IWKnights Corner for December 18, 2022

Did you know this about the IW Knights of Columbus? 

We turn again Pope St. John Paul II's words to the Knights of Columbus.  “From his election in 1978 until his death in 2005, Pope John Paul II addressed more than two dozen messages to the Knights of Columbus.  From speaking to the K of C Board of Directors to sending letters to the annual Supreme Convention, the pope’s words were often characterized by appreciation and admiration for the Order’s work, as well as by reflections about its mission in the Church and the world today."  Over the next several weeks we will review a number of these messages.

"A particularly critical concern in the Church today is the well being of the family.  While we can take heart that many families are vital and strong and are the channels of many graces and blessings, no one is unaware of the numerous threats to family life which arise in contemporary society.  As the Church seeks to respond to the needs of married couples and families, she depends to a great extent on organizations such as the Knights of Columbus to meet the urgent problems and pressing needs, to protect and to promote family values.  I am aware of the many programs which you have already undertaken in this regard. … I offer you my grateful support and encourage you never to lose heart.  For the family is the basics cell of human society.  Upon it depends the stability and health of our communities, and even the future of the world."|
— Message to 104th Supreme Convention, Chicago, Ill., 1986

"For more than a hundred years the Knights of Columbus have distinguished themselves by their love for Christ and loyalty to the Church, by their service to the poor and needy, by their defense of the handicapped and unborn and by their strong support of family life. You stand forth as a shining example of the role of the laity in the life and mission of the Church. The financing of the repair and maintenance of the façade of Saint Peter’s Basilica and the colossal statues above is yet one more symbol of the dedicated spirit of your esteemed organization and of your devotion and fidelity to the successor of St. Peter."
— John Paul II’s speech during ceremony for the completion of renovations on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, Feb. 23, 1987

"The Knights of Columbus are an excellent example of the contribution which the laity can make by working together. The manner of good works that you perform yourselves are further multiplied by those which you inspire in others.  In this way you are being faithful to a serious command … 'Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father'” (Mt 5:16).
— Message to 105th Supreme Convention, New Orleans, La., 1987

"By reason of your Order’s distinguished record of concern for the poor, the disadvantaged and the unborn in particular, I am confident that the Knights of Columbus will continue to be in the forefront of the Church’s efforts to promote a 'culture of life' (cf. Centesimus Annus, 39), one which fully respects the spiritual dimension of human existence and the sublime dignity of each individual, created in the image of God and destined for eternal life in Christ."
— Message to 109th Supreme Convention, St. Louis, July 4, 1991

  The above article can be found in the KofC’s Columbia On-Line magazine at KofC.org – or on IWKnights9981.com/bulletin, on facebook.com/IWknights9981, and on Twitter at twitter.com/IwKnights or by contacting Rob Schultz at (314) 973-2373.

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