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A PRIL 2015
COLUMBIA
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS april 2015 ♦ VoluMe 95 ♦ NuMBer 4
COLUMBIA
F E AT U R E S
8 Junípero Serra: Hero of Evangelization Pope Francis will soon canonize a courageous friar who founded the first California missions. BY MSGR. FRANCIS J. WEBER
10 ‘Bringing Christ to the People’ An interview with Archbishop José Gomez about the life and legacy of Blessed Junípero Serra. BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI
14 Cultivating the Lord’s Vineyard Knights have responded with generosity to a Supreme Council initiative in support of religious vocations. BY JERRY CIRCELLI
22 The Wisdom of the Priest The intellectual formation of seminarians must be grounded in Christian discipleship and fidelity to the Church. BY CARDINAL GERHARD L. MÜLLER
A statue of Blessed Junípero Serra is seen outside Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano in California.
D E PA RT M E N T S 3
Building a better world The upcoming canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra is a significant event for the Church in America. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON
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Learning the faith, living the faith Parents can help their children to have the courage to embrace the vocation of marriage and family. BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI
CNS photo/Bob Mullen
PLUS: Catholic Man of the Month
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Knights of Columbus News Order Gives $400,000 for Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine • Special Olympics Athletes Participate in Mini Football Combine • Rome Seminary Features New Father McGivney Window • Knights of Columbus Launches Membership App for Smartphones • Documentary on St. John Paul II Debuts on National TV
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Because our children may be called to become spouses and parents, we want to help them explore the vocation to marriage and family life.
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Year of Consecrated Life The countercultural witness of consecrated life is expressed through humble service. BY SISTER CONSTANCE VEIT, L.S.P.
19 Fathers for Good Ten years after his death, St. John Paul II continues to be a spiritual father, urging us to live the Gospel of Life.
Building the Domestic Church
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Knights in Action
BY MOTHER AGNES MARY DONOVAN
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A Culture of Vocations ON APRIL 26, the Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, observed annually on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Pope Paul VI first initiated this celebration in 1963, but its purpose, of course, was not new. Moved with pity at the sight of the crowds, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37-38, Lk 10:2). This year’s celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is especially meaningful because it occurs during the Year of Consecrated Life, called for by Pope Francis. Inaugurating this special year in November 2014, the pope wrote, “I ask the whole Christian people to be increasingly aware of the gift which is the presence of our many consecrated men and women, heirs of the great saints who have written the history of Christianity.” Knights of Columbus and their families have long expressed their support of priests and religious by praying to the “Lord of the harvest” and in many other ways as well. In addition to being called “the strong right arm of the Church,” Knights proudly live by the slogan: “In solidarity with our bishops and priests.” And through scholarships and initiatives such as the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP), the Order provides significant moral and financial support to men and women in formation. Even more essential than councilsponsored vocations programs, however, is the witness of loving families who consistently practice their Catholic faith.
St. John Paul II put it this way: “The family that is open to transcendent values, that serves its brothers and sisters with joy, that fulfills its duties with generous fidelity, and is aware of its daily sharing in the mystery of the glorious Cross of Christ, becomes the primary and most excellent seedbed of vocations to a life of consecration to the kingdom of God” (Familiaris Consortio, 53). The Knights of Columbus thus helps to encourage a culture of vocations by its very nature as an organization founded by a parish priest to protect and promote Catholic family life. When St. John Paul II called for an International Congress for Vocations in 1981, the Order was one of only two lay groups represented. The other, Serra International, has done much to promote vocations to the priesthood since it was founded in Seattle, Wash., in 1935, and has collaborated with the Knights in many ways over the years. The Serrans take their name from Blessed Junípero Serra, the Franciscan missionary known as the Apostle of California. This issue of Columbia features several articles about Father Serra in light of the announcement that he will be canonized during Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to the United States in September. As we consider the Catholic history of the American continent, this historic event gives even further reason to recognize the vital contribution of priests and religious to the Church.♦ ALTON J. PELOWSKI EDITOR
Vocations Resource: Gift and Mystery THIS MONTH marks the 10th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II, which is an occasion to rediscover his vivid recollection of his vocational journey: Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination (Doubleday, 1996). The pope encouraged priests to see in their vocation “the Gospel treasure for which it is worth giving up everything.” In 2003, the Knights of Columbus distributed to seminarians a special edition of the book, which included a foreword by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. 2 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Logan T. Ludwig DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Charles E. Maurer Jr. SUPREME SECRETARY Michael J. O’Connor SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski EDITOR Andrew J. Matt MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Scalisi SENIOR EDITOR ________
Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. ________ HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4210, option #3 PRAYER CARDS & SUPPLIES 203-752-4214 OTHER INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 FAX 203-752-4109 CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 E-MAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
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Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER Blessed Junípero Serra (1713-1784) is depicted with the historic Mission San Carlos, also known as the Carmel Mission, in the background.
COVER: Copy of an undated portrait of Junípero Serra by Franciscan Father José Mosqueda (1870-1954), Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library / Painting of Carmel Mission by Frederick Ferdinand Schafer (1839–1927), Wikimedia Commons
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BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
An Exceptional Missionary The upcoming canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra is a significant event for the Church in America by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson CATHOLICS COMMITTED to St. of American rule in California, the Indian John Paul II’s vision of the common population of the state stood at around spiritual heritage of the Western Hemi- 50,000, reduced from the 310,000 who sphere, outlined in his apostolic exhor- lived in California in 1769.” tation Ecclesia in America, joyfully Junípero Serra cannot be held responIt is also important that we recognize welcomed the announcement that Pope sible for this result. The colonization of a longstanding cultural prejudice: what Francis will soon canonize Blessed California was inevitable; the contribu- historians today call the “Black Legend.” Junípero Serra. tion to that process by Father Serra was In his book Tree of Hate, Professor Philip The founder of the first nine of 21 providential. Elsewhere in this issue of Wayne Powell wrote, “The basic premise missions along the California coast dur- Columbia, we suggest why this is so, why of the Black Legend is that Spaniards ing the 18th century, Father Serra was Father Serra is better understood as a de- have shown themselves, historically, to described by a contemporary as “zeal- fender and protector of the native people, be uniquely cruel, bigoted, tyrannical, ous, chaste, humble, poor and obscurantist, lazy, fanatical, obedient, having all these greedy, and treacherous; that is, virtues equally in the highest that they differ so much from The colonization of California degree…. [At his death] no other peoples in these traits that words could express the grief of Spaniards and Spanish history was inevitable; the contribution the Indians of that mission who must be viewed and undercalled our venerable father a stood in terms not ordinarily to that process by Father Serra holy man, an angel sent by used in describing and interwas providential. God for their relief.” preting other peoples.” Only recently has Blessed Although we cannot adeJunípero Serra become controquately discuss here the various versial, because some allege that his and why it is right that Pope Francis can- dimensions of the Black Legend, one extreatment of the native people was op- onize this great missionary (see page 8). ample offered by Professor Powell sugpressive. However, several facts remain As we approach the canonization of gests how this bias works: “The killing of incontrovertible. Blessed Junípero Serra in September, we Indians by Spaniards became ‘atrocities,’ First, as author Gregory Orfalea has ex- should keep in mind two other historical or ‘ruthless extermination’; but when plained, native people accounted for half realities. First, as Hackel further ob- Englishmen ran Irishmen to death by the the population in Spanish America after served, “Serra, although he stands out as thousands in their own bogs, or slaugh200 years of colonization, while east of exceptional among his Franciscan peers, tered them after surrender, this was called the Mississippi, in English-speaking ter- in his practice of Catholicism was typical ‘the Irish problem.’” ritory, only 6 percent of the population of the thousands of Catholic missionaries There is much at stake in the upcomremained Native American. And accord- who came to the Americas during the ing canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra ing to historian Steven Hackel, in the pe- early modern period.” that will affect the future of Catholicism riod following the Spanish missionaries, Therefore, attempts to denigrate the not only in the United States, but also “nothing could prepare” the native people accomplishments and sanctity of this throughout the Western Hemisphere. of California “for the brutality of the great missionary also call into question Perhaps this is why Pope Francis, the first Anglo-Americans who descended on the similar Catholic missionary efforts in pope from our hemisphere, has taken this region in the 1840s and 1850s. By 1854, Mexico, the southwestern United States courageous initiative. after the gold rush and the establishment and even the Philippines. Vivat Jesus!
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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
Models of Faithful Love Parents can help their children to have the courage to embrace the vocation of marriage and family by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori
ONE OF THE BEST programs for it’s not just a matter of delaying marriage promoting priestly vocations in the Arch- until one’s finances are in order or one’s diocese of Baltimore is called “Highways career is on track. The problem runs and Byways.” Married couples through- much deeper. out the archdiocese graciously open their For some, it’s a decision not to live like Marriages that radiate the joy of the homes to young men who are consider- mom and dad, as far too many young Gospel are those with spouses who pering a vocation to the priesthood. They people grew up in families broken by di- sonally and deeply share in Christ’s love are accompanied by their parish priests vorce. For others, life at home was a for the Church. The more husbands and and the director of vocations, who, after chronically unhappy experience, so wives share in this love, the more they will lunch, share the story of their own voca- they’ve decided to go it alone. Still others love one another. In turn, their love for tions. I often join them to give a short come from happy homes but haven’t each other will model for their children talk, and then we invite the young men been able to resist the gravitational pull the attractiveness of the Gospel, of falling to ask questions. I enjoy these in love with God, and of expressing sessions greatly, both because I and sharing this love in the vocameet many prospective seminartion of marriage and family. A married couple’s love shines ians and also because I enjoy I am aware that speaking of marforth when it is tried and tested. riage in these terms runs the risk of meeting such wonderful Catholic families. The beauty of this love is forged sounding unrealistic. After all, marAs one of those sessions conried couples face tremendous cluded, a priest said to me, “You by their faithfulness to each other. stresses and strains. Couples are know, if the vocation to marbound to disagree and argue about riage and family life is healthy, many things, especially what’s best all the other vocations in the Church will of a culture allergic to permanent com- for their children. Add to that sickness, fido just fine.” That priest was on target. mitments. Whatever the underlying rea- nancial problems, and the wear and tear Priestly and religious vocations often sons, there are fewer young people of the daily routine, and no couple can be come from homes that are faithful, getting married, and the number of expected to just smile their way through healthy, generous and happy. Reflecting sacramental marriages is on the decline. the difficulties life throws at them. on that priest’s comments, I asked myLike priestly and religious vocations, Nonetheless, it is in the midst of these self: What more can we do to encourage vocations to marriage and family are very challenges that the enduring beauty the vocation to marriage and family? most often fostered in homes where par- of self-giving love proves itself. Jesus’ gift ents continually show their children what of self was revealed as he died on the FORGING FIDELITY faithful, joyous and self-giving love is all cross for us. A married couple’s love In former times, it was assumed that about. That’s a tall order. Faithful, joy- shines forth when it is tried and tested. most young people would get married. ous, and self-giving love is not some- The beauty of this love is forged by their Today, it’s a different situation; more and thing that parents can simply put on like faithfulness to each other. Parents model more young people are putting off mar- a pair of gloves. No, this kind of love this fidelity for their children when they riage indefinitely. Many unmarried cou- comes from the depths of one’s heart. It approach the problems of life with paples are living together while other signals not just a habitual way of speak- tience, understanding, wisdom and young single persons content themselves ing and acting, but a deeper, inner con- kindness. By their witness, they help with perpetually “playing the field.” And formity to Christ’s love. their children to be open to a love that 4 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
is more than an infatuation, a feeling or a way of meeting one’s own needs. A REvOLUTION OF LOvE To be sure, our culture sends a contrary message. Every day young people are bombarded with the message that sexuality is meant to be merely enjoyed and even exploited, not reserved for marriage. The faithful and exclusive love of husbands and wives for each other — a love that is open to the gift of new life — is said to be an unrealistic thing of the past, since young people today are supposedly incapable of sexual abstinence.
HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS
Offered in Solidarity with Pope Francis
POPE FRANCIS: CNS photo/Paul Haring — BLESSED VILMOS APOR: Yad Vashem Photo Archive, Jerusalem, Israel
GENERAL: That people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift of God. MISSION: That Christians may feel ing presence of the and the solidarity Church.
persecuted the consolRisen Lord of all the
Pope Francis disagrees with this demeaning and cynical view. At World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, he said: “Today there are those who say that marriage is out of fashion. Is it out of fashion? In a culture of relativism and the ephemeral, many preach the importance of ‘enjoying the moment.’ They say that it is not worth making a lifelong commitment, making a definitive decision, ‘forever.’” The Holy Father continued, “I ask you, instead, to be revolutionaries, to swim against the tide; yes, I am asking you to rebel against this culture that sees
everything as temporary … that believes you are incapable of true love. I have confidence in you and I pray for you. Have the courage to be happy.” Pope Francis is calling on parents to give their children the confidence and encouragement they need “to swim against the tide” — to acquire the faith, holiness and maturity that are necessary to live the permanent commitment of marriage in a joyful, generous and lifegiving way. With the loving support of the Church, parents can impart to their children the indispensable “courage to be happy.”♦
C AT H O L I C M A N O F T H E M O N T H
Blessed Vilmos Apor (1892-1945) THE SEvENTH of eight children, vilmos Apor was born Feb. 29, 1892, to a baron and countess in the Transylvania region (in present-day Sighişoara, Romania). A cheerful and hardworking boy, Apor received a strong religious upbringing at home. Educated by Jesuits, Apor excelled as a student and discerned a vocation to the priesthood in his teens. After theological studies in Innsbruck, Austria, he was ordained in 1915 and assigned to a parish in Gyula, Hungary, where he served for the next 25 years. During World War I and the Great Depression, Father Apor built relationships with both religious and civil leaders and aided relief and recovery efforts on behalf of refugees, the unemployed and needy families. Amid his arduous daily work schedule, Father Apor could frequently be found kneeling before the tabernacle in prayer. Despite his aristocratic background, Father Apor came to be known as the “parish priest of the poor.” On one occasion, a visitor embarrassed him when the priest was discovered in his office shoeless, having just given away his last pair of shoes to a destitute father of seven.
In 1941, Father Apor was appointed bishop of Győr. In the face of Nazi persecution during the war, he sheltered Jews and publicly denounced their deportation to death camps. When the Soviet Army reached Győr on Good Friday 1945, Bishop Apor gathered hundreds of refugees in his vast cellar. Drunken soldiers approached the bishop’s residence seeking women “to peel potatoes” in their barracks. Tall and imposing, Bishop Apor refused to let them in. “Out! Get out of here!” he said. He was answered by gunfire. The women were saved, but on Easter Monday, April 2, Bishop Apor died from his wounds. He was beatified Nov. 9, 1997.♦
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
Order Gives $400,000 for Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine AS THE VIOLENT conflict in Ukraine continues to create a grave humanitarian disaster during the freezing winter months, the Knights of Columbus is providing $400,000 to relief programs sponsored by the Catholic Church in that country. On Feb. 20, Pope Francis assured the Latin and Greek bishops of Ukraine during their ad limina visit that “the Holy See is at your side,” and urged them “to be attentive and considerate to the poor.” Gifts by the Knights of $200,000 each have been sent to Ukrainian Greek Catholic Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk and Roman Catholic Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki to assist the Catholic communities in Ukraine. The gifts are being used for humanitarian relief, including projects that feed and aid homeless children and refugees living on the streets of the capital city of Kiev. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said, “Too often, the conflict in
A woman carries a bag containing humanitarian aid in front of a delivery point in town of Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine Feb. 6. Ukraine is discussed purely in military or geopolitical terms, while the most vulnerable and marginalized — the young and old, the poor, the sick, and the increasing number of refugee families — are almost invisible to the outside world. Our support is meant to further enable the bishops of Ukraine as they help their people and further
implement the Holy Father’s call to aid those most in need.” The Knights of Columbus began working in Ukraine at the invitation of Church leadership there in 2005. Since the establishment of a formal presence in 2013, the Order has founded seven councils and grown to more than 300 K of C members in Ukraine.♦
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS co-sponsored a mini football “combine” Feb. 21 in Indianapolis, inviting Special Olympics athletes to experience a series of drills and activities similar to those administered to young athletes simultaneously participating in the NFL Scouting Combine. Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Joe Reitz and former Colts wide receiver John Standeford hosted the clinic at the Colts’ indoor training facility. They worked with some 30 Special Olympics athletes and a similar number of volunteers, which included members of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Athletes for Christ, as well as other athletes, coaches and officials from Marian University. Participants braved frigid cold and a fresh coating of snow to complete activities similar to those held at the actual NFL Combine, such as the 40-yard dash and agility drills. Athletes also played a flag football game led by Reitz and Standeford. Indiana State Deputy Scott C. Cunningham, who has led an effort to make Special Olympics a statewide priority, described the event as “a reminder of the dignity of the human person, which is what the Knights of Columbus-Special Olympics partnership is about.” 6 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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A Special Olympics athlete smiles as he runs with the ball during a game of flag football at the K of C-sponsored Special Olympics mini football combine in Indianapolis Feb. 21. A “Founding Champion of the World Games,” the Order has committed $1.5 million to this summer’s Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles to help cover the costs of athletes’ transportation, housing and meals.♦
TOP: Photo by Maxim Shemetov/Reuters — BOTTOM: Photo by Tom Serafin
Special Olympics Athletes Participate in Mini Football Combine
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
TOP LEFT: Photo courtesy of the Pontifical North American College
Rome Seminary Features New Father McGivney Window
A NEW BUILDING addition to the Pontifical North American College in Rome features a stained-glass window of the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Venerable Michael McGivney — one of two U.S. priests portrayed at the new facility’s chapel. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, dedicated the building Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany. The new facility also has more accessible offices, meeting spaces, classrooms, and soundproof rooms for homily and Mass practicums. The building includes the new St. John Paul II Chapel, which features stained-glass windows of the Sacred Heart, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. John Paul II, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Archbishop Fulton Sheen and Father McGivney. The Knights of Columbus has provided support for the North American College since 1982, including millions of dollars in scholarships. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and his wife, Dorian, received the Rector’s Award from the school in 2008.♦
Knights of Columbus Launches Membership App for Smartphones THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS has launched a free smartphone app on Android and Apple iOS platforms that shows what the Order has to offer eligible Catholic men and their families. The app is also a great way for current members to get an update on the Order’s initiatives. Featuring an overview of the Order’s work in providing security to families, as well as its charitable and Church activities, the “Knights of Columbus: Join Us” app is a concise and engaging way to share with prospects the good works and toprated insurance protection made possible by K of C membership. Users can also access the online form that interested prospects can complete as the first step in becoming a Knight. The app is available for free download through iTunes and the Google Play store.♦
Documentary on St. John Paul II Debuts on National TV A NEW K OF C-produced documentary on St. John Paul II and his relationship with North and South America will screen this month on national television networks. John Paul II in America: Uniting a Continent explores how the papacy of St. John Paul II left an indelible mark on the American continent. Driven by his singular conviction of a “United American Continent” under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, John Paul II’s papal travels from Argentina to Alaska generated massive crowds, shaped an entire generation and ultimately changed the course of history.
Narrated by actor Andy Garcia, the film features rare archival footage and insightful analysis from leading figures, including Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley of Boston, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, John Paul II biographer George Weigel and former Vatican spokesman Joaquín Navarro-Valls. Viewers will be both intrigued and moved by the documentary’s unprecedented framework for understanding one of the giant figures of our times. For more information about the film, including broadcast times and the DVD release, visit kofc.org/jpiifilm.♦
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Junípero Serra: Hero of Evangelization Pope Francis will soon canonize a courageous friar who founded the first California missions by Msgr. Francis J. Weber
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ne year before he beatified Fray Junípero Serra in 1988, St. John Paul II made a pilgrimage to the grave of the Franciscan priest at Mission San Carlos Borroméo in Carmel, Calif. Standing on the site of Serra’s former missionary headquarters, the pope reflected on the historical impact of the friar’s Christian witness. “At crucial moments in human affairs, God raises up men and women whom he thrusts into roles of decisive importance for the future development of both society and the Church,” the pope said. “We rejoice all the more when their achievement is coupled with a holiness of life that can truly be called heroic. So it is with Junípero Serra, who in the providence of God was destined to be the Apostle of California.” In January, Pope Francis announced that he will canonize Serra during the Holy Father’s visit to the United States in September. As the Church prepares to celebrate this event, it is an occasion to rediscover the life and mission of a great pioneer of Catholic evangelization and to address some of the controversies concerning Serra’s legacy. FROM MALLORCA TO MEXICO Before spending the second half of his life in New Spain, Junípero Serra spent his first 35 years on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Born to a family of farmers on Nov. 24, 1713, Serra was raised in the village of Petra and attended the local Franciscan school. At age 18, he joined the Franciscan Order and took the name Junípero, after one of the first companions of St. Francis of Assisi. Aware of his talent for teaching, Serra’s superiors 8 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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singled him out to be a professor. He was ordained at age 25 and became a theology professor five years later at the Lullian University in the Mallorcan capital of Palma. His eloquence and fiery earnestness soon won him many listeners in churches and classrooms alike. During his academic training, the young friar had been stirred as he read about missionaries in the New World. At age 35, Fray Junípero responded to a call that lay smoldering in his heart for years and asked permission to become a missionary. In a matter of months, Serra was on a ship bound for Mexico in 1749. Disembarking at Vera Cruz, he chose to make the 250-mile trek to Mexico City on foot. On the way, his leg became swollen from an insect bite, a wound that would plague him for the rest of his life. After a painful journey, he arrived at the capital and celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Serra then received intensive missionary training and was sent to the Sierra Gorda missions in the mountains north of Mexico City. Having learned the native language, he translated prayers and the catechism, and also taught the faith through rich liturgical celebrations. During this time, he worked hard to improve living conditions among the Indians by introducing farming, crafts and trades. Serra would follow these methods — already in use for two centuries — in founding the California missions. By the time he was recalled to Mexico City
An 18th-century woodcut from the first biography of Junípero Serra depicts the friar surrounded by Native Americans.
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An oil painting shows a panoramic view of Mission San Gabriel circa 1832, with Native American dwellings in the foreground. eight years later, most of the Indians had become practicing Catholics and their economic prospects had improved. For the next nine years, Serra served as an administrator and preached missions throughout the country, traveling more than 5,000 miles on foot. In 1767, when King Charles III abruptly expelled the Society of Jesus from Spain and its colonies, Serra was named
presidente (administrator) of the orphaned Jesuit missions in Baja California. Soon after arriving, he was informed of Spain’s plans to safeguard the Alta California coast by establishing missions from San Diego to Monterey. It was an opportunity Serra had longed and prayed for — to plant the faith on untilled soil — and he immediately volunteered “to erect the holy standard of the Cross in Monterey.”
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library
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ON SEPT. 25, 1988, St. John Paul II beatified Junípero Serra (1713-1784), the Spanish Franciscan friar who founded the first nine of 21 missions in California, from San Diego to San Francisco. This past January, Pope Francis announced that he will canonize Blessed Junípero during his apostolic visit to the United States in September. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles recently spoke with Columbia editor Alton J. Pelowski about Blessed Junípero Serra and the upcoming canonization. The author of Men of Brave Heart: The Virtue of Courage in the Priestly Life (2009) and Immigration and the Next America: Renewing the Soul of Our Nation (2013), Archbishop Gomez was installed as archbishop of Los Angeles Feb. 27, 2011. He is a member of Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral Council 2540 in Los Angeles. 10 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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COLUMBIA: When Pope Francis canonizes Blessed Junípero Serra in September, he will raise to the altars a man whom he called “the evangelizer of the West in the United States.” What is the significance of Serra’s canonization for Catholics in America? ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ: I think Blessed Junípero Serra is a great example for Catholics. He dedicated his life to the mission of evangelization, to bringing the good news of the Gospel to America, especially to the people in California. He understood that the purpose of the Church is to help us grow as human persons and to respond to God’s call: to love God and love others. His canonization also reflects the influence of Latino culture in the United States, especially in the Southwest. In the United
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‘BRINGING CHRIST TO THE PEOPLE’ An interview with Archbishop José Gomez about the life and legacy of Blessed Junípero Serra
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CNS photo/Paul Haring
APOSTLE OF CALIFORNIA In early 1769, Father Serra set out in high spirits, though his leg was infected and he had to be lifted onto his mule. Upon arrival in San Diego, the site of his first mission in Alta California, Serra was jubilant. The immediate outlook, however, was bleak. Two dozen sailors and soldiers had died from scurvy and provisions were short. Serra wrote, “Let those who are to come here as missionaries not imagine that they are coming for any other purpose but to endure hardships for the love of God and for the salvation of souls.” For the remaining 15 years of his life, the tireless friar continued to live out his motto: “Always forward, never back.” Between 1769 and 1782, Serra worked in tandem with the Spanish military authorities to establish the first nine of 21 eventual California missions: San Diego, San Carlos Borromeo, San Antonio, San Gabriel, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Clara and San Buenaventura. In principle, “cross and crown” were to work in harmony for the evangelization and civilization of the Indians. In practice, however, Serra clashed repeatedly with the military governors over the mistreatment and exploitation of the Indians. In a particular way, Serra showed himself to be a defender of the Indians’ human rights in 1773, when he journeyed from California to Mexico City to personally present to the viceroy a Representación. This document, which is sometimes termed a “Bill of Rights” for Indians, was accepted and implemented. Two years later, 20 captured Indians were sentenced to death after an Indian attack on Mission San Diego left one friar dead. On this occasion, Serra immediately wrote to the viceroy and reminded him of his prior request “that in case
the Indians, whether pagans or Christians would kill me [or other friars], they should be pardoned.” The viceroy consented again, and the Indians were set free. Serra poured out the better part of his life on behalf of Native Americans — having baptized over 5,000 and confirmed 6,000 more. “In California is my life,” he once wrote, “and God willing, there I hope to die.” Lying beside the foot-long crucifix he had carried with him since his arrival in the New World, Fray Junípero Serra died at Mission San Carlos Aug. 28, 1784. A CONTESTED LEGACY Though Father Serra died with a widespread reputation for sanctity and has been praised for more than two centuries by religious and secular leaders alike, his achievements have also been called into question. In the 1980s, some critics protested his beatification, and similar voices today are contesting his canonization. Among the more controversial claims are that Serra was guilty of “cultural genocide”; responsible for the premature deaths by disease of thousands of Indians; engaged in forced conversions; and brutalized Native Americans through corporal punishment. Regarding “cultural genocide,” such a charge irresponsibly conflates Serra’s missionary work with the misdeeds of Spanish colonialism, and thus may be seen as a contemporary form of the Black Legend (see page 3). Some historical perspective is in order. Given the explorative patterns of the time, the colonization of California in the 1760s was inevitable. The missionaries were not unmindful of history; they voluntarily became part of the process in order to Christianize and to cushion what they knew would be a major cultural shock.
States, we traditionally reflect COLUMBIA: In 1987, when more on what happened in the St. John Paul II visited Mission Northeast, with the English setSan Carlos, he recalled the tlers to New England — the pil“heroic spirit and heroic deeds grims and everything related to of Fray Junípero Serra … the their arrival. We may also think apostle of California.” What of the French influence in Amerwere some of Serra’s most ica, with settlers coming to New defining characteristics, actions Orleans and then going all the and spiritual gifts that defined way to Chicago. his life as a missionary? As I discussed in my book on immigration, evangelization in ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ: What the Southwest United States by stands out is his personal spiriArchbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles way of Mexico was an important tuality and the fact that he did part of the origins of our couneverything for the glory of God try. The names of the cities reflect this rich history. Think of Los and for the service of others. He was a very smart person and Angeles, Sacramento, and so many other cities in California, very well educated. Still, he decided to come to America to bring and places like Corpus Christi and San Antonio in Texas. This the truth of the Gospel to the people. This decision to leave history is part of who we are as a nation. everything was just an incredible leap of faith. And if you read APRIL 2015
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Junípero Serra, for example, did everything he could to keep the military from having direct contact with the Indians. In many cases, he and other friars concentrated their energies on doing what they could to alleviate a difficult situation. In short, the natives were destined to change for better or worse; the missionaries strove to assist them in changing for the better. It is sometimes assumed that the Indians in California had been living in some sort of idyllic lifestyle, akin to that of Eden. Contrary to this and related myths, the Indians were attracted to the food and quality of life that the missions provided, when compared to their original state. With regard to the death rate, the Indian population of Alta California did decline dramatically after 1769, mostly through syphilis, smallpox and measles introduced by soldiers, sailors and settlers, but this is not something for which the missionaries can be blamed. There is no recorded case of any friar serving in the area between 1769 and 1840 ever having suffered or died from any of those diseases. Serra’s detractors also claim that he sanctioned forced conversions and kept baptized Indians on the missions against their will. An accurate understanding of how the missions operated is necessary here as well. Attracted to the missions by the friars, the Indians lived as catechumens until they were ready for baptism. During this period, they were taught the elements of the faith, were fed and clothed, and were taught to work and to follow the routine of mission life. If, after several months, they learned the catechism and desired to become Christians, they were baptized. Freedom, as all catechisms and manuals of Christian doctrine teach, is a precondition of baptism. In addition, the missionary handbook Itinerario para Párrocos de lndios, which occupied a place second only to the Bible for the friars, stated that “enforced baptisms shall be considered null and void.”
RECONCILING THE PAST According to the reasoning of the Franciscans, reception of baptism by an Indian was an irrevocable manifestation of religious conviction, and therefore a baptized Indian freely agreed to live permanently on the mission. This did not mean, however, that he or she was restricted from leaving the missions once baptized, and monthly visits to relatives outside the missions were allowed. On the relatively few occasions when an Indian ran away or failed to return after his monthly excursion, other Christian neophytes were sent after him with a warning that chastisement would follow if the offense was repeated. It is true that corporal punishment was a standard means of correction used by the friars. We have to be very careful, however, not to fall into the fallacy of judging the past with present attitudes. While corporal punishment is relatively uncommon in modern times, the use of the lash, stocks and shackles, for example, were commonplace among civilized people in many parts of the world in the 18th century. The attitude of the friars toward corporal punishment can only be properly understood within their overall relationship as “guardians” of the natives. Serra understood this in terms of education within a family, recognizing that a friar was to treat the Indians “as a tender and prudent father.” When corporal punishment was applied, it was at the hands of an Indian supervisor, and the punishments themselves were calculated to cause smarting pain and embarrassment, rather than lasting injury. Still, Serra was certainly aware of possible abuses in this area. In 1780, he wrote, “I am willing to admit that in the infliction of the punishment we are now discussing, there may have been inequalities and excesses committed on the part of some of the priests.”
his biography, you know that he suffered a lot physically. I think Junípero Serra provides a beautiful example. He loved God and he loved people so much. He didn’t think about himself, but rather came here to be with people and to help them and give meaning to their lives. He gave himself totally to others. That’s something we should imitate. Just as Pope — now Saint — John Paul II said in 1988, Junípero Serra was totally committed to respecting the human dignity of the Native Americans he was meeting. In particular, it is clear in his biography that he defended the Native Americans before the local authorities and those who represented the King of Spain. I think that together with Bartolomé de las Casas, he was one of the great heroes of defending Native Americans and protecting their dignity.
and suppressed their culture. How should Catholics understand and respond to such claims?
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ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ: Most of all, we need to understand that Blessed Junípero Serra’s only desire was to bring Christ to the people. Obviously, there are negative consequences of colonization, with the encounter of different cultures, including results that no one expects. But these effects were not Blessed Junípero’s intention. I think he respected the traditions and the customs of the Native Americans. He was just bringing Christ to the people. During the time of Junípero Serra’s beatification, and also during the Jubilee Year 2000, St. John Paul II acknowledged and apologized for the occasions when the Church was responsible for violating the rights of Native Americans. Still, the fact remains that people were coming to America no matter what. It was impossible to stop this. If they didn’t come from Spain, they would have come from some other place. It was inevitable.
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Photo by Stephen Bay
The room where Father Serra died is pictured at the Mission San Carlos headquarters in Carmel, Calif. Three days before St. John Paul II visited Fray Junípero Serra’s grave in 1987, he met with Native Americans in Phoenix. Like Serra, John Paul II admitted that “not all members of the Church lived up to their Christian responsibilities” during the colonial period. “We are called to learn from the mistakes of the past,” he said, “and we must work together for reconciliation and healing, as brothers and sisters in Christ.” At the same time, he also singled out the “many missionaries who strenuously defended the rights of the original inhabitants
of this land” and held up Fray Junípero Serra for particular praise. So, too, even while acknowledging the “mistakes and wrongs” of the past, we also recognize and celebrate the heroic sanctity and good works of this holy friar, who was so instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the New World.♦
When we really try to understand the work of the missionaries, we see that they tried to incorporate the customs and traditions of the Native Americans into the Catholic faith. The missions were places to gather together, because we as humans need each other to form a community. In a similar way, much of our society unites in big cities today. It is also important to keep in mind that we cannot judge every action during that time with the way we think today. It’s difficult to judge people and events in the past by today’s standards and cultural norms. It was a different reality.
wonderful instruments to bring the teachings of Christ to the people, and his biography makes clear that he was always asking for more missionaries to come to California.
COLUMBIA: Since the 1930s, a movement named after Father Serra has promoted vocations. Why do you think the founders adopted Blessed Junípero as their patron? ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ: That’s a good question. Historically, I’m not sure of the reason, but it makes sense to me because Blessed Junípero came to evangelize. He knew that priests are
MSGR. FRANCIS J. WEBER is archivist emeritus of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the author of several books on Junípero Serra and the California missions. He is a member of San Buenaventura Council 2498 in Ventura, Calif.
COLUMBIA: When Father Serra arrived in Mexico, the first thing he did was walk 250 miles to Mexico City, where he offered a Mass of thanksgiving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. How was Serra’s ministry inspired by and related to Our Lady of Guadalupe and her message? ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ: He also went to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to ask her intercession when he was leaving for California. For Blessed Junípero, it was very important to have the protection of Our Lady. When we reflect on the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we understand that her desire was to protect and intercede for all the people of the American continent. So, I think our Blessed Mother wanted to be especially close to the evangelization of California and the whole continent.♦ APRIL 2015
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CULTIVATING THE LORD’S VINEYARD Knights have responded with generosity to a Supreme Council initiative in support of religious vocations by Jerry Circelli
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n answering God’s call to priesthood or religious life, seminarians and postulants face many challenges along their spiritual journeys. In order to become ordained as a priest, most seminarians are expected to complete at least six years of intensive study and formation, sometimes more. Religious sisters and brothers likewise spend years in discernment and training before taking their final vows. During this process, those called to the priesthood or religious life must also deal with the reality of managing finances. Since seminarians and postulants spend nearly all of their time in daily study, prayer and apostolic outreach, opportunities to earn an income are scarce. Trying to find money for books and personal supplies can become a strain and diversion as one seeks to follow the Lord’s call. To help ease the burdens of those who have chosen to radically devote their lives to Christ and his Church, the Knights of Columbus offers significant financial assistance through its Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP). Launched in 1981, the initiative allows councils, assemblies and Squires circles to “adopt” one or more seminarians or postulants by assisting them with financial aid, prayers and moral support.
A ‘LIFELINE’ FOR VOCATIONS Recognizing the great need to foster religious vocations in the Church, the Order inaugurated RSVP more than three decades ago to motivate local units to share their resources with young men and women pursuing a religious vocation. As an incentive, the Supreme Council awards $100 to councils and assemblies for every $500 donated, up to a limit of $2,000 per individual. Squires circles receive $20 for every $100 donated. In Mexico and the Philippines, councils and assemblies receive the equivalent of $50 for every $250 donated. Since 1981, RSVP has provided approximately $63 million in aid to more than 100,000 men and women pursuing their vocations to the priesthood or religious life. More than 6,200 seminarians are currently receiving financial assistance from 3,000 local K of C units through the program. Among those recipients is Brian Meldrum, a transitional deacon studying for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Deacon Meldrum attends Sacred Heart Major Semi-
Father Tim Birney, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Detroit, stands with Deacon Brian Meldrum in the library of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
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nary in Detroit and is serving his pastoral year at St. John the the council’s RSVP support. Baptist Church in Monroe, Mich. “I got to know the man with the long last name very well, “I remember getting my first check for $500,” Deacon Mel- saw how hard he worked and how dedicated he was to the drum said. “It wasn’t anything I was expecting or anticipating. seminarians,” said Father Birney, who coincidentally served And then to receive it, just out of the generosity and love that at St. Lawrence Church, where Council 2950 is based, during these men have for seminarians, the priesthood, Christ and his first assignment as a priest. “There are many councils with his Church — it was overwhelming.” men just like him, but he and that council stood out because Early in his studies, Deacon Meldrum used the funds to they were consistent every year.” buy philosophy and theology books, school supplies and perTwo years before his death, Niedzwiecki passed the torch sonal items. In his later years of seminary, he has used the onto his son, Dale, who now serves as the council’s vocations money for clerical clothing, liturgical books and vestments chairman. that he will need in his priestly ministry. “Although I have big shoes to fill,” the younger Niedzwiecki The Knights’ support of seminarians is received as “a great said, “I am looking forward to continuing in his footsteps.” sign of God’s providence,” according to Deacon Meldrum. Dale recalled that, when the RSVP initiative was first “Often the checks come at a time when you’re really not launched in 1981, his father worked with the pastor at St. sure what you’re going to do for money,” he added. “Then the Lawrence Church to include a special monthly offering at Lord provides, through the generosity of the Knights. It’s re- Masses, which was designated specifically for the Knights’ voally an amazing thing. I know there are a lot of others guys cations assistance program. Since that time, Council 2950 has who share that experience.” collected and donated more than Father Tim Birney, director of $500,000 through RSVP. priestly vocations for the Archdiocese Since 1996, more than 80 percent of of Detroit, helps to coordinate the the $25,000 raised annually for semiVERY SEMINARIAN Knights’ financial gifts to men like narians has come from St. Lawrence Deacon Meldrum who study at Sacred parishioners, with the remainder raised AND PRIEST IS WELL Heart Major Seminary. This support is through a K of C-sponsored Polka really a “lifeline” for seminarians who dance, an annual vocations breakfast AWARE OF HOW STRONG don’t have a means of income, Father and a series of cash raffles. Birney said. “The priests who benefit from the A PARTNER THE KNIGHTS And he speaks from experience. Faprogram are great ambassadors for the OF COLUMBUS IS .” ther Birney distinctly recalls being on Knights of Columbus,” Dale added, the receiving end of RSVP funds while noting that RSVP has generated a studying at Sacred Heart from 1989 to tremendous amount of goodwill for 1998. Like many others seminarians, the Order. he said he typically received about two $500 checks each year Father Birney agreed: “Every seminarian and every priest is throughout his formation. For much of that time, it was his well aware of how strong a partner the Knights of Columbus major source of income. But it was also something more. is when it comes to the seminary and the Church.” “When there is an organization like the Knights of Columbus that can assist with a financial burden, it makes your dis- RECORD-BREAKING SUPPORT cernment that much easier,” Father Birney said. “Any vocation In addition to K of C councils supporting the RSVP initiative, can be a bit of a roller coaster, so the fewer distractions and a number of Fourth Degree assemblies are actively involved. difficulties that present themselves, the better it will be for “RSVP has been a very good incentive,” said Deacon Ed each man.” Simola, vocations chairman for La Salle Assembly in Chicago. “If you assist seminarians, you get money back, and that gives STRONG PARTNERS you seed money to assist even more seminarians.” Among the Knights that Father Birney has gotten to know Like Council 2950, La Salle Assembly is among the top over the years, one in particular has always stood out: Leo units Orderwide that contribute to RSVP, having raised apNiedzwiecki, a past grand knight and vocations chairman of proximately $475,000 for seminarians since 1981. St. Lawrence Council 2950 in Utica, Mich., who died last But top honors for any single K of C unit assisting semiOctober at age 88. Niedzwiecki was well known among the narians through RSVP belongs to Wichita Falls (Texas) Counlocal seminarians and priests for his pioneering efforts with cil 1473. In the past 24 years, Knights there have awarded some $2.2 million to seminarians. Mike Brown, vocations chairman, explained that the maPoor Clare Sister Karis, who receives RSVP support from Poway (Calif.) jority of funding comes from the annual Father Aidan Donlon Council 6031, is pictured in the courtyard of the Poor Clare Monastery Vocations Dinner, named for the council’s late chaplain, who in Los Altos Hills, Calif. recognized the growing need for vocations within the diocese.
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Brown, who has spearheaded the council’s RSVP drive from the start, stated that proceeds from the dinner have increased every year, with a record $139,000 raised this past February. “Once a seminarian gets into the program, our goal is to keep rewriting him a check every year,” Brown said. He went on to explain that the Knights have a special ally in Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth, a fellow member of Council 1473. Bishop Olson, in fact, attended the first Father Donlon dinner in 1991 as both a member of the Knights and a seminarian receiving support. “I was really impressed, because it was something new that hadn’t been done before for priests or vocations,” he said. “I will always be grateful to the Knights for their generosity, because their support helped to prepare me as a priest.” And it’s not just the funds raised by Knights that are so important, Bishop Olson added. “It’s also what the Knights are doing through their prayers and their encouragement of our seminarians. It all promotes strong relationships between our future priests and the people of God.” ‘BLESSED BY GIVING’ While the large majority of RSVP recipients each year are seminarians, whether for dioceses or as members of religious orders, the program also supports women answering a call to consecrated life. For the past 30 years, Poway (Calif.) Council 6031 has offered RSVP support to sisters in formation with the Poor 18 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Clares, a cloistered monastery in Los Altos Hills, Calif. Vocations chairman John Heinen, whose sibling is mother superior of the monastery, set the wheels in motion for his council’s RSVP involvement. “We help the sisters, and they pray for the world and for us multiple times per day,” Heinen said. “That’s like having an angel on your shoulder all the time. We feel blessed by giving.” One of the young women the council supports is Sister Karis, who expects to complete her formation and take solemn vows early next year. In her own vocational journey, she recalled seeing testimonials on the back cover of Columbia about men and women pursuing religious vocations. “I felt so encouraged, just seeing that there were other young people who were following the call,” said Sister Karis, who grew up in Washington. “It made me feel that if they can do it, maybe I can do it, too.” While organizing a discernment retreat in high school, Sister Karis said the Knights stepped up and offered financial support for food and other expenses. Now 700 miles from home, Sister Karis continues to receive support from the Order on her own journey to serve Christ and his Church. “When I showed up here, they were helping me, too,” Sister Karis said. “The Knights have been right there for me all along the way.”♦ JERRY CIRCELLI is a correspondent for North Texas Catholic, the newspaper of the Diocese of Fort Worth.
Photo by Samantha McMahen Abeyta
Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, is pictured with diocesan vocations director Father James Wilcox and Mike Brown, vocations chairman of Wichita Falls (Texas) Council 1473, Feb. 21 at the council’s annual Father Donlon Vocations Dinner.
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‘Do Not Be Afraid’ Ten years after his death, St. John Paul II continues to be a spiritual father, urging us to live the Gospel of Life by Mother Agnes Mary Donovan
CNS photo/Catholic Press Photo
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n 1978, St. John Paul II stirred the hearts of men and women to new hope during his inaugural homily with a phrase he never tired of repeating: “Do not be afraid!” Charged with the power of the living Word proclaimed for 2,000 years, this “battle cry” cut through the fog of despair and apathy that threatened society at the end of the 20th century. Distilled through the heart of a man uniquely prepared to proclaim them by his life, these words gave birth to the “JPII Generation.” St. John Paul II was a father to many, and we Sisters of Life happily count ourselves among his spiritual progeny. Fathers matter. In his writings, St. John Paul II addressed the “unique and irreplaceable” role that fathers have in the lives of their children, especially “in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God” (Familiaris Consortio, 25; cf. Eph 3:15). The pope knew about this gift because he first received it from his own father, who, despite a rudimentary education, raised and nurtured the faith of a son who would become a poet, scholar, philosopher, theologian and pope. “Seeing him on his knees had a decisive effect on my early years,” John Paul II once recalled. “My father was the person who explained to me the mystery of God” and “his example was in a way my first seminary.” After the death of young Karol Wojtyła’s mother and older brother, his simple and pious father raised him alone. As Wojtyła matured in the shadow of the Nazi invasion of Poland, how weak and fearful his father must have felt at times! Yet the elder Karol Wojtyła fathered his son with faith, courage and self-giving love — three virtues that would be embodied in the life of the future pope. St. John Paul II passed these virtues on to us, and his battle cry still echoes down to fathers today: Do not be afraid to provide your children with the gifts that never die — faith, hope and love.
Ten years ago, after John Paul II’s death, a priest friend of our community was in Rome, where he saw a young man weeping inconsolably. The priest said gently, “You must have known him.” The young man looked up and replied, “No. He knew me.” This is an experience shared by those who encountered John Paul II. In his presence, how many felt like they were the only one in the world? Because he knew Jesus Christ, John Paul II knew himself, his vocation and the human heart. He knew the unique dignity of each human person — the truth that each person is a living icon of God with a capacity for infinite love in Christ. As Sisters of Life blessed with the charism of life, John Paul II is our great spiritual patriarch. He refused to give in to our culture’s love affair with practical efficiency and power games that use people as chess pieces. Instead, he reminded us that the only adequate response to a human person is love. As we mark 10 years since John Paul II’s passing into eternal life on April 2, his battle cry sounds again: Do not be afraid to build a culture of life, to see in each human person — especially the weak, the unborn, the suffering and the sick — a person worthy of love. St. John Paul II called each of us to live the Gospel of Life by responding to our own circumstances, including our own suffering, with faith, courage and self-giving love. And he led by example, as a father. Today, let us give thanks for John Paul II’s fearless fatherhood and renew our own faith in the efficacy of our love to bear fruit in the lives of those with whom we are entrusted. Sister Mary Gabriel and Sister Bethany Madonna contributed to this column.♦ MOTHER AGNES MARY DONOVAN is chairperson of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious and the superior general of the Sisters of Life.
FIND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR CATHOLIC MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT FATHERSFORGOOD. ORG .
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April Because our children may be called to become spouses and parents, we want to help them explore the vocation to marriage and family life.
Bring Song Into Your Home Regina Caeli Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia. Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia. (Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. For whom you did merit to bear, alleluia. Has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia.) Until Easter, continue to sing “Jesus, Remember Me.” Family Project Plan a special meal together and speak with your children about your first date and initial courtship. • Tell them what first made you notice each other. • Describe where you went on your first date. • Talk about how this initial attraction grew into a deeper friendship and then authentic love. Next, tell your children about your wedding ceremony, making the adjustment from being single to being a couple, having children and the changes that it brought, and how you dealt with both good times and bad. Afterward, look through old photos and put together a slideshow tracing your relationship from when you first met to the present.
Psalm of the Month (Psalm 16) Pray the Psalm of the Month during every Sunday of the month at your family prayer space. On the last Sunday of the month, discuss as a family which verse stood out most for each member. Keep me safe, O God; in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, you are my Lord, you are my only good. As for the holy ones who are in the land, they are noble, in whom is all my delight. They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips. LORD , my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure. Pleasant places were measured out for me; fair to me indeed is my inheritance. I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me. I keep the LORD always before me; with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure, For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let your devout one see the pit. You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. Council-Wide Event: Movie Night April’s movie recommendation is Beauty and the Beast. Before the movie begins, ask your families to share their slideshows tracing the parents’ courtship and marriage.
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CNS file photo/Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier
UNDERSTANDING the nature of self-giving love, which we are called to in all our relationships, can be difficult, especially for teenagers and young adults. Romantic love — such as a young person’s first crush — shows love in an emotional stage. It can be fleeting and fickle, but it can also evolve into a deeper love in friendship. In this latter stage, each person wants the best for the other. With this should come the understanding of just how important abstinence is for relationships outside of marriage. The move from “I” to “we” in a relationship is often the final step to marriage. This self-surrender and personal commitment is the basis for married love and the start of a family.
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BU I L D I N G T H E D O M E S T I C C H U RC H
Volunteering Together Project: Renewal of Marriage Vows
CNS photo/Victor Aleman, Via Nueva
Families are the foundation on which the Knights of Columbus — and indeed, all of society — rests, and the vow of marriage exchanged between a man and a woman in love is the foundation for each family. In light of this, consider holding a marriage vow renewal ceremony to offer couples a chance to remind themselves of their sacred commitment to each other and their place in God’s plan. Ask your council chaplain to help plan a marriage vow renewal program for your council or perhaps the entire parish. It can take the form of a Mass or prayer service that offers married couples a chance to renew their vows. Councils and assemblies might also consider sponsoring an annual or semiannual spiritual retreat for married couples. The Supreme Council Supply Department offers “A Covenant Re-
Couples renew their wedding vows on World Marriage Day, Feb. 9, 2014, during Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. newed” certificate (#2745) to couples renewing their marriage vows. This certificate, suitable for framing, makes
Meditation Analyzing the nature of marriage, both St. Augustine and St. Thomas [Aquinas] always identify it with an “indivisible union of souls,” a “union of hearts,” with “consent.” These elements are found in an exemplary manner in the marriage of Mary and Joseph. At the culmination of the history of salvation, when God reveals his love for humanity through the gift of the Word, it is precisely the marriage of Mary and Joseph that brings to realization in full “freedom” the “spousal gift of self ” in receiving and expressing such a love. “In this great undertaking which is the renewal of all things in Christ, marriage — it too purified and renewed — becomes a new reality, a sacrament of the New Covenant. …The Savior began the work of salvation by this virginal and holy union, wherein is manifested his all-powerful will to purify and sanctify the family — that sanctuary of love and cradle of life.” How much the family of today can learn from this! “The essence and role of the family are in the final analysis specified by love. Hence the family has the mission to guard, reveal and communicate love, and this is a living reflection of and a real sharing in God’s
a nice commemorative gift and is available for a nominal charge to councils.
love for humanity and the love of Christ the Lord for the Church his bride.” This being the case, it is in the Holy Family, the original “Church in miniature (Ecclesia domestica)” that every Christian family must be reflected. “Through God’s mysterious design, it was in that family that the Son of God spent long years of a hidden life. It is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families.” — St. John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos, 7 Questions for Reflection 1. What is one virtue that I need to cultivate in order to give myself to another as a loving spouse and loving parent? What is one strength I think I have that would be helpful as a loving spouse and loving parent? 2. Do I share Pope Francis’ confidence in me, that I am capable of true love and responsibility? (See page 5.) 3. How does our family complete its “mission” to guard love, reveal love or communicate love? 4. What does Pope Francis mean by an “ephemeral love,” and how is it different from a lasting and lifelong committed love? How does lasting love affect other members of a family?
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A COMPLETE LIST OF MONTHLY THEMES AND MEDITATIONS, VISIT KOFC.ORG/DOMESTICCHURCH. APRIL 2015
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The W isdom of the Priest The intellectual formation of seminarians must be grounded in Christian discipleship and fidelity to the Church by Cardinal Gerhard L. Müller
EDITOR’S NOTE: Cardinal Gerhard L. Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 2012, delivered an address to more than 300 seminarians at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., Nov. 4, 2014, at the invitation of Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl. This text is an abridged version of the address and is reprinted with permission.
PRIESTLY WISDOM AND DISCIPLESHIP Disciples must learn at the feet of the Master before they can proclaim to others what they have learned. Priestly wisdom, therefore, begins in seeing the entire theological enterprise as something that arises out of a lived relationship with the Lord Jesus. It is fides quaerens intellectum [faith seeking understanding]. What are the implications of this? A few come to my y dear seminarians, it is an honor for me to be with you mind. First, the academic study of theology cannot be abtoday. I speak to you as prefect of the Congregation for stracted from prayer and growth in the spiritual life. The inthe Doctrine of the Faith, whose particular mission is to pro- timacy of prayer is the context of our study, and our study mote and safeguard the doctrine on leads us back to prayer. Second, befaith and morals throughout the whole cause we engage the relationship with Catholic world. We do this in order God both intellectually and as whole that the faith might flourish, so that persons, so too our theological reflecmore and more people might draw tion is not detached from philosophy, T. JOHN PAUL REMINDS near to Christ who is himself the way, psychology and the human sciences, US THAT THE WISE PRIEST the truth and the life. but is enriched by them. Third, as disIt is only natural, then, that my reciples of the Good Shepherd, who RECOGNIZES THAT THE marks to you today concern the doctricame to serve and to lay down his life nal and intellectual formation of for the sheep, priests must never lose SEMINARY CHAPEL IS GOD’S candidates for the priesthood. Your acsight of the pastoral goal of theologiademic formation is a privileged opporcal reflection, and that goal is no less PRIVILEGED WORKSHOP.” tunity to explore the rich theological than the salvation of souls. Finally, heritage of our Church, which is not the paschal events of Holy Thursday, reducible to a series of dry, academic Good Friday and Easter are the doctrines. The academic formation of supreme teaching of our Lord and seminarians is about immersion into the teaching and thinking Master. The faithful and wise priest always seeks to integrate of the Church, which has as its origin and its ultimate goal the what he studies into the paschal mystery he celebrates at God of Jesus Christ. To do theology as priests means that we Mass and in the other sacraments. appropriate this teaching affectively as well as cognitively; unfold this teaching pastorally as well as academically. For this, PRIESTLY WISDOM AND THE WORD OF GOD we need wisdom. Much time in seminary is devoted to the study of sacred Wisdom defies easy definition. It is a graced virtue, a gift Scripture, which in one way is obvious since the primary apfrom on high. It evokes the breadth and power of God, and plication of a priest’s theological learning is in preaching and God’s desire to be known and loved even as he reveals his love teaching. Priestly wisdom peers beyond the practical, however, to his creatures. Let us see how it might be applied to the life to a deeper truth: Listening to the Word of God is the soul of and ministry of priests. Catholic theology.
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Cardinal Gerhard L. Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, addresses seminarians at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.
Photo by Matthew Barrick
For priests, theology is never a purely speculative undertaking. All theology begins in divine revelation, the personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. By its nature it begins with listening, for it is God who speaks, who reveals himself in loving self-disclosure for us and for our salvation. This attentiveness to God’s Word implies humility, obedience and a willingness to respond with the answering self-disclosure of discipleship. As men well-grounded in the Word, priests are able to speak not only with conviction, but also with authority — the authority of Jesus Christ. And this proclamation of the Word carries through the homily. The wise homilist understands his role as theologian nurturing the faith of the Christian faithful. For this reason, the homily — like all of theology — must be grounded in Scripture and thus be both faithful and responsive to divine revelation. PRIESTLY WISDOM AND THE CHURCH A third dimension of what I am calling priestly wisdom is ecclesial. If the ultimate concern of theology is bringing people into the living dynamic of revelation and the response of faith, then this concern must burn all the more in the hearts of priests who have been ordained for the Church and are sacramentally configured to Christ the bridegroom who laid down his life for his bride, the Church. In the dynamic of divine revelation, God does not condescend merely to give us ideas about himself or humanity’s place in the cosmos; instead, he communicates his very self to us as an invitation into divine friendship (cf. Dei Verbum, 2). In the provi-
dential unfolding of salvation in Christ, that divine friendship is lived out in the Church, the community of disciples incorporated into Christ and enlivened by the Holy Spirit. After all, it is in the Church that the living Word of God is preserved, reflected upon and handed on faithfully to new generations. And it is in the Church that the sacramental mysteries are celebrated. In short, priestly wisdom recognizes the profound privilege that comes in Holy Orders, and with that privilege comes responsibility. INTELLECTUAL FORMATION AND THE EUCHARIST I propose now to go a step further and reflect upon how we might arrive at this wisdom. Priestly formation is spread over a period of years. There are many, many courses in philosophy and theology, Scripture and canon law, which you must take. Some seminarians can lose a sense of “the whole,” and the formation process can be reduced to an experience of checking off courses. A mechanistic approach to intellectual formation, however, does not lead to wisdom. What is needed is unitive vision, a point of integration — a lens through which we can view the various courses and experiences not as isolated parts, but as facets of the same beautiful gemstone. I propose that it is the Eucharist, the Sacrament of sacraments at the heart of the Church, that provides the context and structure for the intellectual formation of priests. All of the major themes you will study in your years of formation come together beautifully in the celebration of the Eucharist. Let me give some examples: APRIL 2015
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First, the eucharistic assembly is not a haphazard gathering of like-minded individuals, but a people constituted by the initiative of the Father, disposed to the sanctifying action of the Holy Spirit and sacramentally incorporated into the Body of Christ. The eucharistic liturgy is ultimately the epiphany of the heavenly liturgy of the divine Lamb, penetrating time and space, transforming us in the Spirit, and drawing us “on high” where, with the communion of saints, we behold the blessed face of the Father. Put another way, the Church makes the Eucharist, and the Eucharist makes the Church. Second, it is easier to see how our study of sacred Scripture resonates and is amplified in the celebration of the Eucharist. Our study of the Scriptures will certainly help our preaching. But well before that, it is aimed at improving our listening and seeing, because in the celebration of Mass, the proclaimed Word is alive — calling to conversion and promising salvation. Further, the entire eucharistic liturgy is charged with Trinitarian language and themes. From the opening Sign of the Cross to the final blessing, it is thoroughly Trinitarian in structure and language. The Eucharist plunges us into the mystery of God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — to such an extent that our action of worship invites us to share in the communion of the blessed Trinity itself. In other words, the apex of every celebration of the Eucharist is also the goal and summit of the Christian life. There are other examples I could give, but you get the point. Allow your studies to change the way you participate in the Mass, and move beyond checking off courses to the integration of the theological vision that will sustain you throughout your priesthood. That is wisdom. 24 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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CONFORMED TO THE SACRED HEART At this National Shrine of St. John Paul II, we may reflect upon the eloquent example of a truly wise shepherd whose priestly heart burned for love of Christ and the Church. St. John Paul reminds us that, while your work in the classroom is of great importance, the wise priest, looking back on his seminary formation, recognizes that the seminary chapel is God’s privileged workshop. It is there that the Father unseals the fountain of grace to quench the thirst of your hearts — hearts so conformed to the Sacred Heart of Christ the High Priest that the ordained priest himself can be described by the beautiful phrase alter Christus (another Christ) (cf. Pastores Dabo Vobis, 15). Through the authenticity of your lives, the truth of your teaching and preaching, the fidelity of your celebration of the sacraments, God’s people will encounter nothing less than the life and grace of the risen Lord. To be the instruments by which people hear and encounter the Lord is a privilege beyond description and an awesome responsibility. I urge you to give yourselves over to this formative encounter with Christ. His pierced heart is the fount of wisdom from which priests should never tire of drawing water! Your thirst for this wisdom can only be quenched by Christ with the living waters of eternal life. My final words, therefore, are a prayer for you. I pray that God may give you the grace of perseverance in your journey toward Holy Orders. I pray that he may open your minds and hearts to his life-giving doctrine. And I pray that God may form your hearts in the pattern of the Sacred Heart so that you might truly be men of abiding wisdom, priests full of grace and truth.♦
Photo by Matthew Barrick
Following his address, Cardinal Müller is pictured with Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, Saint John Paul II National Shrine director Patrick E. Kelly (far left) and seminarians from throughout the Washington, D.C., area.
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Y E A R O F C O N S E C R AT E D L I F E
Waking Up the World The countercultural witness of consecrated life is expressed through humble service by Sister Constance Veit, L.S.P.
Photo courtesy of the Little Sisters of the Poor
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his year, Pope Francis has asked consecrated persons to “wake up the world” with their “prophetic and countercultural witness.” This might sound like a tall order — but religious life is, by its very nature, countercultural. For us Little Sisters of the Poor, giving the kind of witness our Holy Father is calling for means being faithful to the spirit of our foundress. St. Jeanne Jugan lived her vocation without illusions: “Call me now the humble servant of the poor,” she told an old friend soon after she began welcoming needy senior citizens into her home. Humility and servanthood — I can’t imagine two more countercultural values! Even Christ’s first disciples squabbled about who was the greatest among them! Today, radical feminism and a secularized culture make the concept of humble service somewhat incomprehensible. Taking the last place, letting others have the credit for a job well done, or putting others’ needs before one’s own — such acts are seen as servile, demeaning, even unhealthy. A young woman in discernment once told me, “I really like your community, except for the humility thing.” I’ve had plenty of chances to tease her about this over the years, because she did, in fact, become a Little Sister of the Poor! On the other hand, a fellow religious recently voiced her concern that if we see ourselves as bending down to serve others (as Pope Francis asks us), we risk getting caught in an attitude of condescension toward those less fortunate. The antidote to this temptation is simple: When we accept the yoke of service in imitation of Christ, who was gentle and humble of heart, we cannot be vain. Christ teaches us that servanthood is the greatest demonstration of love — not pride. Before he gave his life for his friends, Jesus washed their feet and told them, “I have given you an example. As I have done for you, so you must do” (Jn 13:15). These words are for Christians of all ages, but none more so than those in religious life. “If, on the one hand, the consecrated life contemplates the sublime mystery of the Word in the bosom of the Father (cf. Jn 1:1),” St. John Paul II wrote, “on the other hand it
follows the Word who became flesh (cf. Jn 1:14), lowering himself, humbling himself in order to serve others” (Vita Consecrata, 75). In his words and gestures, Pope Francis gives the world a powerful witness of what it means to be a humble servant. His bending low has nothing to do with condescension and everything to do with love. Speaking to consecrated persons, he said, “As living icons of the motherhood and of the closeness of the Church, we go out to those who are waiting for the Word of consolation, and we bend down with motherly love and fatherly spirit toward the poor and the weak.” Writing to the whole Church in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), our Holy Father articulated a beautiful vision: “True love is always contemplative, and permits us to serve the other not out of necessity or vanity, but rather because he or she is beautiful above and beyond mere appearances. … The poor person, when loved, ‘is esteemed as of great value,’ and this is what makes the authentic option for the poor differ from any other ideology, from any attempt to exploit the poor for one’s own personal or political interest.” Citing St. John Paul II, Pope Francis added, “Only this will ensure that ‘in every Christian community the poor feel at home’” (199). Making the poor feel at home — I find our foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, in these words of Pope Francis. I also sense in them the countercultural witness we Little Sisters of the Poor are called to offer the world during this Year of Consecrated Life. We have received a priceless gift in the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan and the call to follow her, but at the same time we know that without God’s grace we can do nothing. Please pray for us, that we will live our charism authentically and offer the world a prophetic witness of God’s merciful love. This column was previously published in syndication and is reprinted here with permission.♦ SISTER CONSTANCE VEIT is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.
THE YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE CALLED FOR BY POPE FRANCIS IS BEING CELEBRATED NOV. 30, 2014 UNTIL FEB. 2, 2016. APRIL 2015
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION
REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES
istry Your Life Began at Conception Inc. Launched by council member Greg Butler, the group aims to educate the public about when human life begins in order to help end abortion. SEMINARIAN DINNER
Joseph J. Gorman Council 5091 in Syosset, N.Y., hosted a spaghetti dinner in honor of three seminarians who have been serving at St. Edward the Confessor Church. The dinner raised more than $1,700 and allowed the parish community to show their appreciation for these three men who are preparing for the priesthood. With the State Capitol as a backdrop, Matthew Vogel (left) and Karl Hendrickson of Father Lucien Galtier Council 4184 in St. Paul, Minn., help carry a statue of Mary at the start of the 67th annual Family Rosary Procession of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis. The procession went from the capitol to the Cathedral of St. Paul, with Auxiliary Bishop Lee A. Piché and Fourth Degree Knights walking with the marchers. The event also featured a bilingual rosary.
EASING HURTS
Prince of Peace Council 5903 in Englishtown, N.J., sponsored a Mass of remembrance for bereaved parents at St. Thomas More Church in Manalapan. The Mass memorialized 51 children, whose names were displayed on butterfly cutouts along with candles that were given to parents after Mass. Msgr. Kivelitz Assembly of Monmouth County provided an honor guard.
PLANE PULL
A team of 20 Knights from St. Augustin Council 10558 in Des Moines, Iowa, participated in a plane pull at the Des Moines International Airport to raise money for Special Olympics. Knights pulled a 122,000-pound 727 airplane over a measured course, competing with 35 other teams from across the state. The event raised nearly $100,000 for Special Olympics. 26 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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NEW RANGE
Salt Lake City Council 602 donated a new range to Cathedral of the Madeleine, saving the church approximately $3,500 in expenses for the appliance. PANTRY BENEFIT
Deltona (Fla.) Council 6584 and its ladies’ auxiliary hosted
a dinner June 8 to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Attendees were also asked to bring a food item for the society’s food pantry. The event raised more than $2,600 and 170 food items. PLAZA CLEANED
At the request of fellow council member Father José Luis Navarro Silvestre, members of San José de Zapotlán Council 3338 in Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico Central, cleaned a local plaza as part of a national cleanup campaign. Knights removed brush from the plaza, trimmed trees and performed other general maintenance. PRO-LIFE WEBSITE
St. Vincent de Paul Council 5012 in Encinitas, Calif., donated funds to establish a website for the pro-life min-
Members of St. Mark Council 12852 in Richmond, Ky., paint new parking lot stripes at their parish school. Knights undertake a maintenance task at the school each month, from parking lot repairs to grounds keeping.
UPPER LEFT: Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit, Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis
BOWLING NIGHT
St. Joseph Council 5170 in Washington, N.J., hosted a fun-filled night of bowling to benefit Abilities of Northwest N.J. and several local charities. The event combined sponsorship from 26 local businesses, as well as several personal sponsorships, to raise $2,600.
GUTTERS CLEARED
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist Council 14663 in Mililani, Hawaii, volunteered to clean the gutters at the Benedictine Monastery of Hawaii in Waialua. Knights climbed onto the roof of the monastery to clean several
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION
Gifts for veterans included a three-disk DVD set of a Korean War documentary. MEMORIAL CLEANING
Each year, members of Mother of Good Counsel Council 1078 in Andover, Mass., pitch in to clean the memorial prayer garden at their parish. The garden was made a memorial to Brother John Del Casale, a friend of the council who died in 2012. Immediate Past State Deputy Anthony D. Fortunato of Virginia presents a check for $10,000 to Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to support Catholic vocations for the U.S. Military. For the past year, K of C members and units collected funds for the donation, which goes beyond the Supreme Council’s million-dollar Father McGivney Military Chaplain Scholarship.
years’ worth of debris from the gutters and downspouts before flushing the drainage system with water.
UPPER LEFT: Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
HONORING KOREAN VETERANS
Father Charles J. Watters Assembly in Dunwoody, Ga., and Father Joseph T. O’Callahan Assembly in John’s Creek joined forces to honor living Korean War veterans from the assemblies’ four member councils. They located 36 such veterans, and 29 were able to attend a special veterans appreciation dinner for 160 diners and Korean Consul General He Beom Kim. Sir Knights in regalia escorted each veteran separately into the dinner, which also featured a multimedia slideshow and several guest speakers.
KNIGHTS COOKING FOR KNIGHTS
Centennial Council 8085 in Giddings, Texas, cooked 630 hamburgers for students at Giddings Elementary School who had participated in the “Early Act First Knight” character-building program. The program encourages students in grades K-3 to learn about 10 knightly virtues and process through a series of levels — page and squire — up to knighthood. The cookout was sponsored to honor the 174 students from the school who had displayed superior integrity in the program.
Scott Hamilton, Mark Bellini and Richard Albaugh of Meadville (Pa.) Council 388 display the new U.S. flag and flagpole that the council purchased for the Marian shrine in Saegertown. When Knights noticed that the old flagpole was in bad shape, they took action to replace it with a new 24-foot steel pole.
Luzon, sustained significant damage to the roof of its council hall. Dr. Nelson Rodriquez, who is originally from that area of the Philippines but moved to the United States after medical school, is a member of St. Timothy Council 15211 in
REACHING ACROSS OCEANS
When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013, San Antonio de Padua Council 12712 in Cagayan,
PRO-LIFE BABY SHOWER
Fairview Heights (Ill.) Council 6996 hosted a pro-life baby shower following all weekend Masses at Holy Trinity Church. Knights collected two playpens full of baby and maternity clothing, diapers, bottles, and other necessities for two local pregnancy resource centers.
WHEELCHAIRS DONATED
Yavapai Council 1032 and Bishop Francis J. Green Assembly, both in Prescott, Ariz., donated 10 wheelchairs and anti-tip devices to the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in Prescott. The donation was part of a statewide donation that saw 100 wheelchairs donated to veterans at VA centers across Arizona.
Union, Ky. He connected with family members who were Knights from Council 12712 and, through this connection, led his own council to raise $850 for the roof repairs.
Members of St. Matthew Council 14360 in Norwalk, Conn., carry an old filing cabinet out of the basement of the Notre Dame Convalescent Home. Knights undertook a project to clean the facility’s basement, which was filled with outdated and broken medical equipment and other paraphernalia. Council members also ensured that the materials were disposed of or recycled properly.
BIKE PATH CLEANED
Risen Savior Council 8741 in Albuquerque, N.M., removed litter, downed tree branches and accumulated fallen leaves on and near a bicycle path used by many neighbors of the Church of the Risen Savior. The Knights were complimented for their cleanup efforts by numerous neighbors as they passed by during the event.
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION LUNCH FOR CURLERS
sometimes have little or nothing to eat on Saturday and Sunday. By supporting the program, Knights help fight food insecurity for 42 children.
Sir Guy Mills Council 1124 in Lindsay, Ontario, teamed with a local curling organization to provide lunch for the participants of the Ontario Regional Special Olympics Curling Championships. Nine teams participated in the tournament.
VA VISIT
CHARITY ACROSS BORDERS
Knights in two states helped the elderly sister of a longtime member relocate from Nevada to an assisted-living facility in California closer to her family. Ponderosa Council 4928 in Sparks, Nev., packed a moving truck for Patty Vincak and drove her 350 miles to her new home in Pittsburg, Calif. Once there, members of
Members of St. John Mary Vianney Council 13770 in Kidapawan City, Mindanao, paint the exterior of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Barangay Singao. Knights donated paint, rollers and brushes to paint the chapel over the course of a day.
Pittsburg Council 2956 unloaded Vincak’s belongings, moved them into her thirdfloor apartment, bought her groceries and made sure that she had transportation to weekly Mass.
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FAMILY BENEFIT
St. Peter Council 7070 in Edmonton, Alberta, led a multilingual rosary at St. Theresa Church, which is an extremely diverse parish. Parishioners prayed the rosary in English, Latin, Hindi, French, German, Polish, Chinese, Tagalog, Spanish, Slovakian and Portuguese.
Lt. John J. Galvin Council 133 in Greenfield, Mass., hosted a spaghetti dinner to benefit the De Labruere family. John De Labruere has become completely blind, and his wife, Deborah, must remain home caring for their three children, one of whom is autistic. More than 180 people attended the event, which raised nearly $3,600 for the family to help offset their many expenses.
INSPIRING SCHOLARSHIP
BACKPACK BUDDIES
San José de Agudo Council 12878 in Caloocan, Luzon, recognized two inspiring students at San José Elementary School who are homeless and often go to class without food or an allowance to buy meals. Determined to give them an opportunity to finish primary school, the Knights presented these students with a certificate to
Port Neches (Texas) Council 2461 provides ongoing support to the Southeast Texas Food Bank for its “Backpack Buddies” program, which provides backpacks full of food for at-risk children to eat on the weekends. Although the children in the Port Neches Independent School District often receive free meals at school, they
MULTILINGUAL ROSARY
Members of St. Dominic Council 3729 in New Orleans repair the fascia of a home damaged nine years ago by Hurricane Katrina as part of a Habitat for Humanity project titled “A Brush of Kindness.” Even though nearly a decade has passed since the storm, Knights are helping Habitat for Humanity assist homeowners whose properties were never sufficiently repaired after the storm.
purchase school supplies and are helping to facilitate scholarships for the students to attend high school.
Members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Assembly in Athens, Texas, traveled to the Dallas VA Medical Center to visit with veterans and deliver care items. Knights travel to the hospital quarterly to deliver items like coffee, creamer, toiletries, books, magazines and movies. PEWS MAINTAINED
San José de Zapotlán Council 3338 and its round table at San Pedro Church, both in Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico Central, undertook a project to maintain and repair the church’s 60 pews. Knights installed rubber feet on the kneelers to reduce noise and leveled the pews to prevent shifting. Council members donated about $200 in materials to complete the work.
Dave Orlando and Mike Hirsch of St. Luke the Evangelist Council 14895 in Indianapolis load donated food into a van for delivery to the St. Vincent de Paul Boulevard Place Food Pantry. Knights hosted a 40 Cans for Lent food drive that garnered 7,500 pounds of food for the pantry.
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION GROUNDSKEEPERS
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Council 15456 in Limerick, Pa., helped beautify the grounds of its parish. Knights grabbed some gloves and trash bags and walked the church grounds and surrounding streets to pick up trash. DIAPER DRIVE
Nativity Council 2976 in Laurel Springs, N.J., hosted a diaper drive that netted 2,310 diapers, 4,800 baby wipes and $1,280 in cash donations for the pro-life ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. TEMPORARY LODGINGS
Members of Leo Council 727 in Emporia, Kan., helped their pastor move
into an apartment and move extra furniture into a storage unit while the new rectory at Sacred Heart Church was being built. ROSARIES FOR STUDENTS
St. Dominic Savio Council 12457 in Edmonton, Alberta, purchased 500 rosaries for students at St. Dominic School. Knights were approached about the purchase because a teacher from the school wanted to teach the students how to pray the rosary. HONORING MARRIAGE
St. Peter Council 6735 in Merchantville, N.J., held a Mass and breakfast to honor council members who had been married 25 years or more. Each couple received a certificate commemorating the event. STATEWIDE PRAYER FOR PRIESTS
Members of River EastMother Teresa Council 14344 in Oregon, Ohio, raise a newly refurbished flagpole into place at the athletic fields at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School. Knights salvaged a flagpole from a church that had closed and arranged to have it moved, restored and placed at the school fields. Council members also donated much of the labor, tools and materials to complete the project.
St. John Vianney Council 7525 in South Burlington, Vt., organized its annual statewide day of prayer for the priests of Vermont. Begun in 2009 during the Year of the Priest, Council 7525 has kept the tradition alive ever since with recitation of the rosary and individual prayers for Vermont clergy. Seventeen councils from throughout the state joined the initiative, taking assigned time slots to pray.
A young pet owner holds her dog and the dog’s medical card at a vaccination event co-hosted by Banal Na Sakramento Council 8753 in Quezon City, Luzon, and the Catholic Women’s League. Knights offered vaccinations to parishioners who brought their dogs to the event.
Network of Care, they were able to secure another mobile home, but it didn’t have a wheelchair ramp. Knights stepped in to build a new ramp at the home, obtaining donated materials for the job and even managing to salvage the old ramp from the family’s first house for use at the new home’s back door. NICE AND TIDY
St. Joachim Council 15317 in Hayward, Calif., painted the front door, signage and benches at its parish in preparation for the blessing of the church’s renovated bell tower.
WHEELCHAIR RAMP
St. Susanna Council 10272 in Mason, Ohio, built a wheelchair ramp at the home of a girl with disabilities. Last November, a woman and her daughter lost their home and possessions when an explosion next door destroyed their mobile home. With help from the St. Susanna
CLAY SHOOTING
Phil Kelley Council 6878 in Humble, Texas, hosted a clay shooting sports tournament to raise funds for wounded veterans. The competition, which invited participants to shoot at flying clay targets, raised more than $7,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
A/V EQUIPMENT
Father Michael J. McGivney Council 5967 in Austin, Texas, donated $2,000 to purchase audio-visual equipment for the FertilityCare Center of Austin. FertilityCare is a nationwide group of clinics that teaches natural family planning to couples. Since the Austin center does not have a formal classroom, the funds were used to purchase tablet computers and projectors so that doctors can teach NFP on the road. RAMP FOR MONSIGNOR
St. Catherine Labouré Council 12811 in Harrisburg, Pa., purchased materials to construct and install a ramp for Msgr. Vincent J. Topper, a fellow council member who is 101 years old and uses a wheelchair. The ramp makes it possible for Msgr. Topper to leave the rectory safely to celebrate Mass.
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION
laert Council 3749 in Solano, Luzon, underwent training on how to provide rescue assistance and first aid during a disaster. As part of a disaster preparedness program, Knights are now equipped to respond in the face of a natural or manmade calamity. FEEDING PROGRAM
Fourth Degree Knights from throughout the region hold their swords aloft as Special Olympics athletes process into ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla., for the state summer games. Knights provided an honor guard for the opening ceremony and presented inspirational athlete and coaching awards at the end of the competition.
The Mississippi Knights of Columbus presented newly ordained priests Binh Nguyen and José de Jesús Sánchez of the Diocese of Jackson with a full set of vestments to help them as they begin their priestly ministry.
Members of Santa Barbara Council 5159 in Nueva Rosita, Mexico Northeast, mix concrete for the foundation of a community catechism center for the youth of San José Parish. A generous benefactor donated the land for the center, while Knights have donated 10,000 pesos worth of materials and volunteer hours toward the construction itself. 30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Five councils and one assembly raised more than $1,300 for this effort. Father Nguyen also received a chalice on behalf of the Knights. ROSARY RACK
In 2003, Charles Andrew Smith Council 7531 in Conway, S.C., built a rosary rack at its parish, the Church of St. James. In that time, Knights have continuously stocked the rack, providing more than 3,700 blessed rosaries to parishioners and visitors. The rack also holds “How to Pray the Rosary” cards in Spanish and English for those who need them. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
Our Lady of Grace Council 13243 in Palm Bay, Fla., hosted a seminar on hurricane preparedness that was open to parishioners and citizens. A representative from Brevard County Emergency Management spoke on hurricane myths, do’s and don’ts of hurricane preparation, evacuation routes, and emergency
contact information. The city’s Public Works Department also showed a video and spoke about the department’s duties and responsibilities during severe storms and emergencies.
COMMUNION BREAKFAST
St. Matthew Council 14360 in Norwalk, Conn., hosted a Communion breakfast for more than 140 guests. The
LANDSCAPE RENEWAL
Jubilee Council 3294 and St. Tarcisius Circle 5523, both in Flemington, N.J., assisted the Little Sisters of the Poor with a landscaping project designed to resolve an erosion issue at their retreat facility. After deer had eaten most of the vegetation on a steep slope adjacent to the main house, soil and runoff began to accumulate near the building. Members designed a new landscape plan with two varieties of juniper plants to resolve the issue. Knights and Squires also purchased, planted and fertilized 50 plants before covering them with deer netting. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Members of Father Waffe-
Jeff Clark of Christ the King Council 5004 in Groveland, Mass., installs new tongueand-groove paneling in the parish hall of St. Patrick Church. Knights undertook a restoration project at the hall by installing and staining new paneling and adding new baseboards. In addition to providing volunteer manpower for the project, Knights purchased all of the needed materials, saving the parish approximately $10,000.
UPPER LEFT: Photo by Randy Hale
OUTFITTING NEW PRIESTS
Risen Lord Council 13553 in Southville Subdivision, Luzon, hosted a feeding program for students at Turralba Elementary School. Knights provided a complete meal for 60 malnourished students. The council also donated a case of vitamins for students to take daily.
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION
EARNING STAR COUNCIL A 90-DAY PLAN The winners of the Star Council Award are the leaders of our Order in the areas of membership, insurance promotion and service programs. Your council still has time to qualify for this prestigious honor during the final months of the 2014-15 fraternal year. To be eligible for the Star Council Award, a council must qualify for the Father McGivney, Founders’ and Columbian awards. See kofc.org/star for more information. Members of Marquette Council 1437 in New Orleans look on as a girl tosses plastic crabs into a bucket at the council’s “crab toss” booth at the Special Olympics games. Knights operated the booth for athletes, friends and family members, awarding ribbons and prizes to those who participated.
event raised $953 for charity and featured a talk by Father Tom Elliott about how faith builds community. PATRIOTIC GOODS
Obispo Agustin Aleido Roman Assembly in Miami sold U.S. flags and patriotic T-shirts to benefit wounded veterans. Knights raised $520 for members of the armed forces who were harmed in the line of duty. WARRIORS FOR WARRIORS
The Rhode Island State Council co-sponsored a fundraiser with Okinawa Temple Karate Studio in Smithfield to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The day included demonstrations from studio members and students, as well as basic instruction in self-defense. The event raised $2,500 to support wounded veterans. PLEDGE MARKER
Tandang Sora Assembly in Quezon City, Luzon, do-
nated a marker with the Philippines Pledge of Allegiance to Placido del Mundo Elementary School. The marker, which was unveiled with the help of a Fourth Degree honor guard, sits at the base of the school’s flagpole. STAND DOWN EVENT
St. Thomas Aquinas Council 11497 in New Port Richey, Fla., donated $500 to and volunteered for three days at the Pasco County Stand Down event. The annual program helps homeless and at-risk veterans locate housing, jobs, healthcare and other benefits.
kofc.org exclusive See more “Knights in Action” reports and photos at www.kofc.org/ knightsinaction
STEP #1: THE COLUMBIAN AWARD Complete and submit the Columbian Award Application found in the Council Report Forms Booklet or at kofc.org/forms. Councils must conduct at least four major programs in each of the Service Program categories (Church, Community, Council, Family, Culture of Life and Youth) or a single featured program in each category. Review your council’s activities up to this point and see which areas still need to be completed. Your pastor can likely provide feedback on what service programs are needed in the parish that can be put together quickly, or inform you of existing programs that Knights can support. STEP #2: THE FATHER MCGIVNEY AWARD The Father McGivney Award is presented to councils that achieve their membership quotas. Councils that attain Star Council status and achieve 200 percent of their net gain goal will receive the Double Star Council Award; councils that achieve 300 percent will receive the Triple Star Award. Review how close your council is to meeting its quota and plan on recruiting some additional members in case you have an unexpected drop in membership. Challenge council officers to recruit at least one new member prior to June 30. Father’s Day and parish open houses are also great opportunities for recruiting. STEP #3: THE FOUNDERS’ AWARD To earn the Founders’ Award, your council needs to achieve its insurance membership quota. All membership and insurance transactions must be received, processed, recorded and released by June 30. Confirm with your council’s insurance agent that you’re close to or have already met your insurance quota. It’s a good idea to exceed your quota in case you have an unexpected drop in insurance members. Additionally, give your agent a platform at council meetings to speak about Knights of Columbus Insurance and the benefits of membership. Other insurance members can also offer testimony on K of C products.
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K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N
K OF C ITEMS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS
Building the K of C Family in Lithuania
IN THE UNITED STATES THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment 1-800-444-5632 • www.kofcsupplies.com LYNCH AND KELLY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-548-3890 • www.lynchkelly.com IN CANADA ROGER SAUVÉ INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-266-1211 • www.roger-sauve.com
JOIN THE FATHER MCGIVNEY GUILD
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Please enroll me in the Father McGivney Guild: NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP/POSTAL CODE Complete this coupon and mail to: The Father McGivney Guild, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or enroll online at: www.fathermcgivney.org
OFFICIAL APRIL 1, 2015: To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 06506-1492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, Place d’Armes Station, P.O. Box 220, Montreal, QC H2Y 3G7 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901.
COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. CANADIAN POSTMASTER — PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 50 MACINTOSH BOULEVARD, CONCORD, ONTARIO L4K 4P3 PHILIPPINES — FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL AT THE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIES TO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA.
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Members of St. Ignatius Council 15900 in Vilnius, Lithuania, stand with their booth at an archdiocesan “Family Expo.” The event afforded council members the opportunity to introduce the Knights to thousands of area Catholics and families.
WHEN THE ARCHDIOCESE of Vilnius in Lithuania hosted its firstever “Family Expo” at the Litexpo Exhibition and Conference Center in January, St. Ignatius Council 15900 was there to spread awareness of the Order and to educate attendees about how the Knights can strengthen the faith of Lithuanian Catholic men and their families. Archbishop Gintaras Linas Grušas of Vilnius, a member of Council 15900, was present at the event, which welcomed an estimated 10,000 people to the exhibition center floor. The Knights of Columbus — translated as Kolumbo Riteriai — manned a booth at the exhibit to hand out informational brochures and membership documents. Attendees were also able to meet with members of different parishes and apostolates; seek spiritual and social help from Catholic organizations; review the activities of other parishes; take part in discussions about faith and family; and meet with priests and consecrated religious. Supreme Treasurer Michael J. O’Connor also attended the expo to deliver a talk on the role of the family in the Knights of Columbus and in supporting the Church. After giving an overview of the Order’s history, O’Connor spoke about some of the local programming that councils can undertake. “We are honored to have been asked to present at such an amazing event,” said the supreme treasurer. “We are humbled by the vibrancy of the Catholic faith witnessed here today. And we are excited to be a part of the Lithuanian Catholic Church!” The exhibition concluded with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Grušas and a concert with both domestic and international musical guests. Since the Knights of Columbus expanded to Lithuania in 2013, Council 15900 has grown to include 45 members.
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K N I G H T S O F C O L UM B U S
Building a better world one council at a time Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.
TO
BE FEATURED HERE , SEND YOUR COUNCIL’ S
C OLUMBIA , 1 C OLUMBUS P LAZA , N EW
Members of Holy Apostles College and Seminary Council 15991 in Cromwell, Conn., stand outside of their school following the council’s first-ever second and third degree exemplification. Thirty-two priests, brothers and seminarians took the degree. Council 15991 was formed in 2014 after receiving special permission from the school’s rector, Basilian Father Douglas L. Mosey, who is also a member.
“K NIGHTS IN A CTION ” H AVEN , CT 06510-3326
PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO : OR E - MAIL : COLUMBIA @ KOFC . ORG .
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PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
K E E P T H E F A IT H A L I V E
‘JESUS CONTINUES TO ASK ME TO SAY ‘YES’ TO HIM.’
SISTER MARIA JOSEFA Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus St. Louis, Mo.
Photo by Sid Hastings
My parents had always made it a priority to instill Catholic values in the lives of my five siblings and me. We would go to Mass, pray and read about the saints together, and my parents made the sacrifice to send me to Catholic schools. My father and grandfather were both Knights of Columbus, and each year my whole family would join them to collect money for people with disabilities. Serving Christ and the Church was of the utmost importance. After my sophomore year of high school, a friend invited me to be a counselor at a camp sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, which served to help girls learn more about religious life. As a camp counselor, I felt God calling me to a deeper relationship with him and to discern his will for my own life. I began praying more and also grew closer to our Blessed Mother, asking her to bring me closer to Jesus. In the summer after college graduation, I entered the Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus. Although I have given Jesus my “yes” in entering religious life, he continues to ask me to say “yes” to him everyday.