Lecturer’s report for December 2021, by Greg Brown

The Supreme Knight’s Report and St. Joseph and Blessed Michael McGivney

The October issue of Columbia magazine features the Supreme Convention and the Supreme Knight’s annual report. Patrick Kelly, the Supreme Knight, asked us to emulate 2 men, St. Joseph and Blessed Michael McGivney. Citing Pope Francis words, “In the face of difficulty, we can either give up and walk away, or somehow engage with it.” “At times, difficulties bring out resources we did not even think we had.” Pope Francis and Patrick Kelly are referring to St. Joseph’s “creative courage.” He asks us brother Knights to do the same, to act boldly in these difficult times, with faith, obedience, and action. This is what we do.

St. Joseph was the guardian of the Holy Family. We must be guardians of our families, families in society, and our church families or parishes. St. Joseph was the guardian of truth, that truth being Jesus Christ! We Knights must stand up and defend the church of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church. We are in such difficult times facing bigotry and intolerance. Let’s continue standing “in the breach” protecting the truths Jesus taught us in the Gospels.

Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney is another great example to Knights. He saw the trouble families were in during his time on earth. He also saw the persecution the Church was enduring, much like our own times. He stepped up with “creative courage” and tackled these problems. Being our founder, we honor him by imitating him. Pope Francis says he was, “an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance. “

Supreme Knight Kelly goes on in his report that, “where there’s a need, there’s a Knight.” This is what he says being a Knight means, “It means a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living. Catholic men are looking for nothing less. In the Knights of Columbus, they will find it.”

I recommend reading his report. It summarizes the great work we Knights are engaged in. Our various charities, even during Covid, such as Leave No Neighbor Behind. Our pro-life work, faith formation and emphasis of the Eucharist, demonstrate our commitment to truth.

In conclusion Patrick Kelly says, “As we recall these two men, St. Joseph and Bl. Michael McGivney, we should ask how we can become more like them. So too should we ask how we can meet the moment that we are in. The answer lies before us.”

Let us now pray the Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney.

Knights of Columbus-produced documentary St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father will be available to view online at kofc.org/stjoseph starting Dec. 8.