As I compose this pastor's column on Tuesday, March 29, I do so with the Order of the Knights of Columbus very much in my mind and heart as this day marks the 140th anniversary of the start of the Knights of Columbus through a Spirit-inspired priest by the name of Michael McGivney (who is now "Blessed" Michael McGivney). There are some who wonder why members of this men's fraternity are known as "Knights." Doesn't that image speak of a warrior who in history were "fighters" who, among other things used violence to defeat an enemy? Yes, they were, is the short answer. The longer answer is that a "Knight of Columbus" should, among other things be committed to defeating the ultimate enemy, the devil, not with violence but with a spirituality that connects daily with the ultimate "commander" Jesus Christ. The notion of Knight also elicits an image of one who is a "protector" and "defender" of the Catholic Faith and seeks to "win over" others to the Faith.
As far as choosing Christopher Columbus as the namesake for this new "benefit society," it was a time in the history of our country when anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant hostilities ran high. Choosing Columbus as the Order's namesake asserted an important truth: that only was there a place for Catholics and immigrants within American society, but that such a person had already played a part in creating the young, free world around them.
While the first and most important tenet of the Knights of Columbus is charity (with the others being unity, fraternity and patriotism), the many charitable works the Knights (including our council) do, flows from the example and command of Jesus to serve others. The Knights of Columbus promotes the spiritual life of its members in a variety of way and provides encouragement and materials to help a Knight grow in his knowledge of and defense of his Catholic Church. Membership in the Knights is open to Catholic men 18 years of age or older who are practicing their Catholic Faith. The Knights pledge to support the pope, bishops, priests and promote and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life as well as the right to life to all from conception to natural death. I hope the men of our parish who are not Knights of Columbus will seriously consider becoming a Knight. It says something strong about the Knights of Columbus when Saint, Pope John Paul II spoke more than once of the Order as the "Strong right arm of the Cathoic Church." Contact our Grand Knight, Murray Claassen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to explore becoming a Knight and a member of our exceptional council!!
As far as choosing Christopher Columbus as the namesake for this new "benefit society," it was a time in the history of our country when anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant hostilities ran high. Choosing Columbus as the Order's namesake asserted an important truth: that only was there a place for Catholics and immigrants within American society, but that such a person had already played a part in creating the young, free world around them.
While the first and most important tenet of the Knights of Columbus is charity (with the others being unity, fraternity and patriotism), the many charitable works the Knights (including our council) do, flows from the example and command of Jesus to serve others. The Knights of Columbus promotes the spiritual life of its members in a variety of way and provides encouragement and materials to help a Knight grow in his knowledge of and defense of his Catholic Church. Membership in the Knights is open to Catholic men 18 years of age or older who are practicing their Catholic Faith. The Knights pledge to support the pope, bishops, priests and promote and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life as well as the right to life to all from conception to natural death. I hope the men of our parish who are not Knights of Columbus will seriously consider becoming a Knight. It says something strong about the Knights of Columbus when Saint, Pope John Paul II spoke more than once of the Order as the "Strong right arm of the Cathoic Church." Contact our Grand Knight, Murray Claassen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to explore becoming a Knight and a member of our exceptional council!!