# ALWAYS AN INSPIRATION: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA JOIN BROTHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD IN NEW HAVEN

- Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2025/06/always-an-inspiration-knights-of-columbus-from-british-columbia-join-brothers-from-around-the-world-in-new-haven/
- Published: 2025-06-07T13:20:31-07:00
- Author: Website

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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](https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-supreme-officers/supreme-chaplain.html)**,
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](https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-supreme-officers/supreme-knight.html)**,
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.

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A theme that came up often during the days in New Haven was the [KofC ](https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-faith/cor.html)**
[COR](https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-faith/cor.html)**[ initiative](https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-faith/cor.html)
that has been growing and spreading since it was first [rolled out in 2023](https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/with-formation-prayer-fraternity-knights-cor-initiative-aims-to-strengthen-catholic-mens-faith/).

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.

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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](https://soybean-calliope-l4rw.squarespace.com/).

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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