More than 12,000 Knights and family members attended the Order’s Jubilee Year Mass at the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. April 1, 2000.
AT WORK EVERYWHERE The Knights of Columbus has evolved over its 125-year history. Once an organization for ‘second-class citizens,’ its influence now ranges throughout the Church and society BY ARCHBISHOP DONALD WUERL OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
hen we look at today’s religious, cultural, educational and social landscape, we see the great change that has taken place in the lives of Catholics. The Knights of Columbus has played a significant leadership role in that transformation. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Knights of Columbus, I would like to highlight, from the perspective of the Archdiocese of Washington where it is my privilege to
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serve as chief shepherd of this faith-filled and vibrant flock, just a few examples that speak to the prominent place our Order has in enhancing Catholic life here and, by extension, to the wider world. MARIAN DEVOTION The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception stands in northeast Washington as a monument to the faith of American Catholics. It reflects visibly, pastorally
and spiritually the presence of the Knights of Columbus. The great bell tower, the 329-foot Knights’ Tower, was
completed in 1959. This gift from the Knights of Columbus proclaims the Order’s undying devotion to
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