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Kendrick Castillo Posthumously Named a Knight, Awarded Caritas Medal
through their role in the secular world. ‌ The Knights of Columbus magnificently fulfils Newman’s vision of the laity, working in harmony with the bishops and the priests, actively engaged in winning the world for Christ. ‌ Newman could see plenty of corruption and incompetence in the Catholic Church. But despite all that, he never regretted his decision to become a Catholic, which was made not because he admired Catholics, but because he realized that the Catholic faith is true. That is another thing that we should learn from Newman: our life as Catholic Christians does not depend on the goodness or the intelligence or the integrity of our fellow Catholics, including priests and bishops. Though most of them are faithful, they have sometimes been a disgrace. No, we depend upon Jesus Christ, and the Church which he established, in which he comes to us in word and sacrament, and the faith which it professes, which leads us home to the heavenly Jerusalem. — Cardinal Thomas C. Collins, archbishop of Toronto, keynote address at States Dinner, Aug. 6
AN 18-YEAR-OLD student who gave his life to save his classmates during a shooting at his Denver high school was posthumously named a Knight of Columbus and also awarded the Caritas Medal at the Supreme Convention Aug. 6. Kendrick Castillo, who grew up volunteering with his father, John, and other members of Southwest Denver Council 4844, planned to join the Order after graduating from high school. He was killed May 7 when he charged a shooter at STEM School Highlands Ranch; his courageous act helped disarm the gunman and prevent other fatalities. Recounting Kendrick’s generosity and heroic witness, Supreme Knight Anderson did something unprecedented — he proposed granting him membership in the Order during his annual report (see page 31).
The delegates resoundingly affirmed the proposal. Later that day, John and Maria Castillo accepted the Caritas Medal on their son’s behalf at the States Dinner. The award was established in 2013 to recognize “exemplary works of charityâ€? and includes a medal featuring an image of the Good Samaritan; Kendrick is the fourth recipient. “This award recognizes those who most profoundly embrace our Order’s principle of charity,â€? the supreme knight said. “Kendrick lived — and died — by this principle.â€? John Castillo said of his son, “He was a selfless individual who cared about other people. All of the Knights here tonight have a part in that. ‌ Our Knights community had a lot to do with Kendrick’s upbringing — men of faith, charity, honesty, caring for the weak.â€?♌
Above: John Castillo speaks after he and his wife, Maria, accept the Caritas Medal on behalf of their late son. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and Supreme Chaplain William Lori presented the medal, the Order’s second-highest honor. • Top left: The host delegation (foreground) waves the Minnesota flag as Knights and family members display their state flags and sing during the States Dinner Aug. 6. OCTOBER 2019
♌ COLUMBIA ♌