrection.BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI

PLUS Catholic Man of the Month,the Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions,Your Spiritual Action Plan and more

CHECKUP7 Test Your IRA Quotient

REFLECTION16 Father McGivney’s vision bears the

marks of true knighthood.BY AMATEO SENO

CULTURE19 The great Holy Week compositions can

lead us to contemplate sacred mysteries.BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE24 In the Hands of Our Merciful Mother

BY MSGR. EDUARDO CHÁVEZ SÁNCHEZ

25 REPORTS FROM COUNCILS,ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIANSQUIRES CIRCLES

32 COLUMBIANISM BY DEGREES

As Washington’s National Shrine celebrates its golden jubilee, Knightsrecall a long-standing tradition of support. BY ELIZABETH ELA

Mary’s House

An interview about the life and testimony ofArchbishop Kazimierz MajdanskiBY COLUMBIA STAFF

Bearing Witness

9

In St. Joseph and in the chivalry of the Gospelmay be found the model of knighthood.BY STRATFORD CALDECOTT

The Universal Knight

176The Year of the Volunteer

• Sixth World Meeting ofFamilies • UltrasoundProgram Assists PregnantWomen • 36th March forLife • Polish DelegationVisits New Haven

COLUMBIA l MARCH 2009 l VOLUME 89 l NUMBER 3

Pope John Paul II proposed the wisdom of the saintsas a spiritual blueprint for the third millennium.BY RALPH MARTIN

Called to Holiness: Who, Me?

20

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and Father McGivneyworked to build the Church in North America.BY SISTER LOUISE FINN, CND

Kindred Spirits

22

12

Knights of ColumbusPublisher

Supreme OfficersCarl A. AndersonSupreme KnightMost Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D.Supreme ChaplainDennis A. SavoieDeputy Supreme Knight

Donald R. KehoeSupreme Secretary

John “Jack” W. O’Reilly Jr.Supreme Treasurer

John A. MarrellaSupreme Advocate

EditorialAlton J. Pelowski, Managing [email protected]

Patrick Scalisi, Associate [email protected]

GraphicsArthur F. Hinckley Jr.Art Director

Richard J. CesareSenior Designer

Venerable FatherMichael J. McGivney(1852-90) — Apostleto the Young,Protector of ChristianFamily Life andFounder of theKnights of Columbus,Intercede for Us.

How to Reach UsMAIL: Columbia, 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326PHONE: 203-752-4398FAX: 203-752-4109E-MAIL: [email protected]: www.kofc.orgCUSTOMER SERVICE: 1-800-380-9995

MOVING? Notify your local council. Sendyour new address and mailing label to:Knights of Columbus, Membership RecordsPO Box 1670, New Haven, CT 06507-0901

On the CoverIn observance of thefirst anniversary of theSept. 11 attacks, a 50-foot U.S. flag hangsfrom the Knights’ Towerof the Basilica of theNational Shrine of theImmaculate Conceptionin Washington, D.C.

2

such as the Order’s support of the Basilicaof the National Shrine of the ImmaculateConception in Washington, D.C. Thetablet on the shrine’s 329-foot Knights’Tower proudly proclaims, “Gift of theKnights of Columbus to the NationalShrine of the Immaculate Conception asa Pledge of the Devotion to Our BlessedLady, Patroness of the United States.”This issue of Columbia features an articleabout the 50th anniversary of the basili-ca’s dedication, which is being celebratedthis year (page 12).

St. Joseph, too, plays an importantrole in the countries where the Order ispresent. Not only is Joseph the patronsaint of the New World (and of Canada,in particular), the people of Poland alsohave a special appreciation for him. Aweek before a small group of Americantroops liberated the Nazi concentrationcamp of Dachau on April 29, 1945, thePolish seminarians and priests who wereimprisoned there entrusted themselvesto St. Joseph, pledging to protect and pro-mote the Christian family, just as Josephprotected Mary and Jesus. ArchbishopKazimierz Majdanski (1916-2007), one ofthe seminarians that survived, spent hisentire life fulfilling the pledge he hadmade (see article on page 9).

For Knights of Columbus, March 19and March 25 are not the only distinc-tive days of celebration during theweeks leading up to Easter. Founder’sDay, March 29, marks the 127thanniversary of the founding of the Orderby Father Michael J. McGivney. In themidst of this season of fasting, let uspause to recall the fruits borne of ahumble parish priest’s faith and cele-brate in a special way the obedience ofthe carpenter and his betrothed, whofirst accepted the mission of bearingGod to the world. — Alton J. Pelowski, managing editor

Each year, as the Church prepares tocelebrate Easter — the “Feast offeasts” and the “Solemnity of solem-nities” (CCC, 1169) — there are rela-

tively few liturgical feasts observed duringthe penitential season of Lent. There are,however, a couple notable exceptions.First, the solemnity of St. Joseph, the hus-band of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is cele-brated on March 19. A week later, onMarch 25, the Church celebrates thesolemnity of the Annunciation. This feast,nine months before Christmas, commem-orates the angel’s announcement to Maryand the Incarnation of Christ, conceivedby the power of the Holy Spirit.

At first glance, these two celebrationsseem to have little in common. Yet, inhis 1989 apostolic exhortation aboutSt. Joseph, titled Redemptoris Custos(Guardian of the Redeemer), Pope JohnPaul II pointed out the “strict parallel”between the “annunciation” to Joseph inthe Gospel of Matthew and theAnnunciation to Mary in Luke’s Gospel(RC, 3; see Mt 1:18-25, Lk 1:26-38). Theangelic messenger visited Joseph as well asMary to announce the miraculous concep-tion of the Savior, and both responded withthe obedience of faith. Together, Mary andJoseph uniquely stand with Jesus at theheart of the Gospel, as privileged models offidelity in both marriage and consecratedlife, and in both work and contemplation.

Just as the Blessed Virgin is the modeland icon of the Church, St. Joseph is a par-ticular example for Knights because of hisloving defense and service of Mary andJesus (see article on page 17). Indeed, theOrder’s support of marriage and family lifefinds a model in the Holy Family, whichJohn Paul II called the “prototype andexample of all Christian families”(Familiaris Consortio, 86).

The Knights’ devotion to Mary hasalways been manifest in numerous ways,

OPENING ODE

COLUMBIA COVER: CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

Join Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson online at www.kofc.orgfor a discussion of The Faith We Profess: A Catholic Guide to theApostles’ Creed (Ave Maria Press, 2008) by Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi,as well as The Gift of Black Folk: The Negroes in the Making ofAmerica by W.E.B. DuBois (Square One, 2009), which was fea-tured in the February issue of Columbia. Submit your questionsonline and take part in the discussion March 25 at 5 p.m. (ET).To view archived discussions, visit www.kofc.org/bookclub.

Supreme Knight’s Book Club - March 25 - 5 PM (ET)

Remembering to Feast Amid the Fast

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

BY CARL A. ANDERSON, SUPREME KNIGHT

Neighbors HelpingNeighbors in NeedGiving generously of time to help others willset the stage for a hopeful future

AS THE ECONOMIC CRISIS con-tinues and workers in every sectorexperience increased hardship, it isnatural for many of us to express afeeling of helplessness in the faceof impersonal financial forces thatseem beyond our control.

However, in the midst of whatsome experts believe is the worstworldwide downturn since theGreat Depression, there is some-thing each of us can do to help,even before a stimulus package ispassed or Wall Street rebounds.Very simply, we can turn a helpinghand to our neighbors in need —the people in our parishes, thefamilies in our neighborhoods, thesoup kitchens andclothing drives in ourcommunities. Even ifwe don’t have extramoney to give tocharity, nearly all ofus can find an addi-tional few minutes aday, or one hour aweek, to volunteer.

In doing so, wewill be following thewords of Pope Benedict XVI, whotells us in his encyclical on chari-ty, Deus Caritas Est: “Love — car-itas — will always prove neces-sary, even in the most just society.There is no ordering of the Stateso just that it can eliminate theneed for a service of love.”

If greed — one of the worstaspects of human nature — helpedpush us into this crisis, then oneof the best aspects of our nature —generosity — will be necessary topull us out. We are told in the

our ranks to help with the growingneeds around us.

We must also be more active inseeking out those who need ourassistance, which means that localcouncils should work even moreclosely with their parishes.Imagine if each Sunday, in thethousands of Catholic churcheswhere the Order is present, parish-ioners were informed of Knights ofColumbus service projects in theirarea. The opportunities to give oftime and talent would be multi-plied, those who are strugglingwould be lifted in spirit, andstrong ties of faith and fellowshipwould be built.

On Wall Street, personal deci-sions motivated by the desire forunfettered individual advantagewill long be remembered as a hall-mark of this economic crisis. It isnow up to us on Main Street tomake personal decisions for thewell-being of our neighbors. Let uswork to make a spirit of volun-teerism the hallmark of ournation’s recovery and trulybecome a nation of neighborshelping neighbors. If we do so, wewill have set the stage for morethan an economic recovery; wewill have set a new and powerfulmoral compass for the future ofour society.

Vivat Jesus!

Gospels that we will be judged onhow we treat the “least” amongus. Certainly, as more workersjoin the ranks of the unemployed,there are many households thatnow desperately need our help.

With our Christian faith, andthe great tradition of charitydemonstrated by the Knights ofColumbus since its founding, wecan make each day better for oneperson or one family. It is thismodel of neighbor helping neigh-bor that served as the theme of thesummit on volunteerism that theOrder sponsored in New York Cityon Feb. 27. Leaders from a widerange of volunteer organizations

gathered to addresstoday’s unique prob-lems and to announcethe necessity of work-ing with one anotherand with our localand federal govern-ments to address thisdire situation.Yet, the message ofthis important sum-mit will be only so

many words unless it is backed upby action — millions of volun-teers, including Knights, who willreach out to someone in need.

Our local councils, connectedas they are to their parishes andcommunities, are known for grass-roots projects designed specificallyto meet individual needs.Therefore, in answering the call tovolunteer, we Knights need onlydo more of what we already do asindividuals and councils: recruitmore men and their families to

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 3

If greed helpedpush us intothis crisis, thengenerosity willbe necessary topull us out.

The Paschal MysteryIn the liturgy of Holy Week, we commemorate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection BY BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI, SUPREME CHAPLAIN

When I was in seminary, a profes-sor exhorted me and my class-mates not to separate “the com-

ponent parts” of the paschal mystery,which consists of Christ’s suffering,death, resurrection and exaltation.Rather, these events are united andstand at the center of our faith (seeCompendium of the Catechism of theCatholic Church, 112).

In order to understandwhat is meant by the“paschal mystery,” let usfirst look to the OldTestament. The word“paschal” comes from theHebrew word meaning both“the passing over” and“passage.” In the story ofthe Exodus, the dramaticdeparture of the people of Israel fromEgypt, the angel “passed over” thehomes marked by the blood of thesacrificed, paschal lamb, sparing thelives of the Israelites who then madethe arduous passage from slavery tofreedom. The Israelites’ celebration ofthis event would not only be the rec-ollection of a historical event but aliving memorial.

This first Pasch anticipated thedefinitive deliverance from sin thatChrist, the Lamb of God, wouldwin for us by shedding his blood(see 1 Cor 5:7). United to Christ inbaptism, we are to pass with Christfrom the death of sin to the new andeternal life.

FULFILLMENT OF THE LAWIn embracing his mission to save us,Jesus entered the city knowing hewould face accusations of disregard-ing the law of Moses and of blas-pheming by “making himself equal toGod” (Compendium, 113-114; Jn5:18). At a deeper level, he grasped

that he was about to pour out his lifein sacrificial love.

Paradoxically, Christ stood beforehis accusers as the fulfillment of thelaw of Moses — indeed, as the newMoses, who definitively interpretedthe law and the prophets.

As the Son of God who assumedour humanity, Jesus was the fulfill-

ment of all that God hadpromised his people. Yet,God fulfilled his promises insuch an unexpectedly mar-velous way that Jesus wasthought to be a blasphemerinstead of the Savior(Compendium, 116).

It does not do, however,to impute the guilt for Jesus’death solely to those who

historically brought about his death.On the contrary, we are all sinnersand Christ died because of our sins.As Christians who have experiencedthe love of Christ, we bear evengreater responsibility when we fallinto sin (Compendium, 117).

At the same time, we marvel atthe loving initiative of the Father insending us his Son (Compendium,118). As St. John puts it, “In this islove: not that we have loved God butthat he loved usand sent his Sonas expiation forour sins” (1 Jn4:10). St. Paulwrites, “But Godproves his love forus in that whilewe were still sinners Christ died forus” (Rom 5:8). Was this not the goalof the Incarnation? Jesus assumed ourhumanity so that it might be the verymeans of our redemption.

If it is important for us not to sep-arate the events of the paschal mys-

tery, it is also important for us not toisolate the paschal mystery from therest of Christ’s life. “The entire life ofChrist was a free offering to the Fatherto carry out his plan of salvation”(Compendium, 119). Jesus, God’sincarnate Son, fulfilled his mission byannouncing the kingdom, confirminghis proclamation with miracles, andthen by taking upon himself our sins.In dying, he underwent the experiencethat most epitomizes our estrange-ment from God and from one another.By rising, he not only showed us thepath to reconciliation but also enabledus to walk that path, thanks to “thelove of God poured into our hearts bythe Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). This ishow we must understand the greatevents of salvation that are re-present-ed and celebrated during Holy Week.

LOVE ‘TO THE END’On Holy Thursday, we find our-selves in a certain sense at tablewith Christ and the Apostles. Onthe eve of his suffering and death,Jesus signifies and makes truly pres-ent the total gift of self he willmake in his new definitive Pasch(Compendium, 120). Taking breadand wine, he says: “This is my body

which is given for you” (Lk 22:19).“This is my blood…which is pouredout for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt26:28). This is no mere sentimentalgesture. When Jesus adds, “Do thisin memory of me,” he commandsthe Apostles not only to recall what

LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

The 13th installmentof Supreme ChaplainBishop William E.Lori’s faith formationprogram addressesquestions 112-126 ofthe Compendium ofthe Catechism of theCatholic Church.Archived articles areat www.kofc.org.

4 w w w. ko f c .o r g

In looking upon the crucified weconsider the lengths to which God’slove went to save us. This is what St.John calls love “to the end” (Jn 13:1).

Fasting is part of the triumvirate of Lenten penitential practices: prayer, fastingand almsgiving. The purpose of fasting, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, isitself threefold. First, “fasting is the guardian of chastity,” because one’s ability

to love with a pure heart increases with the practice of self-discipline. Secondly, wefast “in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenlythings.” In casting off the sluggishness that comes from being satiated by food anddrink, the Christian is able to be more attuned to the things of God. Finally, theChristian fasts in “atonement for sins” and conversion of heart.

YOUR SPIRITUAL ACTION PLAN

St. Casimir was bornOct. 3, 1458, the third of13 children of the Polish

King Casimir IV and QueenElizabeth of Austria. Piousand studious from his child-hood, Casimir was not taken

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 5

Holy Father’s Prayer IntentionsOffered in solidarity with Pope Benedict XVIââ General — That the role of women may be more appreciated andused to good advantage in every country in the world.

ââ Mission — That in the light of the letter addressed to them by Pope Benedict XVI, the bishops,priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the People’s Republic of Chinamay commit themselves to being the sign and instrument of unity, communion and peace.

POPE: CNS PHOTO/ALESSIA PIERDOMENICO, REUTERSST. CASIMIR: PAINTING BY DANIEL SCHULTZ (1670); FRANCISCAN CHURCH, KRAKOW

St. Casimir Jagiellon (1458-1484)

Feast Day: March 4

desires, Casimirwas obedient tohis father’s deci-sion to send himto Hungary, wherehe became king.When it becameobvious thatyoung Casimir’srule was unsuc-cessful, hereturned home inseeming disgrace.And yet, he washappy to resumehis simple life.

In 1481, duty required thatCasimir assume the throne ofPoland for three years whilehis father traveled to Lithuaniato handle affairs of state.While he is remembered forhis good judgment and justadministration of the king-dom, Casimir was happy againto leave public life when hisfather returned. He diedMarch 4, 1484, while travelingto Lithuania and was buried inOur Lady’s chapel of the cathe-dral at Vilnius. Because of hisgreat devotion to the Motherof God, St. Casimir was buriedwith a copy of his favoritehymn:“Omni die dic Mariae”(Daily, Daily Sing to Mary)which, although not writtenby him, has been known formany centuries as “the hymnof St. Casimir.”

For Knights of Columbus,St. Casimir is an example of afaithful leader who did notcling to power and authority.When called upon to exercisehis duty, he fulfilled it care-fully, prudently, and justly.However, when his term ofofficial service was complete,he did not seek to retain thetrappings of his office, butreturned to a life of hiddenlove and prayer.

with the out-ward signs ofcourtly life inPoland. Instead,he preferredsimple dress,long hours inprayer and hid-den penances.Despite thedifferencebetween KingCasimir’s expec-tations for hisson and thesaint’s own

Catholic Manof the Month

he had done at the Last Supper butalso to reenact that same mystery oflove (see Acts 2:42). Thus St. Paulteaches, “As often as you eat thisbread and drink the cup, you pro-claim the death of the Lord until hecomes” (1 Cor. 11:26). Here is thevery origin of the Mass and thepriesthood, given to us by Christ“on the night before he died.”

With majestic simplicity the litur-gy of Holy Week moves from thewarmth of the upper room to the gar-den where “Jesus accepted the dutyto carry our sins in his body, ‘becom-ing obedient unto death’”(Compendium, 121; Phil 2:8). Jesus’agony, like the entirety of his suffer-ing and death, unmasked “the mys-tery of iniquity” and the enormity ofour sins (2 Thes 2:7). As we behold

the “author of life” in agony, weshould resolve not to go along withthe trivialization of sin, which is alltoo common today.

Having taken upon himself oursins, Jesus the Lamb of God offeredhis life to the Father. It was not thatGod the Father was angrily demand-ing the death of his own Son inreparation for our sins. Rather,Jesus’ obedience is the key to ourreconciliation with God and withthose whom our sins harm. In look-ing upon the crucified we considerthe lengths to which God’s lovewent to save us. This is what St.John calls love “to the end” (Jn13:1). In giving up his life in obedi-ence to the Father’s saving will,Jesus unleashes into the world a rec-onciling love that we are called to

make our own. He asks us to takeup our cross and to associate our-selves with his sacrifice of love inthe joys and sufferings of life (seeCompendium, 122-123).

As the Passion account fromJohn’s Gospel is read on Good Friday,we should open our hearts in grati-tude. We see in the blood and waterfrom Christ’s pierced side the foun-tain of the Church’s sacramental life.We keep vigil with Mary at the footof the Cross and are heartened whenChrist gives her as our motherthrough the Apostle John. As Jesustruly dies and is buried, how weshould be filled with wonder!

Seamlessly the sadness ofChrist’s death gives way to joy ofthe Resurrection as Easter dawnsupon us (Compendium, 126). n


The Year ofthe VolunteerSupreme Knight Calls forIncrease in Volunteerism

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

W ith the philanthropic givingindex down 22 percent,and the economic crisis

affecting nonprofit organizationsnationwide, Supreme KnightCarl A. Anderson on Jan. 23called for a summit of charitableand volunteer organizations inNew York City.

In a speech at FairfieldUniversity in Fairfield, Conn.,Anderson invited the nation’s topcharitable and volunteer organiza-tions to attend a summit Feb. 27,to discuss volunteerism and thecharitable response to the eco-nomic crisis.

Anderson encouraged charitableorganizations to work togetherwith the new administration toemphasize and create opportunitiesfor volunteers, especially at a timewhen financial donations to chari-ty are decreasing.

Speaking just days after theJan. 19 National Day of Service,Anderson also called for Americansto take the spirit of that day for-ward and to make 2009 “the yearof the volunteer.”

“Government and charitiesmust work together for the goodof our country, and in difficulteconomic times, that means creat-ing opportunities for Americans togive of their time and talent, aswell as their treasure,” saidAnderson. “People may be unableto donate $50 or $100 dollars tocharity, but everyone can certainlyspend an extra hour a week —that’s less than 10 minutes a day— doing something for the good ofhis or her neighbor.”

The supreme knight alsoencouraged charitable organizationsto tap into the volunteer potentialalready present at Catholic parishesand other faith communities.“Imagine — just as a starting point— if each Sunday, in 9,000 differentCatholic churches, parishionerswere made aware of upcomingKnights of Columbus serviceprojects in their area,” he said.

For more information aboutthe Feb. 27 summit, sponsored bythe Knights of Columbus and

COATS FOR KIDSIn the kickoff of the Order’s new Coatsfor Kids program, Knights distributed1,200 coats to needy children, ages 6-12,on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19. Theeffort began in Washington, D.C., onwhat has been designated a NationalDay of Service. The Supreme Councilpurchased 7,800 coats and is imple-menting a plan to distribute them withthe help of local Knights of Columbuscouncils in several major cities.Distributions have also taken place inDetroit and Chicago.

Fairfield University’s Center forFaith and Public Life, visitwww.kofc.org.

Supreme KnightSpeaks at WorldMeeting of Families

More than 8,000 participantsfrom more than 90 countriesgathered in Mexico City Jan.

14-18 for the Sixth World Meeting ofFamilies. In an address at the event,Supreme Knight Carl A. Andersondiscussed the importance of thefamily as the place where “humanlove and interdependence” are“made apparent first in a relation-ship with those who gave us life.”

“Without solidarity within thefamily, there can be no solidarity

beyond the family,” he continued.“Without an understanding andprotection of the family, there canbe no easy understanding of thehuman family that is society, theChristian family that is theChurch, or the family of familiesthat is the parish.”

The first World Meeting ofFamilies was in Rome in 1994.Since that time, they have beenheld every three years, the mostrecent having taken place in Spainin 2006. They are sponsored by theVatican and conducted under theauspices of the Pontifical Councilfor the Family, of which SupremeKnight Anderson is a member.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Andersonaddressed the Sixth World Meeting ofFamilies in Mexico City Jan. 16, offeringan analysis of “Family and Solidarity,”drawing upon the teachings of PopesJohn Paul II and Benedict XVI.

ULTRASOUND: CNS PHOTO BY DAVE HRBACEK, THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Knights’ UltrasoundProgram AssistsPregnant Women

The Supreme Council, in cooper-ation with state council affili-ates in Iowa and Florida, provid-

ed two pregnancy resource centersfunding for the acquisition of ultra-sound machines that will help thecenters better provide for the healthof both mothers and unborn chil-dren. Ultrasound exams use soundwaves to scan a woman’s abdomen,creating a picture or “sonogram” ofthe baby in her womb.

Without K of C support, thesecenters would be unable to pur-chase the ultrasound devices, eachcosting tens of thousands of dollars.On Jan. 23, the Women’s HelpCenter Inc. in Jacksonville, Fla.,received a check from SupremeDirector Dennis J. Stoddard andFlorida State Deputy James J.Schonefeld. Supreme DirectorDavid A. Bellendier and Iowa StateDeputy Patrick T. O’Keefe present-ed a check to Choices MedicalClinic in Iowa City, Iowa.

“The sophistication of today’smedical technology provides a‘window on the womb,’” saidSupreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.“Even from the early stages ofpregnancy, a mother can see herdeveloping child, hear the baby’sheartbeat, and recognize the mira-cle of new life within her.”

The Knights of Columbus ultra-sound project seeks to provide med-ically certified pro-life pregnancycenters with the modern technologyto monitor the health of babies inutero, and to allow mothers to visu-ally experience that development.For more information, visitwww.kofc.org/prolife. n

POLISH DELEGATION VISITS NEW HAVEN

On Sunday, Jan. 11, a special delegation from Poland joined Knights fromConnecticut at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., to receive honors of

the Third Degree. The Knights from Poland will oversee future exemplificationsin their own country, where the Order expanded in 2006. The Polish delegationis pictured here at the Supreme Council’s Holy Family Chapel.

KNIGHTS PARTICIPATE IN MARCH FOR LIFE

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Knights and their families were among the tens ofthousands participating in the 36th annual March for Life in Washington,

D.C., marking the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade.Numerous flags and banners of Knights of Columbus councils were just one

indication of the Order’s presence. The Supreme Council, which financially sup-ports the March for Life, worked with the D.C. state council to distribute some6,000 “We Choose Life” signs, which featured the emblem of the Order.

Preceding the march, Supreme Secretary Donald R. Kehoe offered briefremarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance during a rally on the National Mall.A group of college Knights who marched together is pictured above with thesupreme secretary outside the U.S. Supreme Court.

Knights also participated in the 5th annual Walk for Life West Coast onJan. 24 in San Francisco, and sponsored and participated in numerous pro-lifeprayer services and processions in their local communities.

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 7

Y O U R H E A L T H , Y O U RF I N A N C E S , Y O U R L I F E

DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF INSURANCE YOU NEED USING THE LIFE INSURANCE CALCULATOR AT KOFC.ORG

Test YourIRA QuotientBY JOHN R. INGRISANO, CLU

What do youknow aboutIndividual

Retirement Accounts(IRAs)? Test your knowl-edge with the followingself-quiz. There is nograde. However, be sureto check with your profes-sionally trained Knightsof Columbus agent abouthow an IRA can benefityou and your family.

1 For 2008, I can con-tribute a maximum of$3,000 to my IRA. True q False q

2 Earnings in my IRAare tax-deferred. True q False q

3 I can contribute 100percent of my income tomy IRA, up to the maxi-mum amount allowed.True q False q

4 Contributions to myRoth IRA are tax-deductible. True q False q

5 I can contribute to aRoth IRA even if I partic-ipate in my employer-sponsored retirementplan. True q False q

6 For married couples, ifonly one of us worksoutside the home, we canstill contribute $10,000($5,000 each) to our RothIRAs. True q False q

7 My 16-year-old soncan contribute to an

IRA. True q False q

8 I must stop makingcontributions to myRoth IRA at age 70. True q False q

9 I must begin takingdistributions from myRoth IRA at age 70 1/2.True q False q

10 I must wait until age70 before I can begin tak-ing distributions frommy IRA. True q False q

11 I can make penalty-free withdrawals frommy IRA to pay for mychildren or grandchil-dren’s college education.True q False q

12 Education IRAs areno longer available tohelp me save for mychild’s college expenses.True q False q

13 Coverdell ESAs featuretax-free accumulation anddistributions, providedthe money is used forqualified educationexpenses. True q False q

14 We can use ourchild’s Coverdell ESA topay his grade schooltuition at our parishschool. True q False q

Have more questionsabout IRAs? Contactyour professionallytrained Knights ofColumbus agent fordetails. n

John R. Ingrisano is a financialwriter and business consultantspecializing in money manage-ment, insurance and retirementplanning. He can be reached atjohn@thefreestyleentrepre-neur. com.

C H E C K U PAnswer Key

1. False: For 2008 andbeyond, each eligible tax-payer can contribute up to$5,000. Plus, if you are overage 50, you can contributean additional $1,000.

2. True: As long as themoney remains in your IRA,it is not taxable as currentincome. In some cases, aswith a Roth IRA, qualifieddistributions are incometax-free. With traditionalIRAs, distribution of earn-ings is generally taxable.

3. True.

4. False: Contributions toRoth IRAs are never tax-deductible. However, quali-fied distributions at retire-ment are income tax-free.

5. True.

6. True: With a Roth IRA,contributions can be madein the name of the non-income earning spouse,allowing you as a couple tomake total contributions of$10,000 for 2008, or$12,000 if you are over 50.

7. True: An individual of anyage can open an IRA, pro-vided he or she has taxableincome.

8. False: One of the attrac-tions of the Roth IRA is thatyou can continue makingcontributions as long asyou earn income. This isnot the case with tradition-al IRAs, which do not per-mit contributions beyondage 70.

9. False: Unlike a traditionalIRA, there are no required

minimum distributions forRoth IRAs. Some peopleaccumulate money in theirRoth plans with the inten-tion of passing them totheir children as part oftheir inheritance.

10. False: You can begin tak-ing distributions withoutrestriction at age 59 1/2. Youmust begin taking requiredminimum distributionsfrom your traditional IRA —though not your Roth IRA— at age 70 1/2.

11. True: You can make with-drawals without penalty ifyou become disabled; tobuy your first home, up to$10,000; to fund a collegeeducation for yourself, yourspouse, your child or yourgrandchild; or to pay formedical expenses thatexceed 7.5 percent of youradjusted gross income.

12. True and False:Education IRAs still exist.They have just beenimproved and are nowknown as CoverdellEducation SavingsAccounts, or ESAs.

13. True: While contribu-tions are not deductible,the money grows on a tax-favored basis, and qualifieddistributions are tax-free.

14. True: Funds can be usedto cover elementary andsecondary educationexpenses, not just post-high school costs. Qualifiededucation expensesinclude tuition, fees, books,supplies, equipment andcertain room and boardexpenses.


I Columbia: In the opening words ofhis book, Archbishop Majdanski sayshe has a difficult task: “to bear wit-ness to those who witnessed.” Whatkind of faith did he see during histime in the concentration camps?Father Szymczak: In Hitler’s concen-tration camps, the prisoners werepeople who lost all of their humanrights. A person became only a num-ber, forced to do arduous labor andbear torture that was supposed tobring about one’s death.

In Archbishop Majdanski’s recol-lections he writes mostly about thetestimonies of faith he witnessedamong the Polish priests with whomhe was imprisoned. They were perse-cuted by the authorities in a particu-lar way and were very isolated fromthe other prisoners.

Who were these witnesses? Theywere ordinary people, emaciated byhunger and hard work, humiliated,beaten and always living with thethought of looming death. Torturerswould sometimes propose freedom

Bearing WitnessAn interview about the life and testimony of Archbishop Kazimierz Majdanski

BY CO LU M B I A STA F F

In 1939, while studying as aseminarian in Wloclawek,Poland, Archbishop Kazi-mierz J. Majdanski (1916-2007) was arrested and thenimprisoned for nearly thewhole duration of World WarII. In the Nazi concentrationcamps Sachsenhausen andDachau, he was subjected todeplorable pseudo-medicalexperiments, was starved andnearly died from typhus. Hispastoral ministry was latermarked by lessons of faith, for-giveness, human dignity andthe central role of the family.

In his book You Shall Be MyWitnesses: Lessons Beyond Dachau,Archbishop Majdanski recounts hisimprisonment and the faith of his fel-low seminarians and priests, many ofwhom did not survive. The book,originally published in Polish in

COLUMBIA CONVERSATION

1987, has also been printed inItalian, Spanish, German and French.The long-awaited English edition(Square One) was released last monthand includes an introduction bySupreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.

Father Jaroslaw Szymczak is a pro-fessor at the Institute for Studies onthe Family in Lomianki, Poland. Heworked with Archbishop Majdanskithere for more than 19 years and is amember of Holy Family Council14002. Columbia spoke with FatherSzymczak about the archbishop’s lifeand testimony.

The Dachau concentration camp

Some 20 percent ofdiocesan priests in

Poland met their death inprisons, executions andconcentration camps.

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 9

for the price of denouncing one’spriesthood or betraying one’s coun-try. Not one of the priests suc-cumbed. Some were pressured to dis-respect the cross or rosary, but theypreferred to give their lives. Theywere ordinary people who had theirown share of weaknesses, but findingstrength in Christ, they preservedtheir humanity and dignity in suchinhumane conditions.

To give but a few examples:Tadeusz Dulny (a seminarian) cheer-fully cared for an elderly priest, andtrying to save him from starvation,he himself died of hunger. BishopMichal Kozal was especially tor-mented and humiliated because ofhis office, and yet he remainedpeaceful, caring for others. He knewhe would not leave the concentra-tion camp alive, because he askedGod to accept the sacrifice of his lifefor the Church and for Poland.Father Edward Grzymala, after beingseverely beaten for preaching to hisfellow brothers, said, “It is an honorto suffer insult for Jesus’ name” (seeActs 5:41). Another priest, FatherStefan Frelichowski, helped peoplesuffering from spotted fever and laterdied after contracting the disease.

Numerous more examples couldbe given, and many of the prisonershave already been declared Blessed.

To what extent did the Nazi govern-ment target the clergy in Poland andsee the Catholic Church as a threat?

Archbishop Majdanski had oftenpointed out that when he was arrest-ed on Nov. 7, 1939, nobody evenasked his name. This may surprise us,but the cassock — worn by and affili-ated with the Polish Catholic clergy— was the only evidence needed toimprison, torment and inevitably leadsomeone to death.

In his book, ArchbishopMajdanski cites Father WiktorJacewicz, a historian, who writes:“Before Sept. 1, 1939, the number ofdiocesan priests throughout Polandstood at 10,017. From among these,some 20 percent met their death inprisons, executions, and concentra-tion camps. Thirty percent were per-secuted by the occupying forces. Inall, the war years eliminated some 50percent from active pastoral service.… The situation was all the more

tragic considering that, in general, theclergy who were fit and active, theones most capable of outreach andmissionary work, suffered most.”

The persecution of the PolishChurch during the Second World Warwas just one part of the program toannihilate the whole nation, whichstarted with the destruction of highlyeducated Poles.

In a time when such events areoften viewed as forgotten remnantsof history, what is the relevance ofthe archbishop’s account?

It has been said that we shouldnever forget history because, “nationsthat lose their memory die.” Weshould study these events to acquirethe skill to recognize traits of a cul-ture of death.

Above: Archbishop Kazimierz Majdanski with Pope John Paul II. The two men becamefriends when they were fellow priests and seminary professors in Poland. It was because ofJohn Paul II’s encouragement that Archbishop Majdanski wrote You Shall Be My Witnesses.• Below: The English-language cover of Archbishop Majdanski’s book, in which herecounts his experience as a prisoner of Nazi concentration camps during World War II.The book’s title comes from Jesus’ words to the Apostles in Acts 1:8. • The 25th anniversaryof Dachau’s liberation is observed in Kalisz, Poland, on April 29, 1970.


Archbishop Majdanski would oftenecho John Paul II’s observation thatthe modern world has become anarena of battle for life. He wrote, “Whydo we create exceptions to the law ofGod? This happens because mandecided to instill his own authorityover the authority of God. And so witharguments full of words about ‘democ-racy’…we divide people into thosewho have the right to life and thosewho do not.”

While in Dachau, Majdanski was sub-jected to inhuman experiments andsaw many of his friends die. Yet, hewas still able to forgive his captors.

The archbishop heard, above all,the question, “How can one forgive?”He was surprised that the issueappeared to be so difficult.Forgiveness was a simple conse-quence of his faith, his love for Godand his everyday prayer — “forgive usour trespasses, as we forgive thosewho trespass against us.” It was a con-sequence of gazing at the crucifiedChrist and calling out to the Father,“Forgive them, for they know notwhat they do.”

He also knew how to see theGermans as people and not as repre-sentatives of an enemy nation. Afterthe liberation of the camp and hispriestly ordination, Father Majdanskiwas directed by his bishop to study ata university. First, however, he was inneed of medical treatment so hecould recuperate. In the sanatorium,he not only catechized sick children,but also served and provided confes-sion to German prisoners of war. Hisattitude of forgiveness was also man-ifested during a trial in Munich in1975, charging the doctor who hadbeen the head of the experimental

station. During a break, BishopMajdanski approached his torturerwith an outstretched hand.

The archbishop did many thingsfor authentic Polish-German reconcil-iation. The German leaders valued hisefforts, and in 1991 he was given theCross of the Order of Merit, the high-est distinction given to foreigners.

Archbishop Majdanski was a contem-porary and friend of Pope John Paul II.In what ways did the two men influ-ence one another?

They were both people of prayerwho had great trust in God and whobelieved in hard work. They bothalso cared deeply about marriage andthe family, and about the life ofevery person. They were closefriends, from their early years aspriests when they accidentally metin Paris, and later in Poland as moraltheologians concerned with the for-mation of future priests.

When Karol Wojtyla became pope,he invited Bishop Majdanski to helporganize a Synod of Bishops on thefamily in 1980. After finishing hiswork related to the Synod, BishopMajdanski became a chief contributorto the development of the PontificalCouncil for the Family.

It was John Paul II who promptedthe archbishop to write down his

recollections about his imprison-ment. Assuredly, without the pope’sinspiration, the book You Shall BeMy Witnesses would not have beenwritten.

What motivated the archbishop’s spe-cial attention to the promotion of mar-riage and family life?

The Dachau camp was liberatedApril 29, 1945, one day before its com-plete extermination was planned.One week earlier, on April 22, the sur-viving Polish clergy entrusted theirliberation to St. Joseph. Through thisact, they expressed their promise tocare for the pastoral needs of the fam-ily. They understood that in order tocounteract a culture of death, whichdestroys and degrades the person, thefamily must be saved.

Also of influence was ArchbishopMajdanski’s own family. He was theyoungest of 13 children. One of hisbrothers, Walentyn, was a lay teacherand writer, fervently committed tothe protection of the family andof life.

[In 1975,] the archbishop foundedthe first academic institute devoted tothe study of the family in the world.He was convinced that in order toeffectively help today’s families wemust have the support of very solidpreparation, including an understand-ing of the intention that the Creatorinscribed into the very nature of thefamily from the beginning.

Our Lord called ArchbishopMajdanski from this life on April 29,2007, the anniversary of both the lib-eration of the concentration campand of the foundation of the Institutefor Studies on the Family, locatedoutside Warsaw.

The concentration camps leftmarks on all of their prisoners, andmany survivors were not able to leadnormal lives. It is astounding thatArchbishop Majdanski workedintensely for many years as a pastor,seminary professor, editor and bish-op, among many other things. Whenhe was no longer physically able towork in other ways, he wrote, spokewith people, and served through hisprayer and suffering. n

You Shall Be My Witnesses (Square One, 2009)may be purchased from your local bookselleror online (ISBN: 9780757002236).

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 11

“As Archbishop Majdanski’s witnesses,we should all be motivated to followhis example of charity and forgiveness,so that the words ‘never again’ willhave a truly lasting meaning.”From Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson’s Introduction to You Shall Be My Witnesses: Lessons Beyond Dachau

Forgiveness was a simpleconsequence of his faith,his love for God and his

everyday prayer.

GGracing one of the Crypt sacristywindows of the Basilica of theNational Shrine of the Immac-ulate Conception in Washing-ton, D.C., is the stained-glassimage of Father Michael J.McGivney, founder of theKnights of Columbus. Amidstother examples of the Order’ssupport of the majestic basilica— the Knights’ Tower campanilethat houses a 56-bell carillon orthe recently-dedicated Knights ofColumbus Incarnation Dome —this window is a simple but fit-ting reminder of the Knights’relationship with the Shrine thathas endured for nearly a century.

The bond the Order shares withthe Shrine is very real to PatrickMcAleer, one of the chairmen forthe Knights’ usher ministry at thebasilica.

“There are so many visible signsof the Knights of Columbus’ historytied to the basilica,” McAleer said.His service as an usher “keeps thetradition going,” he added.

This year marks the 50th anniver-sary of the dedication ofthe basilica and nearly90 years since construc-tion began. Today, itremains the largestRoman Catholic churchin North America and isamong the 10 largest inthe world. The vision ofa national shrine was being promotedamong America’s bishops as early as

1913. The Order was involved literal-ly from the start, with 1,500 Knightsattending the blessing of the shrine’ssite even before the cornerstone waslaid in 1920.

‘AMERICA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH’In 1959, more than 1,000 FourthDegree Knights lined the processionroute of civil and religious dignitarieswho attended the basilica’s dedica-

tion. To this day,Knights of Columbusserve as ushers at everySunday Mass.

“Everywhere youturn, you see theKnights of Columbuspresent,” said Msgr.Walter Rossi, rector of

the National Shrine and a memberof Queen of the Americas Council

As Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine celebrates 50 years,Knights recall a long-standing tradition of support

BY E L I Z A B E T H E L A


Mary’s House

WATCH a video ofthe 1959 dedication of theBasilica of the NationalShrine of the ImmaculateConception. Visitwww.kofc.org/columbia.

11304 in Takoma Park, Md. “Youcan’t help but notice the Knights’presence as soon as you drive up tothe shrine,” he added, citing theKnights’ Tower and the carillon thatrings at 15-minute intervals.

Nicknamed “America’s CatholicChurch,” the National Shrine is justthat. It is located within three milesof the U.S. Capitol building andtakes its name from the patroness ofthe United States. In 1847, at therequest of the U.S. bishops, PopePius IX dedicated America and itspeople to Mary under her title of theImmaculate Conception.

The shrine’s 329-ft. tower makesa distinct mark on the District ofColumbia’s skyline, joining otherrecognizable landmarks such as theWashington Monument. Both PopeJohn Paul II and Pope Benedict XVIvisited the National Shrine duringtheir trips to the United States, hon-oring it as a place of spiritual signif-icance in America’s history.

The multitude of chapels, orato-ries, mosaics and other works of artwithin the basilica give testimonyto the rich fabric of this history: thecrypt-level Hall of American Saints;the new chapel in honor of OurLady of Pompei, funded by theItalian-American Catholic commu-nity; and works of art like theFather McGivney window thatremind worshippers of the humbleheroes who brought the spirit ofCatholicism to the United States.

“We’re really very much like ademographics map,” said GeraldineM. Rohling, shrine archivist andcurator. “Every time a group ofimmigrants comes of age…they askto include a representative of theirdevotion, which they brought withthem from their homeland, in theNational Shrine.”

In that sense, it is especially fit-ting that the Knights have such apresence at the shrine. After all, theOrder was founded, in part, inresponse to the argument that to beCatholic was somehow to be lessAmerican.

BUILT WITH ‘MAGNIFICENT DARING’Only one person has been buried atthe National Shrine during its histo-ry: Bishop Thomas J. Shahan ofBaltimore, who served as rector of

The Catholic University of Americain the early 1900s and who was thechief advocate for the building of anational church in honor of theImmaculate Conception.

In 1913, then-Father Shahan pro-posed the idea to Pope Pius X, whoreadily agreed and even made a per-sonal donation to the shrine’s con-struction.

“Nothing could be too beautifulor too magnificent for the dwellingof God himself,” Father Shahanwrote. He saw such a church notonly as a place of worship, but alsoas a place of education, where every-thing ought to teach somethingabout the glories of the faith.

Finally, in the spring of 1920, the

shrine’s site was blessed. CardinalJames Gibbons of Baltimore laid thecornerstone later that year as FourthDegree Knights stood at attention.

The Crypt Church was builtfirst, and pilgrims were drawn to theshrine even before its completion. In1923, a large group of Knights fromBrooklyn made up the first officialpilgrimage; their group picturedepicts the crowd smiling in themiddle of a construction site and anotherwise open field.

The Great Depression and WorldWar II put a halt to the building, andwhen construction began again in the1950s, there were no funds left for thebell tower. The shrine’s supervisor,and Archbishop Patrick A. O’Boyle ofWashington, approached SupremeKnight Luke E. Hart with a unani-mous request from the AmericanCatholic hierarchy — would theKnights of Columbus commit tofunding the completion of theshrine’s bell tower?

Hart accepted the daunting chal-lenge as a “privilege” for the Orderand an opportunity to give thanks forits 75-year history. Upon delivering a$500,000 check — the halfway point— to Archbishop O’Boyle, Hart saidthe Order awaited the shrine’s dedi-cation with “joyful anticipation.”

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 13

A Fourth Degree honor guard lines the exterior of the Basilica of the National Shrine of theImmaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., during the Order’s Jubilee Year pilgrimage in 2000.More than 12,000 Knights and their families participated in the event.

In 1913, Father Shahanproposed the idea ofa national shrine to

Pope Pius X, who readilyagreed and made a

personal donation toits construction.

The Vatican took noteof the Knights’ actions, andSecretary of State CardinalDomenico Tardini praisedthe Order’s “outstandingeffort” under SupremeKnight Hart. “The generos-ity with which your Orderresponded to the appeal ofthe hierarchy in thisinstance is but the latest ina long series of benefac-tions in the cause of theChurch,” the cardinalwrote.

While councils acrossthe country raised $1 mil-lion for the Knights’Tower, Knights in Texaswent even further in theirsupport and commis-sioned a chalice for theshrine. The Texas StateCouncil collected gold andprecious stones for thechalice; within weeks ofresolving to donate such agift, the state council’sheadquarters began receiv-ing small boxes fromKnights and their friends,all containing rings,watches, eyeglasses andfamily jewelry to be melt-ed down or set aside for their jew-els. The finished product bore theKnights of Columbus emblem onits side and a two-star design on thebase, representing Mary, theMorning Star, and Texas, the LoneStar State. The estimated value ofthe completed chalice was between$8,500 and $10,000.

As New York’s Cardinal FrancisJ. Spellman celebrated the shrine’sdedication Mass Nov. 20, 1959, itwas the Texas Knights’ chalice thathe elevated above the main altar ofthe basilica’s Great Upper Church.

When the shrine was finally ded-icated, it was amidst a 1,000-mem-ber Fourth Degree honor guard. TheOrder’s Supreme Officers andDirectors were recognized at theevent, along with foreign dignitariesand Church prelates, including aVatican representative who read amessage from Pope John XXIII.

This shrine, the pope wrote, hadbeen built with “magnificent daring,by the common consent and ener-

getic will of your sacred hierarchy,by the generous help of the faithfuland with the piety and faith of all.”

Four years later, in 1963, theOrder financed 56 bells for theKnights’ Tower, and, in keepingwith medieval tradition, the bellswere individually named. Thelargest bell bears the Knights’insignia and an inscription: Mary ismy name, Mary is my sound. ForKnights to God and country boundand all who hear my voice, I singthe praises of God.

‘PART OF THE FOUNDATION’A list of every instance inwhich the Knights ofColumbus have offered sup-port to the shrine or heldmajor events in its sanctuarywould be too long to recount.Suffice it to say that over thepast 50 years, the shrine andthe Knights have maintaineda very special relationship,with the latter continuing toavail itself of the privilege ofserving the shrine, and thebasilica providing the Orderwith a national site of pil-grimage at which to gatherand worship.

When the Order’sSupreme Conventions havebeen held in Washington,D.C. — as it will be again in2010 — the National Shrinehas hosted the openingliturgy. In 2000, to mark theChurch’s Jubilee Year, morethan 12,000 Knights andtheir families participatedin the Order’s pilgrimage tothe shrine. The first Knightsof Columbus EucharisticCongress was held there inthe summer of 2002, andlater that year, the Knights

marked the first anniversary of theSept. 11 attacks with a special BlueMass and patriotic program at thebasilica.

When Virgil C. Dechant becamesupreme knight in 1977, he placed theOrder under Mary’s protection duringa visit to the shrine. Soon after, theKnights’ board established the Luke E.Hart Memorial Fund, which has pro-vided more than $1.4 million for theshrine’s upkeep. Today, Dechant sitson the National Shrine’s Board ofTrustees, along with his successor,Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.

In 1982, the Knights of Columbususher ministry was officially formed,although Knights had been volunteerushers at the shrine for many yearsprior. The Saturday vigil Mass hadeven been nicknamed the “Knights’Mass.” Today, the ministry has about400 members from Maryland,Virginia and Washington, D.C.,including college Knights from TheCatholic University of AmericaCouncil 9542.


Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart and Archbishop Patrick A. O'Boyle ofWashington view an architect's model of the National Shrine.

In its support of theBasilica of the National

Shrine of the ImmaculateConception, the Order

has become ‘part ofthe foundation.’

A recent and noteworthy projectis the Knights of ColumbusIncarnation Dome with its magnifi-cent, mosaic portrayals of the life ofChrist — “yet another tangibleexpression of the Knights’ dedicationto Mary’s House,” as Cardinal JustinF. Rigali said at a dinner followingthe dome’s dedication.

At the event, Msgr. Rossi had hisown words of affirmation for theKnights, who pledged $1 million forthe project, including $500,000 raisedby the Fourth Degree. The Knights ofColumbus has been called the“strong right arm of the Church,” hesaid. But in its particular support ofthe National Shrine, the Order hasbecome “part of the foundation.”

In honor of the 50th anniversaryof the shrine’s dedication, this yearis a jubilee year at the basilica. Allpilgrims who visit betweenNovember 2008 and November 2009can receive a plenary indulgencewith their visit, as long as they com-plete the traditional requirements,including confession and receptionof the Eucharist.

Msgr. Rossi hopes the jubilee yearwill bear the fruit of more visitors dis-covering the National Shrine as aplace of worship. As for future plans,he said, the shrine will continue tolive out its mission “by doing whatwe do” — offering pilgrims a place ofprayer and respite, and the sacra-ments frequently and in abundance.

Of course, the Knights will con-tinue to be an instrumental part ofthat task.

“You can always rely on theKnights of Columbus,” Msgr. Rossisaid. “Without the Knights and theirsupport for all these years, it wouldbe very difficult for us to fulfill ourmission.” n

Elizabeth Ela is editor of the Knights ofColumbus news site, Headline Bistro(www.headlinebistro.com).

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 15

Above: A photo of the National Shrine taken on Feb. 7, 1959, showing the construction of theKnights' Tower, a gift made by the Order at the invitation of the U.S. hierarchy.

Below: On July 14, 1963, Archbishop Patrick A. O'Boyle of Washington anointed the Mary Bell andconsecrated the carillon of the Knights’Tower.

The National Shrine offerspilgrims a place of prayer andrespite, and the sacraments

frequently and in abundance.

ideas were destined for reformation and renewal. ThisNew World soon came to be blessed by the apparitionof Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas,and a great nation was brought forth, founded on theprinciples of liberty and justice for all.

But in the time of Venerable Father Michael J.McGivney, America struggled to live up to the princi-

ples upon which it was founded. Anti-Catholic sentiment marginalizedCatholics because of their faith; fami-lies were always under threat of finan-cial ruin or worse if faced with the deathof their breadwinner; and men werejoining various new fraternities andsecret societies that undermined theteachings of the Catholic Church.

While serving at St. Mary’s Churchin New Haven, Conn., Father McGivneyresponded to these threats with a moreperfect vision of knighthood — a visionof Knights who have forsaken all earthlylords to humbly serve the Lord of lordsand the King of kings. It was a vision ofKnights who would be devoted not justto any lady of the nobility, but to OurLady, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Thisnew Order would be called to forego thetrappings and pomp of the nobility, andinstead to live out the universal fraternallove demonstrated and taught by ourLord. These Knights would have beatentheir swords into plowshares so as towork peaceably by sharing their charita-ble aid to those in need. They would cru-

sade against injustices not by force, but by the power ofthe cross guiding their words and deeds.

Now, many years later, we are better able to discernthe hand of providence as we bear witness to the greatblessings and extraordinary work of the Knights ofColumbus.

In the Gospel, our Lord tells us that the first shallbe made last, and that the last shall be made first (seeMt 20:16). For me, it is plain to see that although ourOrder was preceded by many others, under God’s prov-idence we became the first where the Christian idealsand virtues of knighthood were fully realized. I amhappy to share the good news with other faithfulCatholic men: in our Order, knighthood is not merelyparodied but is finally perfected. n

Amateo Seno joined the Knights of Columbus in July 2008. He writesfrom Mission Hills, Calif.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following essay is adapted from a speech givenfrom the perspective of a new member during a Past Grand KnightDinner. The dinner was held Nov. 15, 2008, and commemorated the60th anniversary of Van Nuys (Calif.) Council 3148.

When I was first asked to give my perspective onthe Knights of Columbus, my thoughts natu-rally drifted back to childhood

where my early notions of knighthoodwere formed by the legends of longago. I recall hearing the tales of KingArthur and the Knights of the RoundTable whose gallantry and courageexemplified the ideals and virtues ofChristian knighthood to “protect theweak, defenseless, helpless, and tofight for the general welfare of all.”Their round table symbolized equalityand fraternity, and these stories, ofcourse, inspired plenty of swordplayamong us kids.

We know from history of the morehumble origins of the knight. The wordknight itself is derived from the OldEnglish cniht meaning youth or servant.This is how Wiglaf is portrayed as heaids his lord, Beowulf, in their final bat-tle against the dragon. During theeighth century, the relationshipbetween a knight and his feudal lordparalleled that of a priest and his bishop,with the Church often blessing theoaths of service a knight made to hislord. This gave rise to a hierarchy ofrank and aristocracy, but military and social concernsmade it difficult for knights to live up to their ideals.

Yet, the connection between knighthood and theChurch grew closer. The formation of military monas-tic orders arose during what historians now refer to asthe Crusades. Knights who completed their pilgrimageto the Holy Land would be marked by a cross that wassewn into their shirts. This ritual of taking the crosscame to signify the entire expedition. Sadly, some ofthe knights who bore the sign of the cross on theirclothes failed to keep it close to their hearts.

With the old feudal order giving way to the spreadof merchant activity and advances in weaponry,knighthood began to decline by the 15th century.However, while knights began to disappear from theOld World, a New World was being discovered by thebrave and devout Catholic explorer, ChristopherColumbus. On this new continent, old ways and old

KNIGHTHOOD PERFECTED

Father McGivney’s vision bears the marks of true knighthoodby Amateo Seno

Father McGivneyresponded with a

more perfect visionof knighthood.


c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 17JUPITERIMAGES UNLIMITED

DDevotion to St. Joseph, thehusband of the Virgin Mary,has been growing in theChurch ever since St. Teresa ofÁvila in the 16th centurydescribed him as her supremeguide in the life of prayer.Another great step was takenin 1870, when he was declaredpatron and defender of theChurch along with St. Peter.

As modern knights of Christbattle the culture of death andfight for the soul of the age, St.Joseph can serve as a specialinspiration — the patron of anew chivalry for the 21stcentury.

The Gospels tell us relatively lit-tle about Mary’s husband. Accordingto Matthew 1:19, he was a “justman,” which would be consideredhigh praise in the Jewish tradition. Heseems to have lived as a carpenter andcraftsman, and we know he was notwealthy because he took to the tem-ple the two pigeons that were theoffering of the poor (see Lk 2:24). Hewas clearly a man of prayer, respon-sive to the will of God that wasrevealed in a series of dreams. Thus,our prayers of silent faith, of simpleadoration, of intercession, are ofJoseph’s special care.

THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CHIVALRYPope John Paul II, in his 1989 apos-tolic letter Redemptoris Custos

(Guardian of the Redeemer),draws out many of the impli-cations of the few facts aboutSt. Joseph that we find inScripture and Tradition. Hepoints out, for instance, thatalthough Joseph was not thephysical father of Jesus, hewas nevertheless the truelegal father, and therefore inJewish terms no mere “fosterfather” of the Holy Child.Rather, it was throughJoseph that God wished Jesusto experience the relation-ship of son to father in ahuman family.

In a fascinating booktitled Discovering SaintJoseph (Hyperion, 1990),Father Andrew Doze deli-cately names St. Joseph the “shadowof the Father.” More than a shadow,perhaps, he is a living icon of thedivine Fatherhood. St. Joseph waschosen to be the protector of Jesusand Mary, and was united to them ina bond of love perfected in the imageof the Holy Trinity (RC, 19).

God is not the God of the dead butof the living, and the saints live more

intensely after death than before (seeMark 12:27). Their role on earth givesan indication of their mission inheaven. If Joseph protected the “hid-den life” of the Christ Child in theobscurity of Nazareth, even more sodoes he protect the life of Jesus in thebosom of the Church and in the soulof each Christian. This justifies us inseeking his intercession and in tryingto understand the mystery he repre-sents for us.

While there are many ways inwhich St. Joseph can help us today,let us concentrate on his role as amodel of spiritual chivalry.

Initially, the ideal of chivalrysoftened the harsh face of warfare inan age of savage hand-to-hand com-bat. During the Middle Ages, theconcept of knighthood as a combina-

It was through Josephthat God wished Jesusto experience the rela-

tionship of son to fatherin a human family.

In St. Joseph and in the chivalry of the Gospelmay be found the model of knighthood

BY ST R AT F O R D C A L D E COT T

The UniversalKnight

Statue at SaintJoseph’s Oratoryof Mount-Royalin Montreal.

tion of courage, courtesy, generosityand defense of the weak wasenshrined and transmitted in thegreat body of legends that grew uparound the figure of Arthur, the“once and future king,” and especial-ly the search for the mysterious grailcontaining the blood of Christ. St.Francis of Assisi was raised on thesestories, and his great aspiration wasto become a “Knight of the RoundTable” in service to his Lady Poverty.In Francis, the spiritual meaning ofchivalry was revealed.

G.K. Chesterton writes in hisShort History of England: “Chivalrymight be called the baptism of feu-dalism. It was an attempt to bringthe justice and even the logic of theCatholic creed into a military sys-tem which already existed; to turnits discipline into an initiation andits inequalities into a hierarchy. Tothe comparative grace of the newperiod belongs, of course, that con-siderable cultus of the dignity ofwomen, to which the word ‘chival-ry’ is often narrowed, or perhapsexalted.”

But the greatest paragon ofchivalry, the true “universalknight” in a spiritual sense, isJoseph of Nazareth. Long beforechivalry was partially and imper-fectly rediscovered by the soldiersand saints of the West, it was pres-ent in Joseph. In him, justice wascombined with tenderness, strengthand decisiveness with flexibility andopenness to the will of God. He, too,was an adventurer like the questingknights of later legend. And he isthe guardian of the true grail, thewoman whose flesh literally con-tained the body and blood of Christ.Joseph is dedicated utterly to theprotection of this woman and thischild, in a chaste love that willdefend their honor to the point ofdeath, if he is called to do so.

AUTHORITY AND LOVEIn his study of chivalry, TragedyUnder Grace, the great Swiss theolo-gian Father Hans Urs von Balthasarexplains that the collapse of theancien régime, with its armies and itsfortresses, its kings and barons andserfs, “has reduced chivalry to thatspirit from which all form and cul-ture are continually generated anew.”

This new understanding of chival-ry, we might say, refers to the spirit ofSt. Joseph, which transcends anyworldly distinction of class or wealthor earthly strength. Rather, it is thespirit of obedience to God above all,the spirit of service. This is the truenobility that culminates in the king-ship of the carpenter’s son, whostoops to wash the feet of the disci-ples and who refuses to let a sword bedrawn in his own defense, eventhough he could summon twelvelegions of angels. It is what in thisworld is utterly opposed to the “bour-geois spirit” of counting the cost andjudging by appearances. This kind ofnobility of spirit will never die, for itis manifest in the dedication andintegrity of priests and religious, ofworkers and parents, in the religiousvows and in what we call simply “theChristian life.”

In the modern age, we need to bereminded that our bodies are not — asthe French philosopher RenéDescartes persuaded so many tobelieve — machines manipulated bya ghostly self. To the contrary, ourbodies are intimately united to ourpersonal identity and our capacity tolove. Our culture strives towards aliberation from biological destiny,rather than recognizing that sexualityis of the personal sphere. In the faceof this confusion, Christianity pro-

poses to us the true masculinity andfemininity we see exemplified in theHoly Family.

Modern culture seeks to toppleany authority with which it dis-agrees. Christianity, on the otherhand, recognizes true authority in theone who renounces self-servingpower in the name of love. In thatauthority lies the nobility of the trueknight. We see it in Joseph, who wasgiven the formidable mission of pro-tecting his God and the greatest saintwho ever lived. His very headship ofthe Holy Family transforms ourunderstanding of “patriarchy,” for itplaces him over Mary and Jesus whoare superior to him in the order ofsanctity, yet without the slightestinjustice.

In reflecting on the epic Germanpoem Parzival, Reinhold Schneiderexplained that “the mission of theknight still remains: there mustalways be men who serve that whichis holy in this world without reserva-tion and without salary, caring for theweak, the persecuted and the insult-ed, renewing the authority of law andfighting against injustice. The knightexists for the sake of everyone: that ishis proper position in the world.”

If we are to experience a “newspringtime” of faith in the thirdChristian millennium, we — and per-haps especially we men, in thisfatherless age — need to rediscoverour mission and to learn the chivalryof the Gospel from the man Jesus sentto find and guard the holy grail thatwas his own mother. n

Stratford Caldecott is the editor of the journalSecond Spring (secondspring.co.uk) and thedirector of the Centre for Faith and Culture inOxford for the Thomas More College of LiberalArts in Merrimack, N.H.

Long before chivalry waspartially and imperfectly

rediscovered, it waspresent in Joseph.

The saints and popes of the past several centurieshave placed a renewed emphasis on the role ofSt. Joseph in the life of the Church and of every

believer. In the new booklet titled Saint Joseph, part of theVeritas Series, Father Frederick L. Miller masterfully outlinesimportant insights that Scripture and Tradition reveal aboutthe husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To download and print a free copy, visit the CatholicInformation Service Web site, www.kofc.org/cis. For moreinformation, write: CIS, PO Box 1971, New Haven, CT 06521-1971or [email protected].

A New Booklet from the Catholic Information Service


In his 1999 Letter to Artists, PopeJohn Paul II wrote, “In order tocommunicate the message

entrusted to her by Christ, theChurch needs art…. The faith ofcountless believers has been nour-ished by melodies flowing from thehearts of other believers…. In song,faith is experienced as vibrant joy,love, and confident expectation ofthe saving intervention of God.”

These words are especially trueof the great masterpieces composedfor Holy Week and Easter. I wouldlike to share some of my favoriterecordings of five such works thatare, using the words of the late pope,“a wholly valid approach to therealm of faith.”

Messiah (1754) An oratorio written injust three weeks by George FridericHandel, Messiah remains the ulti-mate expression in English of thelife, death and triumph of Jesus toldentirely through Old Testamenttexts. The recording by AndrewParrott (Veritas) is outstanding.

St. Matthew Passion (1729) Johann Sebastian Bach’s greatoratorio has been described as a gothic cathedral, “thearchitecture of which strikes one mainly by its mass.”Yet, anyone who has prayed inside such a church findsthat the massive structure itself can encourage pro-found contemplation. The same is true of this master-piece. Bach’s musical “rhetoric” speaks directly to theinterior life of the listener. The recording by PaulMcCreech (Archiv) is especially beautiful. Chorushighlights from George Solti’s recording (Decca) alsoprovide a good introduction.

Stabat Mater (1736) Giovanni Battista Pergolesi com-posed his masterpiece as he was dying at age 26.Although Mary’s suffering at the foot of the Cross hasbeen treated by many composers, none have achievedthe immediacy of personal anguish as does Pergolesiin the final days of his own life, and none surpass hisaffirmation of hope and triumph at the work’s conclu-sion. The recording by Claudio Abbado (DeutscheGramophone) captures its intensity.

Seven Last Words of Christ (1787)Joseph Haydn originally composedan orchestral version of this piecefor performance at the cathedral ofCadiz, Spain, during Holy Week.His symphonic “meditation” wasperformed following each readingfrom sacred Scripture and com-mentary by the bishop. Haydnlater adapted the symphonic ver-sion to a more popular choralarrangement and to a version forstring quartet. My recommenda-tion is the choral version byNikolaus Harnoncourt (Teldec).Regarding the oratorio, Spanishconductor Jordi Savall wrote:Haydn’s “musical language isstriking in its intentional simplici-ty. Far from diminishing its spiri-tual impact, this simplicity and hishumility actually serve to under-line the artist’s serene and unshak-able faith. Less than the horror ofChrist’s agony, it is his touchingand profound gratitude towardsthis sublime testimony to divinelove that Haydn wished to express.Thus, hope and internal peacealways have the last word.”

Regina Coeli (1772) If Haydn could conclude Christ’s pas-sion with hope and peace, perhaps only WolfgangAmadeus Mozart could come close to expressingMary’s joy at the announcement of the Resurrection:“Queen of heaven, rejoice! For he whom thoudeserved to bear, has risen as he said, Alleluia!”Christopher Hogwood performs two versions ofMozart’s Regina Coeli on the CD titled ExsultateJubilate (Decca).

As Catholics, we believe in the communion ofsaints. Those believers who were also great artistscontinue to communicate to us in a privileged waythrough the power of their art. The opportunity toshare in this communion is now more readily avail-able than ever through technology. ThroughoutChurch history, art has been an important part of therenewal of Christian life. It continues to have thatpower today if we only listen. n

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 19JUPITERIMAGES UNLIMITED

THE SOUND OF FAITH

The great Holy Week compositions can lead us to contemplate sacred mysteries

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

Those believers who werealso great artists continueto communicate to us in a

privileged way.

IIn the “vision statement” hepublished in January 2001,Pope John Paul II identifies the“universal call to holiness” asone of the major “rediscover-ies” to which the Holy Spirithas led the Church in order toequip us for the challenges weare facing today. The apostolicletter, titled Novo MillennioIneunte (The Beginning of theNew Millennium), lays out avision of what the Holy Spirithas been doing to prepare us forthe challenges of the 21st cen-tury and beyond.

For many centuries, laypeoplehave generally viewed holiness assomething that is reserved for a few“special” people, such as priests andnuns, and not those immersed in thecares of work, family and the world.John Paul II claims that the HolySpirit is working hard to change thatattitude and it is important that we —as individuals, families and theChurch as a whole — “get the mes-sage” and respond with generosity,wisdom and determination.

A HIGHER STANDARDJohn Paul II insists that the call to holi-ness is not an optional extra for some,but rather that it is intrinsic toChristian life. In Novo Millennio

Ineunte, he writes, “To ask catechu-mens: ‘Do you wish to receive bap-tism?’ means at the same time to askthem: ‘Do you wish to become holy?’”

The pope continues: “As the[Second Vatican] Council itselfexplained, this ideal of perfectionmust not be misunderstood as if itinvolved some kind of extraordinaryexistence, possible only for a few‘uncommon heroes’ of holiness. Theways of holiness are many, accordingto the vocation of each individual. …The time has come to re-proposewholeheartedly to everyone this highstandard of ordinary Christian living:the whole life of the Christian com-munity and of Christian familiesmust lead in this direction” (31,emphasis in original).

Before we go further, let’s defineour terms. First, holiness is not amatter of how many prayers we say,how often we fast or how manyactivities we volunteer for —

although all of these may have a rela-tionship to holiness. According tothe saints, holiness is not primarily amatter of external actions of piety orservice but of the interior union ofour will to God’s will.

St. Teresa of Ávila defined holi-ness as wanting what God wants; lov-ing what God loves; desiring whatGod desires. Similarly, St. Thérèse ofLisieux said, “Perfection consists indoing his will, in being what he willsus to be.” Toward the very end of herlife, Thérèse said, “I do not desire todie more than to live; it is what hedoes that I love.” Indeed, Jesus revealsthat holiness is ultimately aboutgrowing in love — bringing our hearts,minds, wills and bodies into harmonywith God.

According to John Paul II, thisisn’t just an individual call, but a callthat we are receiving as a “people.” Inhis apostolic letter, he emphasizesthat the Church needs to provide a“training in holiness,” and that “ourChristian communities must becomegenuine ‘schools’ of prayer, where themeeting with Christ is expressed notjust in imploring help but also inthanksgiving, praise, adoration, con-templation, listening and ardent devo-tion until the heart truly ‘falls inlove.’” He adds that “it would bewrong to think that ordinaryChristians can be content with a shal-low prayer that is unable to fill theirwhole life” (32, emphasis in original).

Called toHoliness:Who, Me?Pope John Paul II proposed the

wisdom of the saints as a spiritual blueprint for the third millennium

BY R A L P H M A RT I N


‘The time has cometo re-propose

wholeheartedly to everyone this high

standard of ordinaryChristian living.’

The Calling of St. Matthew

What a great “vision state-ment” for us today! A Catholicparish is to be a place where peopleare led to fall in love with Christand given instruction in how togrow in holiness.

In effect, normal Christian life isintended to be a life of real holinessand genuine prayer, which willissue forth deeds of love and evange-lization. John Paul II relates thetimeliness of this truth to thechanging situation of the Christianpeople, who in many places aroundthe world are again becoming an ill-tolerated minority.

“We are entering a millenniumwhich already shows signs ofbeing marked by a profound inter-weaving of cultures and religions,even in countries which have beenChristian for many centuries. Inmany regions Christians are, orare becoming, a ‘little flock’” (36;Lk 12:32).

We can feel this all around us.There is less societal support forliving a Christian life, andChristian beliefs are increasinglymocked and attacked. The enter-tainment culture that engulfs us is“pushing the envelope” each yearin the service of “lifestyles” and “val-ues” that are damaging to the lives ofindividuals and families. As a result,it is getting harder to raise Catholicchildren.

HATING SIN, LOVING VIRTUEPope John Paul II, and now PopeBenedict XVI, are urging us to a morepersonal encounter with Jesus, agreater openness to the Holy Spiritand a greater receptivity to theFather’s love. The truth is that wereally need God. We need to root andground our lives in a deep union withhim if we are not only to survive asCatholics but to share this amazing-ly good news with others and to livewith joy and freedom in the midst ofdifficulties.

Pope John Paul II says that in orderto embark on this journey withrenewed vigor, we need to access thespiritual treasures of our CatholicTradition. Here we will find immensepractical wisdom that will help usrespond to the call to holiness.

For example, one of St. Francis deSales’ most helpful insights is his

teaching on the affection for sin. Hepoints out that we often turn awayfrom serious sins and try hard not tocommit them, but still nurture affec-tion for such sin, which greatly slowsdown our spiritual progress and dis-poses us to future falls.

He explains that although theIsraelites left Egypt in effect, many didnot leave in affection. The same istrue for many of us. We leave sin ineffect, but reluctantly, and look backat it fondly.

Francis also gives an amusing buttelling example of a doctor who for-bids a patient from eating melons, lesthe die. The patient therefore abstainsfrom eating them, but “begrudges giv-

ing them up, talks about them,would eat them if he could, wantsto smell them at least, and envysthose who can eat them. In such away, weak, lazy penitents abstainregretfully for a while from sin.They would like very much to com-mit sins if they could do so withoutbeing damned. They speak about sinwith a certain petulance and withliking for it and think those whocommit sins are at peace withthemselves.”

This is equated, for instance,with the man who would like totake revenge on someone “if only hecould” or the woman who doesn’tintend to commit adultery but stillwishes to flirt. Besides the real dan-ger of falling into serious sin again,such souls have a “divided heart.”This makes the spiritual life weari-some and the “devout” life virtuallyimpossible.

St. Catherine of Siena talks ofthe two-edged sword with which wefight the spiritual battle: one side ishatred for sin; the other is love forvirtue. St. Bernard of Clairvauxspeaks of how miserable it is to turnback to the slavery of our disorderedpassions once having tasted the

grace of God. Such a person is doomedto continual frustration, as the thingsof the world simply cannot satisfy ourhunger and “ravenous curiosity,”since the forms of this world are pass-ing away.

The vigorous effort that these andother saints urge us to make in thestruggle against sin is firmly groundedin Scripture.

“Submit yourselves therefore toGod. Resist the devil and he will fleefrom you. Draw near to God and hewill draw near to you. Cleanse yourhands, you sinners, and purify yourhearts, you men of double mind. ...Humble yourselves before the Lordand he will exalt you” (James 4:7–10).

We really are called to holiness,and there is tremendous wisdom andencouragement available in the spiri-tual treasures of our faith. n

Ralph Martin teaches theology at Sacred HeartSeminary in Detroit and is the author of TheFulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for theJourney to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints(Emmaus Road, 2006). He is also president ofRenewal Ministries, a Catholic apostolate devot-ed to renewal and evangelization.

In order to embark on thisjourney with renewed

vigor, we need to accessthe spiritual treasures of

our Catholic Tradition.

THE CALLING OF ST. MATTHEW: CARAVAGGIO (1600); SCALA / ART RESOURCE, N.Y.ABOVE: CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 21

Pope John Paul II bows his head during Mass celebrated after he closed the Holy Door ofSt. Peter's Basilica Jan. 6, 2001. The pope endedthe Holy Year by issuing an 84-page letter onthe Church in the new millennium.

SSaint Marguerite Bourgeoys andVenerable Servant of God FatherMichael J. McGivney — so dif-ferent, yet so similar! Althoughseparated by nearly two cen-turies and a cultural divide, theywere pioneers who responded tothe needs of their times, having aprofound impact on the Churchin North America.

Both grew up in ratherlarge middle-class families.Marguerite, born in 1620, wasthe seventh child of 13, nine ofwhom survived infancy. Michaelwas born in 1852, the first of 13,seven of whom grew to adult-hood. Despite difficulties andapparent dead ends, Margueriteand Michael followed what theyfelt was God’s vocation for them.

NO EXPERIENCE IS WASTEDMarguerite’s early attempts to entercloistered communities (the onlykind of religious life that existed atthe time) resulted in refusals, surely asource of pain and confusion. Joiningwith other young women in Troyes,France, she tirelessly taught the chil-dren who were too poor to attendschool. In her mid-20s, under theguidance of her spiritual director, shebegan a new venture: a religious com-munity modeled on the life of theBlessed Virgin Mary, who, becauseshe was not cloistered, was availableto all who needed her. Marguerite’sinitial efforts failed when one of hercompanions died and the otherdeparted.

Marguerite had to listen carefullyfor God’s voice. At age 33, at a timewhen people did not live much

beyond 45, she was still searching forGod’s plan in her life. Her answercame in an invitation to travel to theNew World to help establish a secondFrench colony there. She left for VilleMarie (now Montreal) in 1653, theonly woman on board a plague-infest-ed ship. Two months and many pas-sengers passed into eternity beforethey finally arrived.

After five years, Marguerite foundher dream of becoming a teacher final-ly coming true. In 1658, she opened aschool in an abandoned stable for thefew children who had survived theharsh winters.

Michael, too, had to search for thepath God had in mind for him. A gift-ed student, he finished his schoolingat age 13 — three years early. When heexpressed a desire to become a priest,his father wisely decreed that he waitand help support his family. In 1868,Michael’s parish priest offered to helpfinance Michael’s attendance at theSeminary of Saint-Hyacinthe nearMontreal. Michael’s father agreed.

After two years at Saint-Hyacinthe, Michael took a yearlongbreak from his studies. At 19, heresumed his seminary training at OurLady of the Angels in Niagara Falls,N.Y. His year there was also success-ful, but again he decided to transfer toanother seminary. During the follow-ing year at Sainte-Marie-College, aJesuit seminary in Montreal, Michaelwas drawn to their rigorous academiclife and planned to become a memberof the Society of Jesus. His planchanged abruptly when word reachedhim that his father had died. Hereturned home and, as the oldestchild, aided his mother in supportingthe household.

After helping provide for hisfamily for several months, Michaelresumed his journey to the priest-hood. Having completed his studies atyet another seminary, St. Mary’s inBaltimore, he was ordained Dec. 22,1877. His ministry began when hewas only 25 — a blessing since he wasnot to live much beyond his 38thbirthday.

Marguerite and Michael’s earlylife experiences had special value.They demonstrated that if we trulydesire to live God’s dream for us,nothing along the way is wasted. ForMichael, traveling and living in sever-al other cultures was surely an advan-tage. Rather than resulting in an edu-cational hodge-podge, it gave him thevision to see situations from a varietyof perspectives and thus respond toothers’ needs in creative ways. As forMarguerite, the teacher training shereceived in Troyes was certainly farbeyond what ordinary schools couldoffer. Her involvement with the set-tlers’ lives also provided opportuni-ties to share day-to-day skills.

MEETING NEEDSEspecially important to Marguerite inNew France were the young womenwho came to marry the male settlers.Without dowries — essential inFrance at the time — these womenwere wards of the state. Despite objec-tions by those who worked with her,Marguerite moved in with these fillesdu roi (literally, “daughters of theking”), caring for their emotional andphysical needs. She soon opened aschool where girls could learn theessentials of “home economics” —


Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and Father McGivneyworked to build the Church in the face of difficulties

S I ST E R LO U I S E F I N N , C N D

Kindred Spirits

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700),foundress of the Sisters of the Congregationof Notre-Dame, was canonized Oct. 31, 1982,becoming Canada’s first female saint.

meal preparation, growing crops,making clothes and raising livestock.

As Ville Marie expanded, so didMarguerite’s call to serve Godthrough education. During her thirdreturn trip to Troyes for more helpersin 1677, Marguerite received wordfrom the bishop of Quebec that shewas not to bring back any newrecruits. She didn’t, but within a fewyears, young women from theMontreal families began to join her inNew France. Also, the voyage allowedMarguerite to study the “rules” ofother religious congregations so shecould one day write her own. By thistime, she and her companions wereliving together as sisters.

Father McGivney’s ministry alsogrew from his experience withparishioners. Since his pastor’shealth was far from robust, the run-ning of St. Mary’s Church in NewHaven, Conn., fell squarely on FatherMcGivney’s shoulders. The tradi-tional priestly duties were demand-ing enough, all requiring time andenergy for preparation and travel. Inaddition, Father McGivney wasinvolved in religious education class-es for children and other parish activ-ities. His work among the inmates ofthe New Haven jail was especiallydemanding.

Though the United States was nolonger a colonial outpost, immigrantsof the 1800s were also hoping for abetter life. Father McGivney sawthem struggle against the deep-seatedprejudices of his time — especiallyagainst Catholics and, therefore,against the Irish. His daily encounterswith parishioners kept him in touchwith the realities of poverty.

Father McGivney was well awareof the absence of safety standards inlocal factories and shipyards wherethe men worked, since he frequentlymet bereaved families in hospitalsand morgues. The death or cripplingof the family breadwinner left fami-lies in absolute poverty. Fraternalgroups like Masons were beginning tooffer help to members’ widows, butthese were usually secret societies,and Catholics were forbidden to jointhem. Given the anti-Catholic senti-ment of the time, a new fraternalsociety was urgently needed.

Father McGivney carefully studiedthe by-laws of existing fraternal soci-

eties. Gradually, a plan emerged, andhe gathered a group of men to form the“Knights of Columbus,” whose pur-pose was to help the families of mem-bers who were disabled or deceased.

AHEAD OF THEIR TIMEThe early years of the newly formedKnights were shaky and painful, butthe vision of Father McGivney per-sisted and grew. By the time he wastransferred to St. Thomas Church inThomaston, Conn., in 1884, FatherMcGivney had already stepped downas recording secretary, leaving theorganization in the hands of the lay-men who had been its founding mem-bers. He was now simply the chaplain— a role more in keeping with histrue desires.

Similarly, Marguerite resigned asfirst superior of the Congregation ofNotre Dame, choosing to spend herfinal years in the sisters’ infirmary.Without any formal training,Marguerite seemed to have had aninnate sense of legal matters, keepingmeticulous records and avoidinglegal battles that could havedestroyed her work. Her community

finally received official approvalfrom the Church in 1698.

Two years later, when at age 80Marguerite heard that the sister incharge of novices was close to death,she generously asked God to accepther own life instead. God acceptedher prayer, and Marguerite’s healthbegan to decline rapidly, while thenovice mistress began to regain herstrength. After 10 days, Margueritedied peacefully.

When death came to young FatherMcGivney, it was surely the result ofyears of visiting the sick and bereaved.Father McGivney never stayed awayfrom any sickbed where his presencecould bring comfort or sacramentalpeace. His own early death, from theexhausting effects of pneumonia, wasa testament to his lifelong generosity.

Mary Oliver, in her poem WhenDeath Comes, writes, “I don’t want toend up simply having visited thisworld.” Surely, both Marguerite andFather McGivney would agree!

The Congregation of Notre Dame,the religious community founded byMarguerite, was one of the firstuncloistered communities within theChurch. It has endured for more thanthree centuries and has expanded tonations near and far. Sisters and asso-ciates are still engaged in educationwithin the classroom and beyond.

The Knights of Columbus, too,continues to live Father McGivney’sdream. His zeal for catechesis isreflected in the Order’s CatholicInformation Service and other work.Father McGivney’s care for youngpeople and families can be seen in themany and diverse projects of Knightseverywhere.

Looking back, we see both St.Marguerite Bourgeoys and FatherMichael J. McGivney not only as per-sons of their time, but ahead of theirtime and for our own time. Truly kin-dred spirits, they must be grateful forthe legacy that, with God’s unfailinghelp, they left to their followers in thedifficult world we are called to love. n

Sister Louise Finn is a member of theCongregation of Notre Dame and the grandnieceof Father Michael J. McGivney. A lifelong teacherand administrator, she presently is librarian at St.Martin de Porres Academy, an inner-city Nativityschool in New Haven, Conn. To obtain a copy ofher book, Called to Compassion: A Retreat withSaint Marguerite Bourgeoys (2008), [email protected] or write to Columbia.

ST. MARGUERITE: ARCHIVES DE LA VILLE DE MONTRÉAL (BM1-S5-P0224) c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 23

Both Marguerite Bourgeoysand Michael McGivney were

not only persons of theirtime, but ahead of their

time and for our own time.

Venerable Servant of God Michael J. McGivney (1852-90)

24

REFLECTION

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the third in a series of articles by Msgr.Eduardo Chávez in anticipation of the first ever International MarianCongress devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The congress will takeplace Aug. 6-8 following the 127th Supreme Convention in Phoenix. Formore information, visit www.guadalupefestival.org.

Today, as millions of people pray to Our Lady ofGuadalupe, we should keep in mind that OurLady was herself a prayerful woman. We need only

to look at St. Juan Diego’s tilma to seehow Mary’s hands are joined togetherin a posture of prayer so familiar to us— and to the colonial Spaniards.However, Our Lady is praying in a wayrecognized not only by the Spaniards,but also according to the Indians’ pos-ture of prayer: dance.

For the indigenous people, prayerwas expressed not only by the hands,but by the whole body. In their sacredfestivals, even amid their elaborate sac-rifices and rituals, such prayer was animportant highlight. As one of the earlymissionaries to Mexico, Fray Gerónimode Mendieta wrote, the solemnitieswere elaborate occasions with “manyroses and green and bright things, andwith chants solemn in style, and withdances…of great feeling and impor-tance, without disagreeing in tone orstep, since this was their main prayer.”Even the emperor would unite himself to his people inprayer, dancing and singing for their gods. In this, wecan see a new meaning in the flowers, in the birdsong,and even in the bright colors that Juan Diego observedbefore his first meeting with Our Lady of Guadalupe.

In the image on the tilma, Our Lady of Guadalupeis shown in a position of dancing prayer, with her kneebent in movement. Above her praying hands, we findindications of her prayer in the gold-colored design.This design, you may remember from last month’s arti-cle, is one of nine heart-shaped flower blossoms deco-rating her tunic. And these blossoms, when viewedfrom different sides, resemble different glyphs of theIndian codices. One particular heart-blossom rests onher chest, above the location of her own heart. In theIndian codices, unlike the illustrations in Europeanbooks, depth and the relationship between objects was

shown by positioning objects beside or even behindone another (rather than using light or shadow), thusgiving the images a very flat look. In this case, the tech-nique gives the illusion that Mary’s heart — a symbolof both love and sacrifice — is held between her hands,in an act of prayer and offering to God.

Furthermore, this heart is placed not only in aplace of possession, but of protection. As one ancientindigenous text explains, “You rise with gracefulness,

with gentleness. Next to you differentbirds feed: the hummingbird, thezaquan, the quecholli, the tzinitzan,the quetzal. In your hands they takeshelter from the heat, they protectthemselves from the sun.” Indeed, OurLady’s hands can be entrusted with ourown hearts.

This powerful message of Mary’sloving relationship with us and her carefor our relationship with God contin-ues in the oral traditions of the indige-nous people, which has been transmit-ted from generation to generation, evento this day. For the Totonac people ofSan Miguel Zozocolco, Veracruz, theelders share this beautiful message ofOur Lady of Guadalupe’s intercessionto their descendants: “Our eldersoffered hearts to God, so that therewould be harmony in their lives. ThisWoman says that, without tearing

them out, we should place our own hearts in herhands so that she may present them to the true God.”

Thus, in a visual way, the image of the heart is notonly her own, but ours as well, conveying such a bondof love that makes Mary’s compassion an acceptanceof our hearts, ourselves, within her. This is a true tes-timony of her words to Juan Diego: “I am your merci-ful mother, the mother of all the inhabitants on thisland and all the rest who love me, invoke and confidein me. I truly will listen to their cries and their sadnessin order to remedy all their sorrows, their miseries,and their pains.” n

Monsignor Eduardo Chávez Sánchez is postulator for the cause ofSt. Juan Diego. He is the author of Our Lady of Guadalupe andSt. Juan Diego: The Historical Evidence (Rowman & Littlefield, 2006)and a member of Council 14138 at the Basilica of Our Lady ofGuadalupe in Mexico City.

In the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe,both her folded hands and postureindicated to the initial observers thatOur Lady is a woman of prayer.

IN THE HANDS OF OUR MERCIFUL MOTHER

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a prayerful woman, who holdsthe desires and concerns of her children’s hearts in her hands

BY MSGR. EDUARDO CHÁVEZ SÁNCHEZ

w w w. ko f c .o r g

Pork RoastMalone (N.Y.) Council 308 held apork roast dinner that raised morethan $720 for tuition assistance atHoly Family School. About 150people attended the event.

Activities for ChildrenLucena (Luzon) Council 3469 host-ed a feeding program for needyschool children. The council alsosponsored a drug and crime preven-tion symposium.

Greetings!Our Lady of Grace Council 13243in Palm Bay, Fla., donated greetingcards to inmates at the LakeCorrectional Institute in Clermontso they can keep in touch withtheir families and loved ones.

Server AppreciationSt. Patrick Council 13971 in Arcola,Ind., treated area altar servers to anafternoon softball game coupledwith pizza and soda.

Walk This WayPope John Paul the Great Council13859 in Middle River, Md.,removed and replaced the frontwalk at Our Lady, Queen of PeaceChurch. Knights provided all vol-unteer manpower and materials forthe project.

Diaconate FormationSt. Paul of Tarsus Council 11689 inClinton Township, Mich., hosted aDiaconate Formation Meeting forthe Archdiocese of Detroit.Knights served meals to 40 per-spective deacons and their wivesbetween formation lectures.

Grounds CleaningSt. Jude Thaddeus Council 13777in Rizal, Luzon, cleaned its parishgrounds over three consecutiveweekends.

Saints SymposiumPagkabuhay Council 7147 inParanaque, Luzon, hosted a “Livesof the Saints” symposium at itsparish. Among those included inthe symposium was the VenerableServant of God Father Michael J.McGivney, founder of the Knightsof Columbus.

Classic Car ShowOur Lady of the Rosary Council4428 in Deer Park, N.Y., co-spon-sored a classic car show with theGood Fellas Car Club. The eventraised funds for the purchase of astatue of the Blessed Mother forSts. Cyril and Methodius Church.

International FlavorSt. Clare of Assisi Council 13630in Woodbridge, Ont., held an“International Knight” to celebratethe community’s various ethnicgroups. Attendees were invited tobring cultural dishes to share withtheir fellow diners. St. BernadetteCouncil 10236 in Ajax, Ont., held a“Taste of the World” event thatraised $200 for Denise House, ashelter for women and children.Diners were invited to sample eth-nic dishes from around the world.

Garage SaleBonsecours (Que.) Council 9971hosted a garage sale that nettedmore than $10,360 for the council’scharitable fund. Unsold objects weredonated to local charities.

Convent CleaningSt. Michael’s Council 10913 inCheney, Neb., performed groundswork for the School Sisters ofChrist the King at their convent.Knights removed trees and brushfrom convent property.

Keith Werner and Harry Murphy of Shane’sCastle Council 7463 in Waterford, N.J.,supervise the arrival of guests at the council’s annual circus, which Knights hosteach year for people with intellectual disabilities. Three surrounding councilsalso helped with the project by advertis-ing the event and selling tickets.

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 25

Members of Tallmadge (Ohio) Council 5613 prepare to serve spaghetti and meatballs during the council’s “Night in Italy” dinner. Knights served more than 130 meals, and theevent raised $400 for Our Lady of Victory Church.

Members of Holy Cross Council 8536 inBauan, Luzon, stand with local elementaryschool graduates who visited St. Francis deSales Seminary. Council 8536 hosted theorientation trip for 14 students aimed atgiving them a first-hand look at highschool seminary life.

Reports from Councils,Assemblies and

Columbian Squires CirclesKNIGHTS IN ACTION

Rectory PaintedThomas F. Powers Council 13050in Billings, Mont., and parishionersfrom St. Thomas the ApostleChurch painted their parish recto-ry. Volunteers applied a new coatof paint to the building’s exteriorand to all the window frames.

Sweats for VetsBishop Thomas E. Gill Assemblyin Federal Way, Wash., held a“Sweats of Vets” breakfast atSt. Vincent de Paul Church. Theevent raised more than $2,500,which was donated to the MadiganArmy Medical Center. Many of thepatients at the hospital are veter-ans of the war in Iraq.

A Celebrated RivalryGeorge F. Monaghan Council 2690in Detroit, Mich., held a pig roast tocommemorate the state rivalrybetween the University ofMichigan and the Michigan StateUniversity football teams. Proceedsfrom the event were added to thecouncil’s Refund Support VocationsProgram (RSVP) fund.

Funding SpecialtiesGeorge J. Schreier Council 1069 inWausau, Wis., held a pizza party forlocal people with intellectual dis-abilities and the organizations thatsupport them. During the event,the council distributed nearly$15,000 to various agencies, includ-ing Opportunities Inc., SpecialOlympics and Pastika IndependentLiving Services, among others.

Life PostersFather Vander Heyden Council4874 in Ponchatoula, La., has host-ed a Respect Life Poster Contestsince 1997. Local students ingrades 5-12 are asked to submit aposter representing a respect-lifeissue such as abortion, substanceabuse or child abuse. The councilhas received more than 2,000 sub-missions since the contest began.

Cemetery CleaningWhen St. Lawrence Council 1141 inMassena, N.Y., learned about anabandoned Catholic cemetery intheir community, Knights erected anew wooden cross to adorn the areaand cleaned the cemetery grounds.The cemetery has 236 burials, someof which date to the Civil War.

On the BooksCardinal Mercier Assembly inNassau County South, N.Y.,arranged to have one ton of booksand magazines shipped to FortBenning, Ga., for distribution toU.S. soldiers serving overseas.When the Kiwanis Club ofWantagh found they would nolonger be able to ship the books forfree, they asked the Knights forhelp. The assembly arranged trans-portation with a trucking companyand with officials at Fort Benning.

New AlbAshland (Ky.) Council 1487 pre-sented Father Joseph N. Koury Jr.with a new alb.

R E C R U I T I N GO N - T A R G E T

T he tremendous charitable work the Order conducts annually is a by-product ofcontinual membership growth. Members raise funds for the needy, volunteer theirtime and support a wide range of programs. This section of “Knights in Action”

highlights those members who have made a concerted effort to grow the Order.When Karen Fitzpatrick first learned about the local Knights of Columbus coun-

cil, she was so impressed that she recruited her husband to join. Since then, she hasworked with him to recruit at least 75 new members into the Order — many as char-ter members of two councils that her husband, as district deputy, helped institute.

“I was her first recruit,” said John Fitzpatrick, who is a member of St. Joseph theWorker Council 10921 in Orefield, Pa. “We were in line at a parish breakfast that thecouncil was hosting. She went over to a member we knew, got a form #100, filled itout and convinced me to sign it.”

Karen, a mother of three, said she initially saw the Knights as “the opportunity tomake friends and feel included in the parish and community.” Since her husbandbecame a member, her view of the Order has grown into much more.“The K of C meansfriendship, stability and security. ... Although the Knights of Columbus is a Catholicorganization, its works of charity go beyond the Catholic community.”

John shares this dedication to the Order. “Being a member of the Knights ofColumbus has helped me to become more spiritually involved in the Church, allowedme to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds, and has given me a lot ofpersonal satisfaction.”

The Fitzpatricks bring this same enthusiasm to their recruitment efforts.“The standard response from people [who are initially unwilling to join] is that

they are so busy; that they could not possibly manage to join the Knights,” Karensaid. “I explain to them that they can donate as little or as much time as they can. …To the women, I stress the fact that the K of C is family-oriented. It is not just anoth-er excuse for the men to be out of the house at night.”

When speaking to prospects and their families, the Fitzpatricks utilize this fam-ily-oriented strategy to attract younger parish families. “We let them know thateven when a council program is not specifically family oriented, these programs areopen to family members as volunteers,” said John.

Karen has also used her fluency in Spanish to assist a struggling council at abilingual parish. She made presentations in Spanish at the council’s open house andeven advised a new immigrant family on how they could seek employment andfinancial assistance.

“Karen has recruited new members in four different councils,” John said. “Shehas really made a difference.”

David Swint and Tom Bourne of St. Marguerite D’Youville Council 12905 in Lawrenceville, Ga., check their grillduring a council-sponsored barbecuecompetition. Other families and K of Ccouncils in the area were invited to compete in the event, which saw morethan 100 spectators.

w w w. ko f c .o r g26

Members of Girl Scout Troop 1098 inHolbrook, N.Y., sort care packages destined for the Middle East as part ofthe “Adopt-A-Battalion” program hostedby Our Lady of the Island Council 6911 in Massapequa Park. Council 6911 hasshipped more than 2,100 cartons to U.S.troops at an estimated cost of $21,000.

Repainting the BasilicaBishop Edward C. Daly Council644 in Des Moines, Iowa, donated$2,500 to the Basilica of St. John.The funds were used to repair andrepaint 16 of the basilica’s sidearches.

Refilling the PantryEdwardsville (Ill.) Council 1143held a food drive to help restockthe Glen Ed Food Pantry. Knightscollected more than 1,300 poundsof food and $225 in cash donations.

Over Their HeadsFather Linden Council 3627 in DesPlaines, Ill., operated a food booth atits annual parish festival. Proceedsfrom the booth helped fund a newroof at St. Stephen Church.

Vitae CaringSt. Martins (Mo.) Council 7194held its annual charity breakfast tobenefit Vitae Caring Foundation,an organization dedicated to pro-moting the culture of life. Theevent raised $1,000.

Pro-Life DinnerFather William J. Crowley Council5817 in Wading River, N.Y., held adinner and auction to benefit localpro-life organizations. More than250 people attended the event,which raised approximately $3,500.

Music ExtravaganzaOur Lady of the ChesapeakeCouncil 10881 in Pasadena, Md.,hosted a bluegrass and gospelmusic festival. About 100 peopleattended the event, proceeds fromwhich were added to the council’scharitable fund.

A Priestly CollectionSt. John Council 3738 in Westmont,Ill., purchased 10 copies of ParishPriest: Father Michael McGivneyand American Catholicism forlocal schools and libraries.

Anniversary EndowmentMsgr. Doyle Council 1186 inCalgary, Alta., donated $100,000 toSt. Mary’s University in honor ofthe council’s 100th anniversary.The funds were used to establishan endowment fund for student lifeenhancement.

McGivney WindowHoly Spirit Council 13447 inLubbock, Texas, installed astained-glass window at its parishdepicting Knights founder FatherMichael J. McGivney.

Church DonationSt. Joseph Council 8209 inZamboanga City, Mindanao,donated 80,000 pesos to St. JosephChurch.

M E D I C A LS P OT L I G H T O N . . .

An occasional series aboutKnights and Squires workingtirelessly toward the same

noble goals. This month we spotlightactivities that provide medical aid tothe community.

• Gardner (Mass.) Council 396donated $4,000 to Rachel Landryfor the purchase of two new hearing aids. The hearing aids,which cost about $2,600 each, arenot covered by her insurance.

• Queen of All Saints Council 6347in Knox, Ind., auctioned a poster ofWrigley Field drawn by local artistand Knight Mitch Markovitz. Theposter sold for $500, which wasdonated to a Knight whose daughter has lymphoma.

• Rhéal Franche Council 6198 inRockland, Ont., donated $5,000 to alocal medical clinic. The funds wereused to purchase portable equip-ment that outpatients can borrow.

• Mantua (Ohio) Council 3766 helda dinner and auction to benefit thechildren of Nicole Hutnik, all ofwhom have neurological disorders.The event raised $4,238 to offsetthe family’s medical costs.

• St. Jude Council 5831 in DavaoCity, Mindanao, conducted a freemedical clinic for elderly membersof the community. Patients receivedfree exams and medication.

• Delaney Council 57 in Pawtucket,R.I., hosted a ham and bean supperthat raised more than $5,100 forKaren Rebello, whose husband washospitalized.

• Msgr. John A. Cass Council 2626in Long Beach, N.Y., donated $200to the Lions Club to help purchasea guide dog for a local person whois blind.

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 27

Members of Bishop William T. Mulloy Council 1301 in Newport, Ky., and their familiesprepare to serve food at the ECHO Soup Kitchen. Knights regularly volunteer at thekitchen, serving meals to the needy and homeless.

Ron Amlin of Francis J. Clarke Council 5350in Harrow, Ont., makes his 200th blooddonation during a blood drive hosted byOntario Knights. Knights from severalcouncils were there to support Amlin, whohas been a regular donor since 1964.

Albert Conlin, Jay Purdy and Bob Capolinoof Sunrise Council 6607 in Bohemia, N.Y.,clean Locust Avenue as part of their council’s adopt-a-highway campaign.Knights remove rubbish from the areaseveral times each year.

Celebrating ServersMsgr. George A. Dzuryo Council790 in Streator, Ill., held an appreci-ation dinner for local altar serversand their families. More than 150people attended the event.

Charity on the GreenSanta Maria Council 6065 inPlano, Texas, hosted its annual golftournament to benefit the WhiteRose Pregnancy Resource Center.The event raised $6,800 for theorganization. Ocean City (N.J.)Council 2560 held its annualJoseph Cleary Golf Tournament,which raised $20,000 for theCommunity Food Bank of NewJersey and for Holy Spirit HighSchool. And Holy Family Council3682 in Indianapolis hosted a golfouting that raised more than$7,600 for Cassie Curtis, a localgirl who requires an organ trans-plant that is not covered by herfamily’s insurance.

School MarathonSt. Christopher Council 4842 inGlencoe, Minn., held its annualmarathon to benefit private andparochial schools. More than 120people participated in the event,which raised approximately $17,500.

Tillman BenefitSan Xavier del Bac Assembly inChandler, Ariz., oversaw a silentauction at Phoenix MunicipalStadium to benefit the Pat TillmanFoundation. Tillman was a profes-sion football player who left hiscareer to join the U.S. Army. He waskilled while serving in Afghanistan.The auction raised more than$17,000 for the foundation.

Honoring PriestsHoly Family Council 3327 inBridgeport, Pa., held a special dinnerto honor five local pastors and thecouncil’s chaplain. The council alsopresented each priest with $5,000 toundertake a project at his parish.

Fund DriveMater Dei Council 9774 inRockville, Md., raised more than$14,300 during its annual fund drivefor people with intellectual disabili-ties. More than 100 Knights collect-ed funds throughout the communi-ty, soliciting at the county fair andin front of supermarkets.

Tree TrimmersMembers of Bishop Sheen Council7487 in Jenison, Mich., trimmedtrees, removed brush and cleaned thegrounds of Holy Redeemer Church.

Rebuilding the GulfFive members of John FitzgeraldKennedy Council 5506 in Orrville,Ohio, traveled to Waveland, Miss., toaid with rebuilding efforts there. Inaddition, Knights collected $2,400for St. Clare Church, which wasdamaged during Hurricane Katrina.

Recalling the PastDuquesne-West Mifflin (Pa.)Council 4210 hosted a social forcouncil widows. More than 40 wid-ows of deceased Knights attendedthe event, where they received acorsage and were greeted by cur-rent Knights and their wives.

Happy HeartsFather Maynard E. Hurst Jr. Council9016 in Baton Rouge, La., volun-teered at a youth ministry eventhosted by St. Louis, King of FranceChurch. Local children enjoyed anafternoon of food and games.

Painting for SeniorsHoly Spirit Council 8905 inSaskatoon, Sask., painted the hall-ways and common areas of St. Ann’sResidence, a retirement home.

Living StonesMarian Council 3864 inColumbus, Ohio, helped dedicate aCultural Living Stone Rosary atHoly Spirit Church. The rosary isin the shape of a cross and made of59 smooth and polished stones. Atthe dedication, different ethnicgroups prayed the rosary in theirnative languages.

Jerry Hrycyshyn of Fairfield (N.J.) Council 6380 and Father John Gabriel of St. Thomas More Church display the newtabernacle that Council 6380 purchasedfor the parish. At the request of FatherGabriel, Knights raised about $10,000 topurchase the new tabernacle.


Members of Mother Anna Dengel Council7925 in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and theirfamilies prepare to serve ice cream at thePhiladelphia Veterans’ Home. Knightshost an ice cream party for veteransthere twice each year.

Members of North American MartyrsCouncil 4338 in Niles, Ill., stand with thesixth-grade basketball team from St. Paulof the Cross School. Knights host theschool’s invitational basketball tournament each year and provide t-shirts to the top team.

Members of St. Michael Council 10088 inJagna, Visayas, stand in front of the pro-life billboard they erected in theircommunity. The billboard sits on one ofthe island’s major highways.

Michael Saia, Austin Drummon andDavion Browning of St. Michael Circle5075 in Jackson, Tenn., clean a used bikeduring the circle’s bicycle drive. Squiresscrubbed and repaired 85 bikes for distribution to needy families.

Community BreakfastSt. Patrick Council 9300 inCaledonia, Ont., held a communi-ty breakfast for Knights, their fam-ilies and parishioners.

Quality EventSomerville (N.J.) Council 1432hosted its annual charity dinner tobenefit Camp Quality USA. Theevent raised $4,000 for the organi-zation, which provides yearlongsupport programs for children withcancer and their families.

Round Table AidFamily of Man Council 7566 inReston, Va., raised $500 for theBaghdad International Zone (IZ)Round Table during a council-sponsored pancake breakfast. Theround table will donate the fundsto the Sisters of Charity, who runan orphanage in Baghdad for chil-dren with disabilities. The BaghdadIZ Round Table is sponsored by St.Mary of the Grove Council 11138in Tampa, Fla.

Ramp BuiltFabre (Que.) Council 6035 built awheelchair ramp for a councilmember. Knights and parishionersat St. François Church provided the$1,500 necessary for the project.

Helping Babies, MothersCharles Reymann Council 4664 inAkron, Ohio, donated a baby criband mattress to a local pregnancyresource center. Before deliveringthe crib, Knights asked parishionersto fill it with baby items. St. Bona-venture Council 10049 in Manomet,Mass., held a pro-life baby showerthat raised more than $2,300 infinancial donations and $700 inbaby goods. And Holy NameCouncil 8789 in San Antonio,Texas, donated more than $2,900 tothe Allied Women’s Center, a preg-nancy resource center.

Pajama PartyBlessed Mother Seton Council5410 in Chester, N.J., partneredwith the Pajama Program andBarnes and Noble booksellers topurchased 25 children’s bookswhich were matched with newpajamas for needy children. ThePajama Program provides warmpajamas and books to needy chil-dren throughout the world.

Church DonationsBishop Brady Council 399 inMontpelier, Vt., sponsors a month-ly spaghetti supper that has raised$60,000 since the program began in2000. The funds are distributedamong six local parishes and areused to provide handicapped accessto older churches, defray heatingcosts and support parish activities.

Medicare LectureMary, Gate of Heaven Council10194 in Myerstown, Pa., held aMedicare lecture at its council hall.Knights, their families and guestslearned about Medicare benefitsfrom a veteran insurance agent.

Special DonationW. P. Morris Council 6645 inCookeville, Tenn., donated $1,500to the special education depart-ment of the Putnam County schooldistrict.

Therapeutic RecreationSt. Aloysius Council 14094 inShandon, Ohio, donated more than$670 to Therapeutic Recreation, asports program for people withintellectual disabilities.

Young ScientistsImmaculate Heart of Mary Council4314 in Groton, Conn., donated$1,000 to Sacred Heart School. Thefunds will help offset the cost of anew school science lab.

Statue RestoredTed Watermolen Council 4877 inRipon, Wis., rescued a statue of theBlessed Virgin Mary from an aban-doned playground and restored it forplacement outside St. Catherine ofSiena Church. Knights also added abrass plaque at the statue’s base.

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 29

Fourth Degree Knights from in andaround Tidewater, Va., look on as a SpecialOlympics athlete lights the Flame of Hopewith help from a Chesapeake police officer. Knights from Southeast Virginiavolunteered at the annual games.

Brian Tobin, master of ceremonies for theEastern Regional Knights of ColumbusBowling Tournament, presents a plaque toMaj. Gen. Frank Vavala and Brig. Gen. HughBroomall. Proceeds from the tournamentwere used to fund a summer camp for thechildren of active-duty Delaware NationalGuard troops. The event raised $10,000,and 126 children were able to attend sum-mer camp. Also pictured are: TournamentChairman Bill Baker and Immediate PastState Deputy Jerry E. Dawson.

Spirit SalesSt. John Francis Regis Council7914 in Hollywood, Md., soldt-shirts and baseball caps embla-zoned with the St. John Schoolmascot to raise funds and increaseschool spirit. The apparel wasavailable at home games and atcouncil functions, and all profitswere donated to the school.

Medical MissionSt. Peter Council 10440 in LamitanCity, Mindanao, hosted a medicalmission for local residents and theirpets. Dogs received free rabies vac-cinations while their owners wereexamined by doctors and dentists.

Flag TransferFather Ben G. Smylie Assembly inCarthage, Texas, provided an honorguard for a flag transfer ceremony.Capt. Stephen Bate received a U.S.flag from the family of Sgt. BradleyBeste, who was killed in Ramadi,Iraq, in 2006. Sgt. Beste had usedthe flag during his two deploy-ments to Iraq, and Capt. Bate car-ried the flag back there after spend-ing his mid-tour leave in Carthage.

Chicken for SchoolsManhattan (Kan.) Council 1832raised $3,000 for area Catholicschools during the council’s annualchicken barbecue.

Silent AuctionBishop Durieu Council 11244 inSchelt-Gibsons, B.C., hosted asilent auction that raised morethan $1,500 for the council’s chari-table fund.

Chapel RenovationBurgos Sañta Cruz (Mindanao)Council 7830 renovated the BurgosChapel stage. Knights leveled andraised the existing stage four feet.They also added additional supportand new stairs.

Bible PresentationChurch of the Visitation Council13902 in Lott, Texas, donated20 new Bibles to its parish for usewith religious education classes.

New PlaygroundSt. Lawrence Council 12519 inDuelm, Minn., donated $1,000 toSt. John School in Foley for thepurchase of new playground equip-ment. Knights also assembled andinstalled the new playground.

NASCAR KnightsArchbishop Thomas A. DonnellanCouncil 7923 in Lilburn, Ga., vol-unteered at the DuPont tent at theAtlanta Motor Speedway duringNASCAR season. Knights raised$1,900 for the council’s charitablefund.

A Floating TributeHarley Marine Services Inc. ofOregon has named their latest dou-ble-hull oil barge after Lovel Briere,the late father of Immediate PastState Deputy William J. Briere ofWyoming. Lovel was a member ofOlympia (Wash.) Council 1634 anda past district deputy. In additionto his 34 years of service to theOrder, Lovel was a staunch advo-cate of cystic fibrosis research; helost three children to the disease.

Flags DonatedSt. Ignatius Council 7621 inTarpon Springs, Fla., donated U.S.flags to each of the religious educa-tion classrooms at its parish.Knights also performed a flag cere-mony for each class.

Historic ContributionSt. Thomas More Council 10205 inEnglewood, Colo., donated fundsto Sacred Heart Church in Denver.Established in 1879, Sacred Heartis one of the oldest churches in theArchdiocese of Denver.

Agency DonationsSancta Familia Council 11498 inSewell, N.J., donated $1,800 eachto two local agencies: the AbilitiesCenter of Southern New Jersey andSt. John of God CommunityServices.

Roof FundSt. Anthony Council 4166 inSchoenchen, Kan., donated $7,000to its parish to help defray the costof a new roof at St. AnthonyChurch.


>kofc.orgexclusive

See more “Knights in Action”reports and photos at

www.kofc.org/knightsinaction

David Lau of St. Francis Xavier Council 10500 in Vancouver, B.C., along with two unnamedservers, prepare food during the St. Francis Xavier Church Gala Dinner. Knights sponsoredthe event, which served to commemorate the parish’s 75th anniversary and to raise fundsfor a new church organ. Approximately 270 people attended the dinner, which raisedabout $72,000.

PROMOTIONAL & GIFT ITEMS • MARCH 2009

PG-201, PG-24 / PG-91, PG-23

PG-646, PG-647

PG-844, PG-845,PG-846, PG-847

PG-888, PG-889,PG-890, PG-891

PG-444 / PG-443 PG-655

c o l u m b i a /m a r c h 2 0 0 9 31

K OF C SUPPLIESAvailable from the FollowingDesignated Official Suppliers

FOR FULL LINE OF K OF C SUPPLIESCapes, Chapeaux, Swords, Flags, PlaquesCall Toll Free 800-444-5632Write: The English Company Inc.PO Box 811, Jefferson Valley, NY 10535www.kofcsupplies.com — FREE CATALOGFOR COUNCIL EQUIPMENT, ROBES Capes, Chapeaux, Fourth Degree ItemsCall Toll Free 888-548-3890Write: Lynch and Kelly Inc.23 Devereux Street, PO Box 342Utica, NY 1350332-PAGE CATALOG AVAILABLEFOR FOURTH DEGREE TUXEDOSAPPROVED K OF C DRESS CODE—$199Why Rent?Call Toll Free 800-289-2889Write: Chilbert & Co. 1001 4th AvenueCoraopolis, PA 15108-1603www.chilbert.com — FREE CATALOG

OFFICIAL MARCH 1, 2009To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons respon-sible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby giventhat in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of theOrder, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to theKnights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus andmailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 06506-1492, before theexpiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights ofColumbus, CASE POSTALE 935, Station d’Armes, Montréal, PQ H2Y 3J4

ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, ANDADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BERETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE ANDRETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THEKNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPY-RIGHT © 2009 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PRO-HIBITED.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONALMAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUM-BIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.

CANADIAN POSTMASTER—THIRD-CLASS POSTAGE IS PAID AT WIN-NIPEG, MB, PERMIT NO. 0100092699PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549REGISTRATION NO. R104098900RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS505 IROQUOIS SHORE ROAD #11OAKVILLE ON L6H 2R3

PHILIPPINES—FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL AT THE MANILACENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIES TO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SER-VICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES—IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15.FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUB-SCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS ANDCHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT06507-0901.

OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILYREPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.

A B

E F

DC

Join The Father McGivney Guild PLEASE ENROLL ME IN THE GUILD (PRINT IN BLOCK LETTERS):

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/PROVINCE

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

If you and your family are not membersof The Father McGivney Guild completethe coupon and mail to:

The Father McGivney GuildKnights of Columbus1 Columbus PlazaNew Haven, CT 06510-3326Join online atwww.fathermcgivney.org.

#03/09

A. CROSS PEN & PENCIL SETS 10K gold pen.Medium ball point, black ink, with gift box.Emblem of the Order (PG-201) or FourthDegree emblem (PG-24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85

PEN ONLY Emblem of the Order (PG-91) orFourth Degree emblem (PG-23) . . . . . . . . $45

B. MEMORIAL EMBLEM 3” brass disc.Emblem of the Order (PG-646) or FourthDegree emblem (PG-647) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6

C. RED FLEECE JACKET Full-zip jacket, 100%polyester, with elastic cuffs and drawstringhem. Embroidered with the emblem of theOrder. Available in Medium (PG-844),Large (PG-845), XL (PG-846) and XXL (PG-847).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $48

D. MOCK TURTLENECK 100% cotton with theemblem of the Order on left side of neck.Available in Medium (PG-888), Large (PG-889),XL (PG-890) and XXL (PG-891). . . . . . . . . . $16

E. WOMEN’S DELUXE ROSARY 22” with dia-mond-cut crystal beads. PG-444. . . . . . . . .$9

MEN’S DELUXE ROSARY (not pictured) 19”with round black boxwood beads.PG-443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9

F. CELTIC CROSS 7.5” pewter cross in gift box.PG-655. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22.50

!

Control No. State CodeO F F I C E U S E O N LY

Promotional and Gift Department78 Meadow Street

New Haven, CT 06519-1759Checks or money orders payable to:

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPREME COUNCILIn U.S. currency — No C.O.D.

Available in the U.S. and Canada only

N AME

STREET

CITY/STATE/PROVINCE

ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

PHONE NUMBERQty. Item No. Price Each TOTAL

SHIPPING AND HANDLING $8CT residents add 6% sales tax

CANADIAN residents add 5% GST

NB, NFLD/LAB, NS residents add 13% GST

Check/Money Order No. Amount

Fax No. 1-800-266-6340 for credit card/charged orders.DO NOT MAIL FAX ORDERS M.C. q VISA q

Expiration Date: Month Year

SignatureCREDIT CARD INFORMATION

NAME

STREET

CITY STATE/PROVINCE

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

DAYTIME PHONE # ( )

COLUMBIANISM BY DEGREES


PATRIOTISM[Right] Scott Weatherford (kneeling) and Dan Marnell (white shirt) ofSweetwater Council 10821 in Douglasville, Ga., present Adams Manager (secondfrom left) of the Hartsfield International Airport USO with a check for $500.Knights held a pasta dinner at St. Theresa Church to benefit the USO, whichserves U.S. soldiers passing through Hartsfield Airport. • Queen of Peace Council 3428 and Msgr. Peter B. O’Connor Assembly, both in North Arlington, N.J.,donated 45 robes and three televisions to the Paramus Veterans Home.

FRATERNITY[Left] Members of Father William J.Donnelly Council 8831 in Dartmouth, N.S.,work to complete a new deck at the homeof council member Phillip Ngui. Knightsworked over two weeks to complete thedeck for Ngui, who suffered a stroke and isparalyzed on one side of his body. •

Belvidere (Ill.) Council 735 held a benefitdinner for one of its late members, LennySchachtner, who died of bladder cancer.Prior to his death, Knights winterized andcleaned Schachtner’s RV and built a wheelchair ramp at the home ofSchachtner’s father. The dinner raised$12,000, which was presented toSchachtner’s widow, Sue.

UNITY[Right] Members of Bishop Tihen Council 4796 and St. Rose of Lima Council12763, both in Denver, take a break while cleaning the Mother Cabrini Shrine inGolden. The shrine attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year, and six Knightsclean the facility on a weekly basis. The two councils have provided this servicefor 30 years. Pictured from left are: Tony Valdez, Richard Abeyta, Rich Lopez, PaulTrujillo, Lonnie Minor and Herb Wildeman. • St. Anne’s Council 2429 in GlenOaks, N.Y., donated $13,000 to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Proceeds fromthe event were donated to breast cancer research.

CHARITY[Left] Colorado State Deputy Claude A. Trujillo Jr. (third from right) presents acheck for $16,800 to Dr. Walter “Bud” Hivner (second from left) of Windsor-Johnstown Council 11575. Funds for the donation were collected from K of C unitsthroughout the state to support Knights in and around Windsor whose homeswere damaged during a devastating tornado. Also pictured are (from left):Danny Horner, a tornado victim, State Treasurer Roger Muller and TomChambers, a tornado victim. • St. Basil Council 4204 in Sugarland, Texas, held acoin drive that collected more than $4,310 for the council’s charitable fund.

Building a better worldone council at a time.

Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make adifference — whether through community service, raising money orprayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compas-sion and his dedication to building a better world.

To be featured here, send your council’s “Knights in Action” photo as well as its descrip-tion to: Columbia, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or e-mail: [email protected].

THE KNIGHTSOF COLUMBUSIn service to One. In service to all.

Members of BalingasagWest (Mindanao) Council14539 stand in front of theproposed site for the newconvent at St. Rita’sChurch. Knights providedvolunteer manpower tohelp construct the convent, working to mixcement and lay gravel forthe new building.

PM40063106

‘THE CALL ENTERED MY HEART AND GREW WITH THESUPPORT OF A GOOD CATHOLIC FAMILY’

FATHER GEORGE ZINA St. Jude Church, Orlando, Florida

Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Keep the Faith AlivePlease, do all you can to encourage priestly and religious vocations.Your prayers and support make a difference.www.kofc.org

I believe God chose me from the time of my birth. I was borntwo months premature and had a twin brother named Jude.Although I was not expected to live and my brother died after 40days, I somehow survived. Later, at the age of six, I fell from myparents’ balcony onto my head. I was in a coma, and the doctorssaid there was no hope for my recovery. My mother went to ourparish church, Our Lady of the Assumption, and begged Mary toheal me. One hour later, I awoke from the coma and began to cry.

At the age of 12, the school chaplain asked if I was interested ingoing to the seminary. Two years later, another chaplain askedme the same question. I realized I wanted to become a priestand said “yes.”

After four years at seminary near Beirut, Lebanon, I was sent toSt. John Lateran Seminary in Rome to complete my studies. Iwas then ordained for the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Montreal.After 10 years in Canada, I was sent to Orlando, Fla., to establishmy current parish — which is coincidentally named St. Jude.

In considering my priestly vocation, I had to trust in the Lord toguide me. Like the parable of the good seed, the call entered myheart early in life and grew with the support of a good Catholicfamily. There, it enabled me to make a difference in the worldand in the lives of others.

columbia march 2009

Documents

brother knights

supreme chaplaindennis

supreme treasurerjohn

supreme knight carl

liturgy of holy week

time of financial turmoil

father mcgivneyworked

holy fathers prayer