Knights of Columbus Council 12886

Dedicated to Service and Training
Our field force is among the best in the industry and our agents work hard to maintain that standard. They know the task they perform is the direct fulfillment of Father McGivney’s vision, a charge they take very seriously as Catholic gentlemen.

Giving Hope to Haiti‘s Children
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Assisting our neighbors in Haiti reflects the call to respond with charity to those in need

Author: Mother Teresa Still Teaches Us How to Love
Years after her death, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta still teaches us how to love by her words and humble example, says author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle.

100th anniversary of Mother Teresa‘s Birth
The Knights of Columbus Museum will observe the 100th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s birth on Aug. 26.

Knights to Pray Worldwide Rosary of Guadalupan Love
Knights of Columbus and their families around the world will unite under the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe to pray the Rosary of Guadalupan Love on Sept. 8, the Universal Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Moure to Become Supreme Secretary, Maurer Will be Supreme Treasurer
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson today announced several significant changes in the top leadership of the 1.8 million member Knights of Columbus, effective on Sept. 1. Emilio B. Moure, who currently serves as supreme treasurer, will become supreme secretary upon the retirement of Supreme Secretary Donald R. Kehoe at the end of August. Charles E. Maurer Jr., who was appointed assistant supreme treasurer by the Board of Directors at its meeting on July 31, will become supreme treasurer.

Knights of Columbus Honor Maryland Family as International Family of the Year
family from Snow Hill, Md. was honored today as the “International Family of the Year” by the Knights of Columbus, at the organization’s annual convention in Washington. The presentation of the award to Terrance and Alison Tinker was the highlight of a program in which awards were also given to the best council programs in six categories: church, community, council, family, pro-life and youth.

Memorial Mass Marks Faith of Knights
Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori presided over the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the souls of all deceased Knights this morning for the conclusion of the 128th Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C.

The Church Needs the Knights
Knights of Columbus should consider themselves to be the successors of the 72 disciples whom Jesus sent out to proclaim the kingdom of God, Cardinal Justin Rigali said in his homily for the convention Mass on Wednesday morning.

‘Hope for Haiti‘ Highlights Annual Report
Amid the splendor of “America’s Church,” and with a long Fourth Degree honor guard processing beneath the Knights Tower and the Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome, the 128th Supreme Convention officially opened in the nation’s capital with a concelebrated Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Convention Opens with Joyous Mass
Amid the splendor of “America’s Church,” and with a long Fourth Degree honor guard processing beneath the Knights Tower and the Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome, the 128th Supreme Convention officially opened in the nation’s capital with a concelebrated Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Vital Role of Chaplains Outlined in Meeting
Chaplains meeting at the 128th Supreme Convention in Washington D.C.

Ideas Shared at Membership Seminar
The accumulated knowledge of Knights of Columbus leaders was put to work at the Membership Seminar on Monday morning, when board members, vice presidents, state deputies, district deputies and convention delegates gathered to share best practices and success stories, as well as problems and roadblocks in recruiting and retaining members.

Knights Gather in Washington
Once again, Washington, D.C., the city whose memorials, museums and public spaces enshrine the history of the United States, is host to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention.

By Their Works
By Their Works: Profiles of Men of Faith is available from bookstores and online booksellers. The book, covering the 124-year history of the Order, is a lively look at the lives of 65 men whose lives and faith were influenced by their Knights of Columbus membership.

In Service to One, in Service to All
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
The phrase “In service to one, in service to all” has long been a motto of the Knights of Columbus.

Fostering International Relations
Throughout is history, the Knights of Columbus has played an important role in supporting and advancing diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See.

Defense of Marriage Act
Statement on a Massachusetts federal court ruling that found the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional

Special Olympics
For more than 40 years, the Knights of Columbus has been at the forefront of support for the Special Olympics. Members of the Knights of Columbus will be prominent among the volunteers at the Special Olympics National Games in Nebraska, July 17-24.

Fortune 1000
In addition to being the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world, the Knights of Columbus ranks among Fortune magazine�s Top 1000 Companies in America

Knights in Charity
Whether they are building a handicapped accessible deck for a disabled young woman, painting the Ronald McDonald House of Central New York or landscaping the front of a neighborhood church, Knights are continuing their 128 year tradition of service.

It All Begins with Prayer
Mother Teresa knew that supplying poor families with rice and medicine was not enough. Rather, she worked to feed their spiritual hunger and to heal their souls. It was as if the lessons from her childhood home became a missionary mandate. As she said so often, "It all begins with prayer."

Independence Days
Independence Days are typically celebrated with public displays of patriotism, including parades, picnics, fireworks displays and speeches at civic events and members of the Patriotic Degree of the Knights of Columbus (the Fourth Degree) will often be found turning out in full regalia at these ceremonies.

Citation from the U.S. Air Force
Master Sgt. Patrick Narango of the Kandahar Airfield Round Table in Afghanistan received a citation from the U.S. Air Force for his role in the round table’s charitable outreach.

Food For Families
Hunger knows no season. While many people think of the winter holidays when they consider the need for food drives, there is a yearlong necessity for donations to food banks and soup kitchens provide food for families in need.

Our Pilgrimage of Faith
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
As we journey toward eternity with God, we are called to witness to charity, unity and fraternity in Christ.

Standard and Poor's and A.M. Best Renew Top Ratings for Knights of Columbus
Two of the world's largest rating agencies, Standard and Poor's and A.M. Best, have affirmed their top financial strength ratings for the Knights of Columbus.

Pilgrimage to Rome
From June 7-13, 2010, more than 65 priests and several bishops joined Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and other supreme officers in Rome to celebrate the conclusion of the Year for Priests.

Capt Alfredo Fuentes
On April 25, retired New York City Fire Captain, Alfredo Fuentes, received his Fourth Degree at Immaculate Conception Council 11449 in Astoria, N.Y., along with 75 other candidates.

Knights of Columbus Sets New records for Charitable Contributions
The Knights of Columbus announced that it set new all-time records for charitable donations and volunteer service hours in 2009.

‘To be a Pilgrim Today is Also to be an Evangelist and Patriot,’ Supreme Knight Tells Huge Crowd
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson joined an estimated 100,000 pilgrims at the annual Pilgrimage of Men and Youths to the Shrine of Our Lady of Piekary Slaskie in southern Poland. In remarks at the end of the Sunday Mass, Anderson recalled the great truth taught by Pope John Paul II: “To be human is to be a pilgrim, constantly drawn to the Father, by the Father’s love.

Received and Given
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
When we show charity to those most in need, we become instruments of grace and participate in God’s creative love.

Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Message Rich in History and Meaning.
The Knights of Columbus Museum’s “Guadalupe” exhibit is scheduled to close June 6.

Seminarians Honor Father McGivney
Young men studying for the Catholic priesthood at the oldest seminary in the United States, Saint Mary’s in Baltimore, Md., recently honored one of the school’s most well-known and highly regarded alums: Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. As part of the Year for Priests observance, the seminarians, with the permission and cooperation of their rector, raised funds for a life-size bronze bust of Father McGivney.

March for Life in Canada
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie joined tens of thousands of Canadians on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill May 13 to participate in the country’s national March for Life. The annual demonstration brought together Knights, Catholics and other pro-lifers for a day of prayer and advocacy as well as mutual support and encouragement.

A Moving Tribute
Bob Wolf of Father Timothy P. Molony Council 2681 in Scottsbluff, Neb., along with Pat Mracek of Hay Springs and a legion of supporters, were instrumental in getting the state to issue Gold Star Family license plates — special plates that commemorate loved ones killed while on active duty in the U.S. military.

Knights of Columbus Membership Tops 1.8 million
The Knights of Columbus passed a significant milestone on April 30, 2010, when its membership exceeded 1.8 million.

‘A Work of Love’
Sister Nirmala Joshi, Mother Teresa’s successor as superior general of the Missionaries of Charity, made a visit to the Knights of Columbus Museum May 5. Sister Nirmala, who served as superior general from 1997 to 2009, was accompanied by several members of her religious order in viewing the Museum’s current exhibition, Mother Teresa: Life, Spirituality and Message.

My Brother’s Keeper
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Charity and unity, not selfishness and relativism, provide the basis for economic stability.

Supreme Knight Visits Military Knights in Japan
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
For the first time since Yokosuka Council 12488 was established in 1999 on the American Naval Base in Japan, a Supreme Knight has visited the Military Knights of the Far East.

‘Will We Do More?’ Supreme Knight Asks at 8th Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention
After Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotobato (Mindanao) delivered his convention address April 17 on the fraternal aspect on charity, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson stood to deliver an impromptu response, urging Filipino Knights to answer the call of the hierarchy to do more as laymen.

Volunteerism: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Volunteerism: Neighbors Helping Neighbors By: Most Rev. Rodolfo F. Beltran, Ph.D, D.D. Apostolic Vicar- Bontoc Lagawe

Homily on the 8th Knights of Columbus National Convention
Homily on the 8th Knights of Columbus National Convention April 17, 2010 Lahug, Cebu City Theme: Volunteerism: Neighbors helping Neighbors

Address by Bishop Julito Cortes, at the 8th National Convention of Knights in the Philippines
Reflections on Volunteerism - Neighbors helping neighbors. Homily given during the Marian Hour at the 8th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus, Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City, April 17, 2010, By Bishop Julito Cortes, Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu.

Address by Hon. Hilario G. Davide Jr. at the 8th National Convention of Knights in the Philippines
Keynote Address of Hon. Hilario G. Davide Jr., former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and former Permanent Observer of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations - 8th National Convention Knights of Columbus in the Philippines

Supreme Knight’s Keynote at 8th Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention
The opening Mass for the eighth Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention was offered April 16 by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, an elegant colonial baroque structure that is rich in history.

Homily of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal at 8th Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention
The opening Mass for the eighth Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention was offered April 16 by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, an elegant colonial baroque structure that is rich in history.

First College Council Celebrates 100 Years
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Notre Dame Council 1477, the Order’s first college council, commemorated its centennial Monday, April 12, with a Mass, dinner and lecture at the university’s campus in South Bend, Ind.

8th Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention Opens with Mass in Cebu Cathedral
The opening Mass for the eighth Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention was offered April 16 by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, an elegant colonial baroque structure that is rich in history.

Supreme Knight Arrives for 8th Knights of Columbus Philippine National Convention
With a Fourth Degree honor guard standing in formation to greet him at the airport and a local college band playing traditional Filipino tunes, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson arrived April 15 at Cebu International Airport, in the Visayas region, for his second visit to the Philippines.

Statement by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson on the Death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski
Resolution by Knights of Columbus Board of Directors Concerning the Crash of a Plane Carrying Polish President Lech Kaczynski

Resolution for Supreme Chaplain William E. Lori
Resolution by Knights of Columbus Board of Directors honoring Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., supreme chaplain.

Board of Directors Expresses Solidarity with Poland
Resolution by Knights of Columbus Board of Directors Concerning the Crash of a Plane Carrying Polish President Lech Kaczynski

‘Haiti is Not Alone’
During a visit to Haiti only five days after a Jan. 12 earthquake devastated that country, Father Yves François, director of vocations for the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., saw unimaginable h u m a n suffering and destruction. Father François, a native of Haiti, was bringing nine suitcases full about $70,000 worth of medical supplies collected by members of Palm Beach Gardens Council 6988 in West Palm Beach,

Archbishop José Gomez Will be New Archbishop of Los Angeles
On Tuesday, April 6, 2010, the Vatican announced that San Antonio Archbishop José Gomez has been named coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles, and will succeed Cardinal Roger Mahony upon his retirement next February.

Living the New Evangelization
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
During the season of Lent, many dioceses, parishes and Catholic organizations run programs to bring lapsed Catholics back to the Church. Such programs are to be applauded.

Founder’s Day Homily
My dear friends, it is sometimes the case that Founders’ Day falls during Holy Week and we are fortunate that it does so again this year. The liturgy of Holy Week draws us closer spiritually to our Founder who, in this very church of St. Mary, preached the mysteries of redemption to his parishioners and to his beloved Knights of Columbus. From the pulpit of this church, “that voice” – the clarion voice of a young, dynamic curate – rang out in proclaiming the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection. We can so easily envision the throngs of people who filled this parish church to hear Father McGivney preach and to see him celebrate the Church’s sacred rites – the solemn entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Good Friday Service, and the sacred re-presentation of the Lord’s glorious Resurrection.

House Votes for Health Care Reform without Abortion Funding Ban
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Sunday evening to pass the Senate version of Health Care Reform legislation after the President agreed to sign an Executive Order dealing with abortion funding. More here.

Decision on Abortion Funding is Only Hours Away
The health care debate has now reached its final and most critical stage, with final votes expected by March 19th. The White House and Congressional leaders are fast-tracking health care legislation through a rare parliamentary maneuver known as “reconciliation.”

9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Constitutionality of 'under God’ in Pledge
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the words “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance “do not violate the Establishment Clause” of the First Amendment to the Constitution.

The Spiritual Side of the Suffering in Haiti
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
The Cross of Christ inspires consolation and charity amid tragedy

Knights of Columbus Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims Now Over $500,000
At its quarterly meeting on Feb. 6, the Supreme Board of Directors voted to donate $150,000 for the purchase of 1,000 wheelchairs for distribution to those whose limbs have been amputated or have otherwise become disabled in Haiti.

Brother André Bessette, Humble Son of Quebec, to Become a Saint
Les Chevaliers de Colomb partagent la joie du Canada à la nouvelle de la reconnaissance du miracle concernant la cause de canonisation du bienheureux frère André Bessette.

New Survey of Young Catholics Shows Promise and Challenges for the Catholic Church
Religious attitudes of young Americans, and young Catholics holds both promise and challenges for the Catholic Church according to the results of a new Knights of Columbus/Marist Poll.

A Strong Shield
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Inspired by Catholic values, Knights of Columbus Insurance continues to protect the financial future of families.

Knights deliver 100,000 more prayerbooks to Military Archdiocese
Knights of Columbus, including Military Affairs Director Charles Gallina and DC area college Knights, delivered a shipment of an additional 100,000 copies of the Order's prayerbook for those serving in the American military on Saturday, January 30.

Americans - and Millennials - Lack Confidence in Government and Wall Street on Economy
A new national poll finds a crisis of confidence on economic issues among Americans – and younger Americans (those 18-29) – alike.

Knights a Big Part of Annual March for Life in Washington
Washington’s annual March for Life began on January 22, 2010. Thousands of members of the Knights of Columbus, young and old alike, were among those who listened to speakers at a rally preceding the march on the Mall.

Majority of Americans, and Nearly 6 in 10 Young Adults, View Abortion as Morally Wrong
On the eve of the 37th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout the United States, a new survey shows a strong majority of Americans believe abortion to be “morally wrong." “Millennials” (those 18-29) consider abortion to be “morally wrong” even more (58%) than Baby Boomers (those 45-64) (51%). Generation X (those 30-44) are similar to Millennials (60% see abortion as “morally wrong”). More than 6 in 10 of the Greatest Generation (those 65+) feel the same.

U.S. Knights Urged to Oppose Abortion
Both the House and the Senate approved versions of health care reform legislation before leaving Washington for a Christmas break. A House-Senate conference committee will negotiate a single version of the bill upon their return this month (the House returns on January 12 and the Senate returns on January 19

Health Care, Politicians and Catholic Conscience
The attempt of some legislators to impose mandatory support of abortion on taxpayers is illogical

The 50th Run of the Silver Rose
After Hand-Off on the Mexico-US Border, the Final of Leg of the 50th “Running of the Silver Rose” Begins

Health Care, Politicians and the Catholic Conscience
For decades, Americans have been subjected to the arguments of certain Catholic politicians who argued that while "personally opposed" to unjust policies like abortion, they were nonetheless unwilling to "impose" that view on the rest of the country.

The Catholic Hemisphere
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe unites the American continent in a common bond of faith

'Food for Families'
Knights of Columbus Announces $1 Million for U.S. and Canadian ‘Food for Families’ Program.

Knights Celebrate National Shrine’s 50th anniversary
Knights celebrate National Shrine’s 50th anniversary

Coats for Kids
On Saturday, Nov. 21, in Pittsburgh and four locations across Michigan, the Knights of Columbus will conduct the first of this year’s Coats for Kids distributions. The initiative is part of the Order’s Help a Child in Need campaign.

Ethical Business Decisions: Pope Benedict’s Blueprint for Economic Justice
On Sunday, November 8, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson addressed a gathering of business leaders and professionals at Fairfield University. His keynote presentation was centered on the recent social encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, and its relevance for attendees and their companies. The event was cosponsored by Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life and the Fairfield County Chapter of Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice. Preceding the presentation, Supreme Chaplain, Bishop William Lori, celebrated a Mass for the participants in Fairfield University's Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Christian Conscience and the Future of Politics
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Christian roots are the key to true freedom.

Supreme Knight Receives Rome’s ‘Lupa Capitolina’ Award
In honor of nearly 90 years of service by the Knights of Columbus in Rome, the city will honor the head of the Knights of Columbus with its ‘Lupa Capitolina’ award this week. Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knights of the Knights of Columbus, will receive the honor from Rome’s mayor, Gianni Alemanno, on Wednesday, October 28, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Campidoglio.

Knights Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of Pro-life Retreat Center with New Stained-glass Window
The Knights of Columbus, together with the Sisters of Life, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the dedication of Villa Maria Guadalupe, an international pro-life retreat center. In addition to a votive Mass to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a new stained glass window of the Virgin of Tepeyac was unveiled and dedicated.

Election of Officers, Installation of New Directors in San Antonio
Members of the Supreme Board of Directors elected officers for the coming year and installed new board members at their quarterly meeting in San Antonio, Texas on October 9. Reelected to new one-year terms were Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis Savoie, Supreme Secretary Donald Kehoe, Supreme Advocate John Marrella, Supreme Chaplain Bishop William Lori and Supreme Warden Meclea “Mickey” Casavant. Supreme Treasurer John O’Reilly, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 next year, chose not to seek reelection, and Emilio Moure, Past State Deputy of California, was elected the new Supreme Treasurer.

Federal Court Victory in Pledge of Allegiance Case
The Knights of Columbus scored an important victory in federal court in New Hampshire on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when U.S. District Judge Steven McAuliffe upheld the constitutionality of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Knights Mobilize to Help Flood Victims
The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has sent an emergency donation of $50,000 to the Philippines to help in efforts to recover from record flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana (known locally as Typhoon Ondoy).

La Virgen 'Calls us to love all,' Says Supreme Knight
The leader of the world's largest Catholic lay service organization called upon Catholic Angelenos to embrace the message of love embodied by Our Lady of Guadalupe, during the fifth annual Los Angeles Catholic Prayer Breakfast Sept. 15.

Statement by Carl Anderson on His Appointment to the Board of Superintendence of the IOR
Statement by Carl Anderson on His Appointment to the Board of Superintendence of the IOR

Called to Love: A Common Vocation, an Uncommon Joy
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Speech at Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious Eucharistic Congress

Thousands Gather for Guadalupe Celebration
Knights of Columbus, one of the nation's most active volunteer service organizations - and the world's largest lay Catholic organization - will air a unique 60-second 9/11 tribute ad during NBC-TV's broadcast of the inaugural game of the NFL's 2009 season on Thursday night, Sept. 10.

Knights of Columbus Promotes Volunteerism in 9/11 Tribute Ad
Knights of Columbus, one of the nation's most active volunteer service organizations - and the world's largest lay Catholic organization - will air a unique 60-second 9/11 tribute ad during NBC-TV's broadcast of the inaugural game of the NFL's 2009 season on Thursday night, Sept. 10.

A Season of Hope
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Whereas consumerism brings anxiety and restlessness, with Christ’s birth comes the gift of hope.

'Each Encounter with Those in Need is an Opportunity to Create a Civilization of Love'
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson spoke Aug. 28 at the annual gathering of Communion and Liberation, telling them the story of birth and growth of the Knights of Columbus, emphasizing the group’s devotion to charity. “Each encounter with those in need is actually an opportunity to create a civilization of love, one person, one act at a time,” Anderson said.

Supreme Knight's Statement on the Death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who co-founded Special Olympics with her husband (and Knight of Columbus) Sargent Shriver, died on August 11. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson praised her "personal dedication to transforming society's view of people with intellectual disabilities," and said that she "inspired generations of Knights and their families to volunteer millions of hours of their time to this unique approach to affirming the fundamental human dignity of every person."

Knights of Columbus Holds Congress on Our Lady of Guadalupe
The largest Catholic celebration of the year in the Phoenix area drew a enthusiastic crowd of 20,000 to Jobing.com Arena, Saturday afternoon. An international array of performers including Alexander Acha, Irish Singer Dana, and Filippa Giordano inspired the crowd with musical tributes to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Thousands Gather to Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe in Phoenix Area
The largest Catholic celebration of the year in the Phoenix area drew a enthusiastic crowd of 20,000 to Jobing.com Arena, Saturday afternoon. An international array of performers including Alexander Acha, Irish Singer Dana, and Filippa Giordano inspired the crowd with musical tributes to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Opening Session of the Marian Congress Draws Thousands
Delegados de las 72 jurisdicciones en que se organizan los 1.78 millones de miembros de The appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego was a pivotal moment that changed the history of an entire hemisphere, said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, delivering the first presentation of the Knights of Columbus Marian Congress in Phoenix.

The Silver Rose Arrives in Phoenix
For 50 years, the Knights of Columbus has sponsored the Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose Program to honor the Blessed Virgin under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of America. The purpose of the Running of the Silver Rose is to honor our Lady of Guadalupe and to reaffirm our commitment to the sanctity of life.

True Charity
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
The pope’s new encyclical illuminates the great commandments of love.

Supreme Knight Hopeful about Pope-President Meeting
Knights of Columbus leader Carl Anderson has expressed his hopes that the meeting between U.S. President Obama and Pope Benedict XVI this Friday will be a "wonderful opportunity" for sharing the Catholic faith. In an interview with CNA, Anderson said that the meeting will be a chance for the Pontiff to clearly explain Church teaching on a wide range of topics. "I think it is always a wonderful opportunity when a Head of State meets with the Holy Father," Anderson told CNA. "Obviously, the relationship between the United States and the Vatican is very important, is very complex," he noted.

Statement by Supreme Knight Anderson on Meeting Between Pope Benedict and President Obama
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
The speculation over what the pope and president would discuss, and whether or not abortion would be center stage has been answered affirmatively. As the Vatican’s statement makes clear “the conversation turned first of all” to “the defense and promotion of life, and the right to abide by one’s conscience.

New Poll Shows Americans Continuing to Move Toward Pro-Life Position on Abortion
The American people continue to move to the pro-life perspective on abortion according to the latest Moral Compass survey by the Knights of Columbus and Marist Poll.

New Encyclical Issues Renewed Look at Ethics in Economic and Social Affairs
Pope Benedict XVI issued an encyclical letter July 7 that calls for an ethical, principled approach to economic and social responsibilities. The document, entitled Caritas in Veritate (Love in Truth), addressed not only to Catholics but to “all people of good will,” deals with a variety of modern cultural issues. Its underlying message, however, is a renewed exhortation of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Holy Father reminds readers at the outset that love, or charity, “rejoices in the truth” and “is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace.”

Things We Can All Agree On
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Americans are increasingly at odds with the regime of Roe v. Wade.

A Great Spiritual Gift
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
On Palm Sunday, many of us awoke to the news that the Vatican had declared our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be a “Venerable Servant of God.” In other words, the Holy Father had determined that Father McGivney indeed lived a life of heroic virtue.

Knights Mourn Death of U.S. Army Chaplain and Knight
The Knights of Columbus mourn the death of Father H. Timothy Vakoc, a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis who died June 20. Father Vakoc was the first Army chaplain to be gravely injured in the Iraq War. A 31-year member of the Order, Father Vakoc belonged Father William Blum to Council 3656 in New Hope, Minn., and Nicollet Assembly 526 in Minneapolis.

Knights of Columbus Insurance Receives Highest Ratings
For the 14th consecutive year, Standard & Poor’s has given the Knights of Columbus its highest rating, AAA (Extremely Strong). In addition, for the 31st consecutive year, A.M. Best Company has given the Knights of Columbus its highest rating, A++ (Superior).

Knights of Columbus Sets New Records for Annual Financial Contributions and Volunteer Service
The Knights of Columbus announced June 12 that it set new all-time records for charitable donations and volunteer service hours in 2008. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson released the results of the Order’s annual survey in a presentation to its board of directors and state leaders, meeting at its international headquarters in New Haven.

State Deputies Gathered in New Haven
New and returning state deputies met at the Supreme Headquarters at the annual gathering of the Order's top leadership just prior to the beginning of the new fraternal year on July 1.

Discussion on 'Called to Love'
The live online discussion on Called to Love, the new book by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and Father José Granados was held on June 3. Called to Love examines the tremendous gift that Pope John Paul II offered through his “theology of the body,” a rich presentation of the Church’s teaching on sexuality and the relationship of spirituality with the physical body.

View Archived Chat

Hamden Campus of Father McGivney Cancer Center Dedicated
A brand-new, state-of-the-art cancer treatment center built with the support of the Order and named after Father Michael J. McGivney was formally dedicated on Tuesday, June 2. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, officers and board members joined Archbishop Henry Mansell and officials and supporters of the Hospital of St. Raphael for the dedication ceremonies at the center in Hamden, Conn.

The Catholic Response
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
As modern secularism leads to self-destruction, Catholics must work to build a new culture of life.

A Year After Visit, Pope Benedict Very Popular with Americans
In a new column on Zenit, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson discusses the meaning and significance of U.S. attitudes toward Pope Benedict XVI.
• Supreme Knight's Article on Zenit
• New Marist Poll on Pope

March for Life in Canada
March for Life in Canada

127th Supreme Convention Agenda
The 127th Supreme Council Convention will be held in Pheonix, Arizona, Aug. 4-6. Delegates should arrive no later than Monday, Aug. 3.

Supreme Council Mourns Passing of Paul McGlinchey
On May 1, Paul M. McGlinchey, a dedicated brother Knight and 34-year Supreme Council employee, passed away after battling cancer. Brother McGlinchey was an Assistant Supreme Officer, and served as the chief aide to Supreme Knights Virgil Dechant and Carl Anderson until his retirement in 2005.

A Direct Attack on the First Amendment
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
In targeting Church authority, some legislators ignored the essence of religious liberty.

Connecticut Legislators Vote Religious Liberty Protection in Same-Sex Marriage Bill
After an intense two-week effort by the Knights of Columbus and other organizations, the Connecticut legislature adopted a religious liberty amendment to Bill 899, which implements last year’s state Supreme Court decision that imposes same-sex marriage in the state. The amended measure was then passed by both houses of the legislature on April 22.

Large Majority of Connecticut Voters Support Religious Liberty Protections in SB 899
A significant majority of Connecticut voters want significant changes to a proposed Connecticut law on same-sex marriage, according to a new Knights of Columbus-Marist poll.
• View Poll Results

Catholics and Other Christians Consider Easter Very Important; Most Plan Church Attendance
Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent) and three-quarters of Catholic Americans (74 percent) plan to observe Easter by attending Church services according to a newly released Knights of Columbus-Marist poll.

Supreme Directors Tour McGivney Hall at CUA
In conjunction with their quarterly meeting in Washington, D.C., on Palm Sunday weekend, members of the Board of Directors got an up-close look at McGivney Hall on the campus of The Catholic University of America. The Order funded the renovation of the building.

Following the Moral Compass
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Amid an economy characterized by greed, the Knights remain committed to the common good.

Founder’s Day Marked in New Haven
Supreme officers, state officers of Connecticut, and a contingent of college council leaders gathered for Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven on Sunday, March 29 for a special Founder’s Day Mass. Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori was the principal celebrant, and he was joined by a large group of concelebrating priests.Read Bishop Lori’s homily here.

On the Day of the Unborn Child, Georgia Knights Donate Ultrasound Machine
The Georgia State Council of the Knights of Columbus marked March 25, the Day of the Unborn Child, by donating a brand new ultrasound machine to the Women’s Enrichment Center in Dalton, Georgia.

(from left: Georgia State Pro-Life Director David Canale, Women's Enrichment Director Renee Rector, Georgia State Deputy Dan Baker and St. Joseph Council PGK Paul Zock

Assisted Suicide Bill Tabled for Now, Still a Threat in 2010
Only a week after introducing, then pulling, a bill to strip Catholic bishops of administrative authority over their church, the co-chairmen of the Connecticut legislature’s Judiciary Committee offered a measure to legalize assisted suicide in the state. After a quick outcry by Knights and other Catholics, the suicide measure was quickly pulled from consideration until next year. Learn more about Bill 1138, the assisted suicide bill. Learn more about Bill 1098, the attack on the Catholic Church, and the rally against it at the Capitol.