Among the active church-based groups in our diocese is the Knights of Columbus, of which I am a proud member. In my office I prominently display both the traditional Knights of Columbus sword, which was presented to me on the occasion of my fourth degree, and the former elegant and distinctive plumed chapeau, which unfortunately has been replaced by a beret.
Throughout my years of episcopal ministry in the diocese a Knights of Columbus color guard has accompanied me at each celebration of the major diocesan liturgies and at each celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation of which there have been hundreds. Their presence adds a solemnity to the liturgy. I delight watching the reactions of the young confirmandi when the Knights in full regalia process during the ceremony.
God bless their commitment to our church and to this bishop. A pastor knows he can always depend on the assistance of Knights for whatever need he has. Their generosity to our priests, religious women and our seminarians is exceptional. They are truly a blessing to this local church. They are good Catholics and good Americans, which was the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney when he created the Knights of Columbus.
Last weekend, on October 31st, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael McGivney, was beatified. This step brings him closer to being canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church. Through his intercession, a miracle occurred involving an unborn child who, in 2015, was healed in utero of a life-threatening disease. The child’s family prayed to Father McGivney. That child is now five years old. This miracle has been verified.
Blessed Michael McGivney continues to inspire the Knights of Columbus. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said at the announcement of the beatification: “Father McGivney has inspired generations of Catholic men to roll up their sleeves and put their faith into action.”
Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 at Saint Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut in order to assist his parishioners who were facing financial difficulties due to the illness or death of the breadwinner. Many were poor immigrants who struggled when the head of the household, the “bread winner,” died. There were neither government nor social resources available to give them aid. Blessed Michael McGivney understood that as his parishioners humanly suffered, they also suffered spiritually. Charity, Unity and Fraternity, the principles of the Order, were the response of their parish priest who assisted them by providing for their needs. He understood the connection between spiritual peace and human peace.
Blessed Michael McGivney pray for us; especially for our Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Camden. May your beatification renew them in the principles of the Order: Charity, Unity and Fraternity. May the Knights of Columbus continue to grow and through its many ministries reach out spiritually and humanly to all women and men. VIVAT JESUS!
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden