Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski is presently serving as the State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory and, in that capacity, he traveled to the home of the KofC in New haven, Connecticut to participate in a week of meetings, pilgrimage, discussion and prayer. He was joined by State Chaplains from around the world – or at least those who could make the trip. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg had just appointed Ukrainian Redemptorist Fr. Bohdan Lukie as the State Chaplain for Manitoba. He too came to New Haven for the special Chaplains program.
One of the major highlights was the Mass on Friday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the heart of New Haven that included the Conferral of State Deputy Medals of Office to the thirty seven (37) new State Deputies. Among their number was the Newly Elected State Deputy for British Columbia and the Yukon, Worthy Edgar D. Nacar, who was chosen at the last BC&Y State Convention in Vancouver in April.
As any Eucharistic Liturgy organized by the Knights of Columbus, the Mass at St. Mary’s was exquisitely prepared and executed. The Supreme Chaplain of the KofC, His Grace, William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, was the main celebrant. He was joined by other bishops, including Bishop Michael as well as many priests – State Chaplains, that were in presence. Archbishop Lori preached a homily that spoke about the dedication of members of the Knights that has been a great blessing to the Church and must continue to be. During the prayer petitions, the head Knight of Ukraine, Worthy Mykola I. Mostovyak, prayed, In Ukrainian, a very appropriate petition…. “That the peace of the risen Christ, a peace that is humble and persevering, will reign in the world.” and everyone responded, “Oremus ad Dominum: Te rogamus audi nos.”
Toward the end of the Mass, the conferral ceremony took place. It was at this time that State Deputy of British Columbia and the Yukon, Edgar came forward with his wife Lady Imelda. The order’s Supreme Knight, Patrick E. Kelly, conferred the medal of office upon Brother Edgar, expressed his congratulations and thanked him and his wife for accepting this office. The Supreme Chaplain, Archbishop Lori, also extended his prayerful best wishes.
Following the Mass and the Ceremony, the clergy processed to the tomb of the founder of the Knights of Columbus - the holy parish priest, Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney. There, Archbishop Lori led the congregation in the prayer for the canonization of Blessed Michael.
Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney,
Founder of the Knights of Columbus
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.*
After everyone had been bussed back to the hotel, the Chaplains and the State Deputies and their spouses were treated to a light, but delightful luncheon during which Supreme Knight Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop Lori gave their reports. The Supreme Knight began by wowing everyone with the amazing statistics that revealed record numbers in new membership, millions of dollars in charity donations and millions of volunteer hours. He also expressed both his admiration for the State Deputies and encouraged them to stay the course – especially with the extraordinary COR initiative. His Grace, Supreme Chaplain, focused on the dedication of Blessed Michael McGivney who, although a young priest, had a clear vision and faith in Christ that gave him the determination to move tirelessly forward and accomplish what he knew he needed to do, Today, the order is truly worldwide and touches the lives of millions of God’s children.
A theme that came up often during the days in New Haven was the KofC COR initiative that has been growing and spreading since it was first rolled out in 2023.
There were a series of joint sessions presented to both the Chaplains and the State Deputies in attendance. These sessions presented the success of the Knights in charitable and unity initiatives as well as the great collaboration with the wider Church community in the goals of Evangelization and the general betterment of society in the support of men, family life, youth, the elderly and those living with mental and physical challenges.
After most of the Chaplains left by Saturday morning to return to their parishes and eparchies/dioceses to be home for Pentecost Sunday, the State Deputies and their spouses and Supreme Council staff, stayed on for a couple of more days of sessions and events.
Knights of Columbus events, where on an international level or organized by their local councils, are an inspiration. Everyone returns to their home “States” throughout the world with a renewed enthusiasm to implement the principals of the Knights of Charity, Unity and Fraternity in the own communities and beyond. Many will regroup at the Supreme Convention in Washington in August.
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* Please report all favors received through the intercession of Blessed Fr. Michael to: The Father McGivney Guild 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 • USA www.fathermcgivney.org