IWKnights Corner for February 18, 2024

Did you know this about the IW Knights of Columbus? 

The following is Part 2 of 2 – a Q & A interview with Father Mykola Leskiv a chaplain of St. Benedict of Nursia Council 18045, based at the Roman Catholic Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Chervonohrad, Ukraine. He helped to establish a Knights of Columbus council at the parish about two years ago, not long before Russia invaded the country.

In these difficult times in which Ukraine is at war, what is most important to you and the people you serve?

FATHER MYKOLA LESKIV: If we speak about spiritual matters, what seems the most important to me is prayer. With the Knights from my parish, we engage in intense prayer, particularly the rosary. I have heard many testimonies about the fruitfulness of such prayers. One of our soldiers, who died later in battle, said to us something very significant: “You pray here, but your prayers take effect there, on the frontline — and we feel your prayers and your support.” Prayer is indeed the greatest gift we can receive. We witnessed a lot of signs when we were in Kherson for instance: We were able to talk with the priests living there, and they told us how God works in their lives — how tangible is his presence, and clear are his words.

What is the main activity of your council right now?

FATHER MYKOLA: Our council concentrates on humanitarian aid. We distributed supplies in Kherson and more widely in the Kherson oblast in south Ukraine. For instance, in Lyubymivka we visited the residents and provided them with support from the Knights. We also distributed wheelchairs to nursing homes and to veterans in Chervonohrad and Leshkiv, north of Lviv. We want to help these people somehow. We also support refugees in Chervonohrad, to whom we distributed help from the Knights. We are trying to lessen the suffering of people who are going through the tragedy of war.

What is your priority in regard to your work with the Knights of Columbus?

FATHER MYKOLA: I think the priority is for brother Knights in our council to consolidate their calling as Knights. It’s very important to create a strong group of Catholic men who will feel truly responsible for their mission, who will bring not only humanitarian help, but also a witness of a normal Christian, Catholic life. This is the priority. If we achieve this, if we can create a council of men with unwavering faith and ready to put their faith into action, this will be our greatest success. Because then, all the rest will follow.

What changes do you see in the men who have joined the Knights of Columbus?

FATHER MYKOLA: I do see a change in them! Thank God I see it, and I’m very happy about that. When they took oath and wore baldrics, they became more responsible. Before, some of them came to Mass once every while, sometimes late. Now they come every week, and even before time, as they are part of the liturgical service. They help me whenever something is needed in the parish and in the church. So I’m happy to see a lot of change — and it is good change.

The link to this article – which includes the 2^nd part of The Fruits of the Faith
Q & A article can be found in the Friday Flocknotes, IWKnights9981.com/bulletin, facebook.com/IWknights9981 or twitter.com/IWknights.