A strong team of Knights and Ladies from the British Columbia and Yukon ‘State’ Council attended the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver, Colorado. The group included official delegates and other participants and some of their spouses as well as the State Chaplain, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski. Leading the team was worthy State Deputy, Brother Edgar Nacar and Lady Imelda. There were many formal events and some informal social gatherings throughout the five-day annual international gathering of Knights from around the world that took place this year at the massive Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center just outside of Denver from 3-6 August 2026.
One of the first events was a meeting of the Canadian association of Knights at which one of the highlights was a presentation of the State Chaplain for Ukraine, Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy, who told about the Knights in Ukraine and about daily life in Ukraine which is presently enduring a fifth year of a brutal full-scale invasion by Russia (which actually started incrementally from 2014).
The Eucharistic Masses at a Supreme Convention are always glorious and inspirational. The state of the art big-screen technology transports the thousands of delegates and their families into a different cathedral-like setting at every liturgy. The hours of preparation that must go into each service to bring about what seems to be a flawless execution with world class singing and amazing homilies by globally recognized hierarchy, all come together to transport the participant – clergy and lay faithful alike – into a beautiful spiritual experience at which God and His People unite in a real and powerful way. Knights from British Columbia invariable participated in the colour guard, in the congregation and at the Altar. State Deputy Edgar read the Epistle at the second major Mass - a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart. [The United States Catholic Church consecrated America to the Sacred Heart on June 11th as the country celebrates its 250th year of independence.]
Among the highlights was the always engaging Supreme Knight’s Report. This extensive presentation interspersed by fascinating video clips and photos highlighted the growth and activity of the Knights of Columbus throughout the world and the millions upon millions of dollars and volunteer hours that Knight contribute to charitable causes in some of the most remote areas of the word and at the biggest tragedies. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly spoke of the expansion of the Order that saw Spain now join many other countries in which the Knights of Columbus are organized and active including: Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Ukraine, and France. State Secretary Christopher Chen was acknowledged among the first graduates of the new KofC Leadership Program “McGivney Fellows”.
Some of the more fun events were the formal “States Dinner” at which British Columbia both was feted by other councils and, in turn, supported other councils as the delightful tradition of “state songs” resounded throughout the evening. Then there was the social evening where various states either join together at some external location or otherwise gather at various restaurants in the area. British Columbia & Yukon and Alberta & Northwest Territories ended up at a well-known Hibachi Grill Buffet in Denver.
Those who were registered as actual delegates had a lot of work to do at the closed sessions at which the annual business matters took place. They contributed toward the hammering out of resolutions (of which rumour has it a significant amount of time was spent to get the resolution on migration just right). They voted on who the next leaders would be, they submitted the British Columbia & Yukon reports and they proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the most successful state councils from around the world.
The British Columbia and Yukon team returned home filled with inspiration as they are reaffirmed in their goals and mandate for the coming years and just refreshed in the joy and enthusiasm that pervade the Knights of Columbus in all their activity. The state council will continue to engage in charitable and faith activity throughout the territory and will meet its recruitment quotas, because it is a bold and highly motivated organization of Catholic gentlemen. When men learn about the Knights, they know it is a great organization that makes society a better place and they want to be part of it.
