Knights of Columbus

A group that I have belonged to since the early days of my Priesthood is the Knights of Columbus. This past week, I was watching the excellent coverage of the 130th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus on Salt and Light Television. My friend Chris, who works at Salt and Light, was involved in the broadcast of the “States Dinner” and so it drew my attention to the broadcast as I wanted to support my friend. However, my friend’s work ended up supporting me. The presentations by the Cardinals and Bishops, the reminders of the good work done by the Knights, and the scene of so many Knights from all parts of the world together, reminded me of why I am so proud to be a Knight.

This fraternal organization of men was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney (1852-1890) in New Haven, Connecticut. In a biography on his life entitled ‘Parish Priest’ he is described in this way: “Calm, mild mannered and dutiful, Father McGivney was known in Catholic circles around New England as a pure hearted reformer. There was by all accounts, something both stoic and angelic about his nature.” (Brinkley &Fenster xiii). When one looks at the valued and important contributions, spiritual and temporal, which the Knights of Columbus have made in the life of the Church, it is without doubt that his example of life must have influenced and generated that sense of calling within the thousands of men who are a part of this vital organization in the life of the Church.

 Father Michael McGivney, at the tender age of 25, called together members of his parish to form an organization who had a singular goal: “to unite the men of our faith throughout the Diocese of Hartford, that we may thereby gain strength to aide each other in times of sickness, to provide for decent burial, and to render pecuniary assistance to the families of deceased members” (p. 109 Brinkley & Fenster). The Knights of Columbus (as they came to be known in time) have gone on, to not only demonstrate faithfulness in that, but also supremacy in adherence to the underlying virtue behind their mandate: Righteousness. McGivney, who in 2008 was declared by Pope Benedict XVI as Venerable, lived his life as a Pastor focused daily on making these Champion Choices which lead to righteousness of heart, but also encouraging the men around him to do the same. To stand for truth, neither beg nor settle along the way, but to excel. Viva Jesus! These became words that were much more than a slogan for the Knights of Columbus, but the foundation, meaning and mission of the Order and McGivney’s life. To care for, look out for, be aware of, and strive to aid those in need; and in doing so make His Name known in truth and charity – to make Christ alive.

When Pope Benedict XVI spoke for the first time in the homily at his installation Mass he said, “The Church is alive — she is alive because Christ is alive, because He is truly risen” (Rome, 2005). We all have a responsibility to do this; but here again I wish to return to Father Michael McGivney and the witness that he gave in particular to men, and Fathers. The Second Vatican Council tells us that we should “look to Jesus Christ to find the meaning of human fulfilment. Christian the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his very high calling” (Gaudium et Spes, 22) The Christian father must look to Jesus Christ, for the meaning of human life and happiness. Turning to Christ we see a very different conception of happiness than that offered by our consumer culture. Together with his wife, in the bond of Christian Marriage, the father is called to be a prophet – the bearer of God’s message – a model of holiness to his children by fulfilling his obligation to teach them the Catholic faith. A uniquely powerful way he can do this is by his choices, by the determination of his priorities, by the living example of the love he has for his wife. Fatherhood is a mission and one that is unique and irreplaceable not only for beauty in the character, but also harmony in the home, order in the nation and peace in the world.

 In our own parish of St Mary of the Visitation, in the past two years, two of our men, members of Council 4916 (as I am also)  have been declared “Knight of the Year” for their virtous example. Our own community has a “Parish Table” of the Knights which we have dubbed “The Wize Guys”. This group is a gentle introduction to a fraternity among men with the hope of more formal membership in the Knights. The Wize Guys gather monthly for social time, but also to undertake activities which support the parish community and develop their own spiritual life. I encourage all men to consider being a part of the Wize Guys in our pairsh, but even more so encourage them to be a part of the Knights of Columbus - I know I am glad to be a Knight!