JUNE 2013JUNE 2013

COLUMBIACOLUMBIAKNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

“WI T H N O I N S U R A N C E C O M PA N Y R AT E D H I G H E R, IN V E S T M E N T S S C R E E N E D

AC C O R D I N G TO CAT H O L I C P R I N C I P L E S , A N D O N E O F T H E

H I G H E S T D I V I D E N D S I N T H E I N D U S T RY. . .

W H Y WO U L D A B ROT H E R KN I G H T G O A N Y W H E R E E L S E TO P ROT E C T H I S FA M I LY?”

– SU P R E M E KN I G H T CA R L A. AN D E R S O N

KN I G H T S O F CO LU M BU S I N S U R A N C E

— B Y B ROT H E R K N I G H T S F O R B ROT H E R K N I G H T S

L I F E I N S U R A N C E D I S A B I L I T Y I N S U R A N C E LO N G - T E R M CA R E A N N U I T I E S

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

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COLUMBIAJ U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ V O L U M E 9 3 ♦ N U M B E R 6

F E AT U R E S

God Bless WestThe fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, has forgedstrong bonds of community as Knights lead recovery ef-forts there.BY MATTHEW ST. JOHN

The Quotable Pope FrancisThrough his audiences, addresses and homilies, the popehumbly proclaims the Gospel message.BY COLUMBIA STAFF

Building a Culture of Life TogetherThe healing mission of Project Rachel complements pro-life celebrations in Peru.BY WALTER SÁNCHEZ SILVA AND COLUMBIA STAFF

Housing HeroesIn volunteering to build homes with Habitat for Human-ity, Knights provide assistance to the working poor.BY JOE BOLLIG

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D E P A R T M E N T S

Building a better worldLike St. Ignatius of Loyola, FatherMcGivney and the Knights ofColumbus reflect a faithfulness thatis essential to the Church’s renewal.BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON

Learning the faith, living the faithAs the traditional family is undervaluedand under attack, the Church pro-motes marriage and family for thehealth of society.BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN

ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI

PLUS Catholic Man of the Month

Culture of LifeThe trial of Kermit Gosnell pro-vides an opportunity to shine alight into the darkness of the abor-tion industry. BY JEANNE MONAHAN

Knights in Action

Columbianism by Degrees

Knights of Columbus NewsKnights Offer Prayers, Assistancefor Boston, Texas • CanadianKnights March for Life • FormerColumbia Editor Ordained toPriesthood

Fathers for GoodStar Trek Fathers: Dads are calledto “boldly go” forward for familyand societyBY JASON GODIN

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Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI greets Pope Francis at the Vatican May 2.The 86-year-old retired pontiff, who had been staying at the papal sum-mer villa in Castel Gandolfo since retiring Feb. 28, returned to theVatican to live in a monastery in the Vatican Gardens.

AD DESIGN: Justin Perillo —

PHOTO OF POPES: CNS photo/L

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EDITORIAL

WHEN POPE FRANCIS addressedan assembly of religious superiorsMay 8, his remark that women reli-gious are called to be spiritual moth-ers and not “spinsters” made a lot ofheadlines, as if the pope was insultingthe sisters or proposing somethingnovel. But the point of the metaphorwas simple: Consecrated women, andindeed all Christian women, are insome sense called to be “mothers”through lives of fidelity and spiritualfruitfulness. In a similar way, everyman, regardless of his state in life, iscalled to express the truth of father-hood. As we celebrate Father’s Daythis month, it is worth reflecting onthe vocation of fatherhood in light ofthe fatherhood crisis today.One aspect of the contemporary

problem is the absence of fathers. Ac-cording to U.S. Census Bureau data,one-third of children in the UnitedStates live apart from their biologicalfathers, and research has shown thatchildren of fatherless homes are signif-icantly more likely to experience seri-ous difficulties. A second aspect relatesto confusions about the role of fathers.Men may be tempted by false ideasabout masculinity to be authoritarianor aloof, rather than serving as lovingprotectors, providers and teachers.The crisis of fatherhood is also a spir-

itual crisis, which is rooted in a failureto recognize and imitate the fatherhoodof God, “from whom every family inheaven and on earth is named” (Eph3:15). On Jan. 30, in one of his finalgeneral audiences, Pope Benedict XVIexplained that God “shows us what it

really means to be a ‘father.’” Con-versely, an earthly father “helps us tounderstand something of the love ofGod, which is nevertheless infinitelygreater, more faithful, and more totalthan the love of any man.”Pope Benedict also noted that “even

imagining God as a father becomesproblematic without credible modelsof fatherhood.” Today, more than ever,the world is in need of faithful fathers,men who live in communion with ourheavenly Father and recognize that hegives good gifts to his children (cf. Mt7:11), embraces them when they arelost and repentant (cf. Lk 15:20), andloves to the end, even giving his Sonfor our salvation (cf. Jn 3:16).Thankfully, we have many saintly

models of fatherhood to guide us,from St. Joseph to Venerable MichaelMcGivney. The Church has likewisebeen blessed with a number of greatpopes in recent years, including ourcurrent Holy Father, Pope Francis (seepp. 3, 12). So, too, has the Churchbeen blessed with faithful priests, in-cluding Father Tim Hickey, the for-mer editor of Columbia who wasrecently ordained (see p. 6). Finally,members of the Knights of Colum-bus, whether in their own families orin service to those in need, exemplifyfatherly virtues in their daily lives (seepp. 8, 22). As we look ahead, we turnto Our Father in heaven and ask forthe grace to be ever more the men andfathers he created us to be.♦

ALTON J. PELOWSKIEDITOR

Models of Fatherhood

Fortnight for Freedom will take place June 21-July 4The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has once againcalled for a Fortnight for Freedom, a special two-week periodof prayer, study and public action beginning June 21 — thevigil of the feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More —to July 4, Independence Day. In 2013, Catholics face manychallenges to religious liberty, including the Aug. 1 deadlinefor religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate.For more information, visit fortnightforfreedom.org.

COLUMBIAPUBLISHER

Knights of Columbus________

SUPREME OFFICERSCarl A. AndersonSUPREME KNIGHT

Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D.SUPREME CHAPLAIN

Dennis A. SavoieDEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHTCharles E. Maurer Jr.SUPREME SECRETARYLogan T. LudwigSUPREME TREASURERJohn A. MarrellaSUPREME ADVOCATE

________

EDITORIALAlton J. Pelowski

alton.pelowski@kofc.orgEDITOR

Patrick Scalisipatrick.scalisi@kofc.org

SENIOR EDITORKrista TullockCOPY EDITOR________

Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90)Apostle to the Young,

Protector of Christian Family Life andFounder of the Knights of Columbus,

Intercede for Us.________

HOWTO REACHUSMAIL

COLUMBIA1 Columbus Plaza

New Haven, CT 06510-3326ADDRESS CHANGES203-752-4580OTHER INQUIRIES203-752-4398

FAX203-752-4109

CUSTOMER SERVICE1-800-380-9995

E-MAILcolumbia@kofc.org

INTERNETkofc.org/columbia

________

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing)Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that anapplicant or member accepts the teaching authority of theCatholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires tolive in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church,

and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.________

Copyright © 2013All rights reserved________

ON THE COVERPope Francis is depicted in a painting by Italian artist Antonella Cappuccio. C

OVER: Painting by Antonella Cappuccio/Photo by Christian Rizzo

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

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THE ELECTION of Pope Francis —the first Jesuit pope in history — pro-vides a good opportunity to reflectbriefly on how St. Ignatius of Loyola,the founder of the Society of Jesus, un-derstood the papacy. During the early days of his ministry

in the 16th century, when St. Ignatiusand his followers were known simply as“reformed priests,” they were the vic-tims of many false rumors and gossip.This led to trouble with both the ParisInquisition and the Vatican.Finally, Ignatius appealed toPope Paul III, who agreed toreview the matter and ulti-mately gave Ignatius the vin-dication he sought. The popelater approved the new Societyof Jesus. At a time when Renaissance

popes had, to say the least,failed to exemplify Christian virtue, Ig-natius placed his new religious order infaithful service to the successors of St.Peter. Both Ignatius and Paul III had ex-perienced “conversions,” and Ignatiusrealized that the popes retained the graceof their teaching office, regardless oftheir personal shortcomings. For St. Ignatius, the principle of sen-

tire cum ecclesia — to think with themind of the Church — was essential tothe work of the Jesuits. His “Rules” forthinking with the Church conclude hisSpiritual Exercises.Because of this faithfulness, the Je-

suits were central to the renewal of theCatholic Church, its re-establishmentthroughout much of Europe, the evan-gelization of the Western Hemisphere,

and the introduction of Christianity toIndia, China and Japan. Today, our own situation seems to be

a mirror image of St. Ignatius’ time. Wehave been graced by popes of heroicvirtue, whose saintly lives are beyondquestion. These popes have been criti-cized not for failing to live up to Churchteaching, but for upholding it — espe-cially in regard to the sanctity of humanlife and the sacraments of matrimonyand holy orders.

Our Church now faces a challenge asprofound as the problems of the 16thcentury. This time, however, it is not aquestion of which Christian communitymost faithfully reflects Christ’s plan forhis Church. Instead, the challenge is bysecularists who say there should be noChristian faith at all. For them, FrederichNietzsche’s claim that “God is dead” is aturning point in history. They say Chris-tian faith is irrational and should have noinfluence in society. This new secularismis widespread in Europe and is gainingground in the Western Hemisphere.Perhaps it is a sign of divine provi-

dence that Father Michael J. McGivneyfounded the Knights of Columbus thevery year that Nietzsche wrote thosewords about the demise of God.

Today the Church asks of believersnothing more, and nothing less, than ithas throughout her history: Professwhat you believe and live what you pro-fess. Such personal witness is the onlyway we can make an adequate responseto the claims of today’s militant atheists.Here, too, we see the spiritual genius of

Venerable Michael McGivney. In found-ing the Knights of Columbus, Father Mc-

Givney established a way inwhich Catholic men couldconfidently profess their faithby living lives of charity, unityand fraternity in their parishesand local communities. This witness through serv-

ice is at the foundation of ourfounder’s vision for theOrder. Blessed John Paul II

spoke of a “charity that evangelizes,”and this must become an ever morepresent reality in our own lives and thelives of our families.Since the Second Vatican Council, the

Knights of Columbus has sought new op-portunities to profess what we believe asCatholics. We have made a determinedeffort “to think with the mind of theChurch” as our popes have worked to im-plement the council’s vision, and we willcontinue to do so as Pope Francis beginsto write a new chapter in this history.St. Ignatius knew that a society of

strong and determined Catholic mencould accomplish great things. Nearlyfive centuries later, the Knights ofColumbus would agree.Vivat Jesus!

Thinking With the ChurchLike St. Ignatius of Loyola, Father McGivney and the Knights of Columbus reflect a faithfulness that is essential to the Church’s renewal

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

Today the Church asks of believersnothing less than it has throughout

her history: Profess what you believe and live what you profess.

LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

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NO ONE LOVES us quite so ten-derly and persistently as our mothers.Where would we be without them?They are the glue that holds familiestogether. Even though Mother’s Dayis past, it is never too late to pay trib-ute to our mothers, living and dead,and to commend them to the Lord.Let me wager, however, that goodmothers desire, more than anythingelse, good husbands and fathers. Theydeserve husbands who are loving andfaithful. Mothers understandhow important a father’s loveand example is for their chil-dren. And wives know that ifthey are united with their hus-bands in faith, values and theirunderstanding of how to raisetheir family, their children willmore easily grow and develop asGod intended.Good fathers sense this, too.

They know that loving and re-specting their wives is also im-portant for children. The love ofmothers and fathers is complemen-tary. Fathers have their own brand ofstrong and tender love that goes alongwith and completes the love thatmothers have for their children.

TV AND REALITYTogether, loving husbands and wivescreate a space of safety, stability andnurturing for their children. Withinthis zone, they can hand on the faithof the Church and help their childrendevelop spiritually, intellectually, psy-chologically and physically. Parents

can also be role models who help theirchildren come to understand howmen and women relate to one anotherin a healthy, respectful manner. Today, when we watch reruns of

old family sit-coms such as Leave Itto Beaver or Father Knows Best, wethink of such shows as quaint, overlyidealized portraits of what family lifewas like in the 1950s and ’60s. Eventhen, it was rare for a stay-at-homemom to do housework while wear-

ing pearls and high heels, or for adad to wear a tie around the house.The wisdom that the parents dis-pensed to their children on those TVshows can seem a little stilted to our21st-century ears.By contrast, contemporary sitcoms

often present fractured families or “tra-ditional” families in which both thehusband and the wife are silly and fool-ish. This is especially true of fathers,who are seldom portrayed as intelli-gent, wholesome, positive influenceson their children. Even if we don’t

watch these shows, their influence is allaround us in popular culture. Baby boomers (of which I am one)

may think that the Church wants allfamilies to be like those TV sitcomfamilies of old. At the same time,more than a few millennials maythink that the Church’s teaching onmarriage and family is hopelessly outof touch. But the Church’s teaching

doesn’t take its cues fromflickering screens, whetherthey’re old 12-inch televisionsor iPads. Rather, the Churchknows from reason, experi-ence and revelation how im-portant husbands and wives,mothers and fathers, are forthe flourishing of childrenand society. The definitionsof husband, wife, father andmother cannot be changed atwill. This has to do with thestructure of reality; it’s “how

things are.” Furthermore, the Churchrecognizes that marriage is an imageof God’s whole relationship with hispeople. The Church is the bride ofChrist and our spiritual mother.

SOCIAL EXPERIMENTATIONI have been a priest for 36 years.Along the way, I have come to under-stand more profoundly how Godblessed me from my youth with a lov-ing family. I have also enjoyed thefriendship of many families who livethe vocation of marriage and family

The Church knows from reason,experience and revelation how important husbands and wives,mothers and fathers, are for the

flourishing of children and society.

The Importance of Mothers and FathersAs the traditional family is undervalued and under attack, the Church promotes

marriage and family for the health of society

by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

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Offered inSolidarity withPope Francis

LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

POPE FRANCIS: CNS/Paul H

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PAINTING: Francisco de Zurbarán,

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amid the struggles and joys of life.These families have taught me a lotabout the title of “father” that is ac-corded to priests. We are called to belike good and loving fathers to thefamilies of faith that we have beensent to serve.How many societal problems would

be headed off if husbands were atten-tive to their wives and present to theirchildren! What a different scene itwould be for so many children if theyhad the joy and security of sittingdown to dinner with their parents andsiblings with some regularity!Often in distressed neighborhoods,

it is the fathers who are missing. All

too often, mothers must raise theirchildren alone. Many do so heroically,and they deserve our respect, supportand prayers. Yet, it should always beour hope and prayer that the numberof strong, intact and loving familieswill grow.As of this writing, we are awaiting

decisions from the U.S. SupremeCourt that, one way or another, willaffect the future of marriage. Already,so-called same-sex marriage has be-come legal in a number of states. Weshould be rightfully worried, lest thehigh court open the door to legaliz-ing same-sex marriage throughoutthe country, a move that will accel-

erate the movement for same-sexmarriage around the world. To do sois to engage in massive social experi-mentation and restructuring, withlittle thought about the effect ofthese decisions on present and futuregenerations. It turns out that Mother’s Day and

Father’s Day are more than gifts,greeting cards and gatherings. Theseobservances remind us to recommitourselves to the vocation of marriageand family. May we, the family ofthe Knights of Columbus, remain atthe forefront in defending and pro-moting this beautiful and challeng-ing vocation.♦

HOLY FATHER’SPRAYER INTENTIONS

CATHOLIC MAN OF THE MONTH

St. Anthony of Padua(1195-1231)

GENERAL: That a culture ofdialogue, listening and mutualrespect may prevail among peoples.

MISSION: That where secular-ization is strongest, Christiancommunities may effectivelypromote a new evangelization.

BORN TO a wealthy family in Lisbon,Portugal, in 1195, Fernando Martinsde Bulhões was educated during hisyouth at the nearby cathedral school. Asa teenager, he decided to pursue a vo-cation to the priesthood and entered anAugustinian religious community. Afterdedicating himself to intellectual andspiritual formation for the next decade,he was ordained a priest.Father Fernando soon became at-

tracted to the simple way of life andcharism of the newly founded Francis-can order. He was also inspired by thecourage of the first Franciscan mission-aries, who were martyred for their faithin Morocco. Feeling called to follow intheir footsteps, the young priest ob-tained permission to leave the Augus-tinians and become a Franciscan friar,adopting the name Anthony.It was not long before Anthony was

sent to Morocco, but he became se-verely ill after arriving. Instead of re-turning to Portugal, he was brought toSicily and continued on to mainlandItaly, where the Franciscan order hadbeen founded.Anthony was often in solitude, and

he practiced penance and service with

great humility. At an ordination Massin 1222, he was called upon to preachbecause no one else was prepared. Hesoon became recognized as an unparal-leled biblical scholar and teacher. In theyears that followed, he preached theGospel in northern Italy and Franceamid violent persecution and prevailingheresy. St. Francis even made an excep-tion to the Franciscan rule and allowedhim to teach theology to the friars.Anthony became ill in 1231 and died

on June 13 of that year while returningto Padua, Italy, from a retreat withother friars. He was canonized in 1232,less than one year after his death, andwas officially proclaimed a doctor of theChurch in 1946.♦

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

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BOSTON: Gary Wilcox — OTTAWA: Jake W

right —

FATHER HICKEY: Tom Serafin

FOLLOWING THE terrorism attack at the BostonMarathon April 15 and the April 17 explosion at a fertilizerplant in the town of West, Texas, the Knights of Columbusurged its members and their families to pray for the victimsof both terrible incidents.Two bombs struck near the finish line of the Boston

Marathon, killing three people and injuring 264 others. Theblast in Texas, meanwhile, damaged buildings for milesaround and claimed the lives of at least 15 people, includingtwo Knights of Columbus.“The thoughts and prayers of the Knights of Columbus

are with all those killed or injured,” said Supreme KnightCarl A. Anderson in a statement following the events. “MayGod provide eternal rest to the deceased and comfort to allthose affected.”In Boston, local Knights hosted a rosary rally and attended

similar events throughout the city and its suburbs. The statecouncil also started a fund in coordination with the Arch-diocese of Boston, and Knights hosted a Blue Mass May 11at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham in honor of the first re-sponders who were on the front lines following the attack.West (Texas) Council 2305 has also worked with local

groups and the authorities to assist with disaster relief. Thecouncil was particularly well positioned to help since itcounts more than 500 members in a town of fewer than3,000 people and has been able to use the council hall as asupport center (see story on page 8).

“The outpouring of support by the Knights in West andthe surrounding areas is a testament to the power of charity,which is the first principle of the Knights of Columbus,”said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “The work they aredoing to help people rebuild lives in the face of this tragedyis an inspiring witness to the transformative power of caringfor our neighbor in times of need.”Online donations can be made to Knights of Columbus

Charities Inc. at kofc.org/texas.♦

Knights Offer Prayers, Assistance for Boston, Texas

Waltham firemen and other first responders participated in a BlueMass organized by St. Francis of the Sacred Heart Council14091 and Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Council14710 in Waltham, Mass.

TIMOTHY S.HICKEY, formereditor of Colum-bia magazine, wasordained to thepriesthood for theArchdiocese ofHartford May 11.Hickey began working at the

Supreme Council in 1983. In 1988,he transferred to Columbia magazineas associate editor. Past SupremeKnight Virgil C. Dechant appointedhim as editor in 1999 after Hickey hadserved for seven years as the magazine’smanaging editor.Hickey left the Supreme Council in

2008 to enter seminary and pursue his vocation.♦

Canadian Knights March for Life Former ColumbiaEditor Ordained Priest

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson addresses pro-life supporters on Parliament Hill in Ottawa,May 9, at Canada’s National March for Life. Knights and their families were among thousandsof other Catholics and pro-life advocates who attended the event to protest the 1969 law thatlegalized abortion in Canada. Provincial marches likewise took place across the country. “No problemis so great that it requires the death of our children,” the supreme knight said in his brief remarks.“Canada is a country great in natural resources. But Canada’s greatest resource is its children.”

Father Tim Hickey

FATHERS FOR GOOD

J U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 7

FIND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR CATHOLIC MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT FATHERSFORGOOD.ORG.

Zade Rosenthal/Photo courtesy of Param

ount Pictures

This year’s intergalactic drama Star Trek: Into Darknesscontinues one of the themes that has long drawn view-

ers to the franchise’s television series and movies: a strong,brave, yet fallible captain who wrestles with the burdens ofcommand. For many years, the center seat on the bridge be-longed to Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart,whose trademark commands when faced with challengeswere “engage” and “make it so.” His starship, the U.S.S. En-terprise, sped toward unknownhorizons as Picard gave the orderto “engage” and drew the bestfrom his crew when he trustedthem to “make it so.”These two terms also have im-

portant meanings for Catholicmen. They summon husbandsand fathers to become more in-volved in their families, to workhard for their welfare and safety,and to do so boldly through a lovethat is tied to union with Christand his Church. “Engage” and“make it so” call men to confrontand overcome a host of threats —both old and new — before thesedangers lead men, the ones theylove and the world at large into darker days. The outer limitsof space may not be the field of play — as it is for the crewof the Enterprise— but fathers nonetheless have to deal withunseen forces of good and evil, and the decisions they makefor themselves and their families carry eternal consequences.The modern Catholic man who sets out to “captain” his

family as a husband and father must draw from the Church’streasury of teachings and traditions. As the Catechism of theCatholic Church explains, the family “is the natural societyin which husband and wife are called to give themselves inlove and in the gift of life. Authority, stability, and a life ofrelationships within the family constitute the foundationsfor freedom, security, and fraternity within society” (2207).Such “mission parameters” set the outlines for the inner

life of the Christian family, which “assumes singular impor-tance in the Church” and in which members are formed andeducated in faith, hope and charity (2204). These virtuescannot be imposed by a distant authority, but rather aredrawn forth by grace, love and example. As leader of the

family, a father can offer abundantly what God gives himin abundance: unconditional love, guidance and direction,encouragement for success, and forgiveness in failure. Healso is called to go outside the family to labor for the com-mon good, to serve others in his parish and community, andto exercise civic and social responsibility. Ultimately, the re-sponsible family man lives a life of charitable radiance thatshines far beyond what he could accomplish alone or within

the walls of the home.Catholic fathers must pursue

these high goals, for grim alterna-tives result when men disengagefrom family and society and re-treat from responsibility. Whenmen view headship as a hardship,the result is today’s widespreadphenomena of fatherless familiesand confusion over the role andnature of marriage. The social,psychological and financial well-being of children — the next gen-eration — is placed at risk.Society loses, and may begin todiminish and demean, the greatbenefits of masculine virtue.Indeed, primetime television in

recent years has put forth an array of weak fathers unableto set a positive example for their children. Yet we do havepopular media models in the succession of “Star Trek” cap-tains. Though imperfect, they have for more than 40 yearsset out on bold adventures for the good of mankind; servedwith selfless authority while putting others’ safety beforetheir own; taken orders from their superiors as surely as theyhave given orders to their crew, who form a sort of family;and used every ounce of mind, muscle and emotion to pro-tect and provide for those in their care. Catholic men, especially husbands and fathers, must

“engage” and “make it so” like these iconic captains of thesilver screen. If fathers fulfill this important mission, theirfamilies, communities and the Church will have abrighter future.♦

JASON GODIN, a member of Col. Walter Parsons Council 3205in College Station, Texas, teaches U.S. history. He and his wifehave two children.

Star Trek FathersDads are called to “boldly go” forward for family and society

by Jason Godin

GOD BLESS WEST

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The fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, has forged strong bonds of community as Knights lead recovery efforts there

by Matthew St. John

GOD BLESS WEST

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People take part in a candlelight vigil April 18 at the Church of the Assump-tion in West, Texas, to remember those who lost their lives or were injured ina massive explosion at the area’s fertilizer plant the previous day.

CNS photo/Jaime R. Carrero, Reuters

On the night of Wednesday, April 17, Grand Knight RyanAdams of West (Texas) Council 2305 had just arrived at

his hotel room in nearby Austin when he received a text messagefrom a relative. It read simply: “The fertilizer plant just blew up.”Adams’ mind began racing. The small plant was at the heart

of his beloved hometown, where hours before he had left his wifeand two young children behind for a business trip. Knowing thatthe plant was located near a sizeable apartment complex and sev-eral local businesses, he knew the damage would be devastating. Days later, Adams and his brother Knights would assume a

leading role in the recovery efforts in West. In addition to raisingmoney to support those who had lost their homes, the Knightsturned their hall into a distribution center and meeting place.They hosted dozens of disaster response agencies, served mealsand stood together as a pillar of strength for the community.But when he initially heard about the disaster, Adams didn’t

know what to think. He hurriedly packed up his bags and headedback to West, not sure what he would find when he got there.

RECOVERY BEGINSLocated about 20 miles north of Waco, Texas, the town of Westis home to 2,800 people, many of Czech descent. The prominentfeatures of this quintessential Texas town include the “CzechStop” and the “KC Hall,” a campus of two buildings that housesthe town’s 500-member strong Knights of Columbus council. West is a Catholic town with a bustling parish community at

St. Mary of the Assumption Church. The two cultures —Catholic and Czech — are intertwined and often meet, withCzech dances and heritage functions at the Knights’ hall. But all that came to a screeching halt April 17 when a small fire

at the West Fertilizer Company unleashed a horrifying explosionthat killed at least 15 people. Among them were two members of

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the Knights of Columbus: Cody Dragoo, the manager of theplant and a member since 2008, and Joey Pustejovsky, the citysecretary and a second-generation Knight since 2001. Both menwere also volunteer firefighters.The blast injured more than 160 others and destroyed or

damaged more than 150 buildings. Authorities say the explosionmeasured a 2.1 on the Richter scale and was heard in towns asfar as 45 miles away. Even the K of C hall, located a mile awayfrom the blast site, sustained some damage. When Adams returned from Austin, he found a community

in shock.“We have some friends [whose homes were evacuated that

night],” Adams said, “so they came over and stayed with us. Westayed up until about 2:30 in the morning just watching thenews coverage.”It was hard to swallow. But in those first hours, when Adams

and his wife welcomed another family into their home, West’sunbreakable sense of community began to shine through. Within hours of the tragedy, the Supreme Council sent

$10,000 in emergency relief funds to Council 2305. The TexasState Council also committed $10,000 for future use.Meanwhile, Knights in West got straight to work. In less than

48 hours, they opened their hall to the people of West andhosted a hamburger supper, offering neighbors and friends achance to grieve and be together. On Saturday morning, a busload of Knights from nearby Bay-

lor University, North Texas University and the University of Dal-las arrived in West to help sort and organize the donations thatwere pouring in to a collection point at the town fairgrounds.Meanwhile, the people of West turned to God in prayer, andmany proudly wore t-shirts that had “God Bless West” embla-zoned across the front.That Sunday, as nearly 1,000 persons filled the Church of the

Assumption for a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joe S. Vásquez ofAustin, more than 100 Knights from across the state served ina Fourth Degree honor guard.“There are many people who are hurting,” Bishop Vásquez

said in his homily. “There are many people who are suffering.As a consequence, you and I have gathered to pray. We pray be-cause we are confident, because we trust God, because we believehis word is true.”Noting that their gathering was taking place on Good Shep-

herd Sunday, Bishop Vásquez said, “Let the Lord carry you onhis shoulders. Let the Lord sustain you in this tragic and terribletime.”After Mass ended, more than 500 people traveled to the K of C

hall for a community luncheon. During the event, Grand KnightAdams and Treasurer Mike Lednicky announced to those in at-tendance that the Knights would be distributing emergency fundsto those who needed it.The council distributed several thousand dollars that day, since

many people had lost their homes and everything they owned. “The only clothes they had were clothes on their back,”

Adams said.Remembering those who had lost their lives, the community

found the motivation to carry on and rebuild.

“We’ve got to rebuild for the guys we’ve lost,” Lednicky said.“Because that’s what they would have done. Every single one ofthem would have been here today helping people.”

REBUILDING THE COMMUNITYDue to its central location, the Knights of Columbus hall becamevital to relief efforts. The Red Cross, several major insurancecompanies, and a number of other agencies, organizations andministries joined together at the council hall to provide a widevariety of services to those in need, including food and other sup-plies, spiritual guidance, mental health assistance, insurance aid,and legal consultation. The hall also served as a meeting placeafter the funerals of the fallen, with the council donating boththe space and the food for luncheons after services.As the dust settled in West and the initial recovery began, the

scope of the damage became clear. Once-green fields were litteredwith black ash and debris; houses were gutted down to the studsby the force of the blast; and cars and trucks lay in mangled ruins.“We’re going to need help rebuilding,” Lednicky said. “The

coming weeks and months are going to be a big constructionproject.”The Knights are committed to helping. Knights everywhere

have joined the effort and, through a website set up by theSupreme Council, have raised a total of more than $175,000 indonations. Council 2305 has been working in conjunction withthe Supreme Council and local authorities to determine howbest to distribute the relief funds. Whether it’s donations toschools, assistance rebuilding, emergency expenses or anythingin between, the Knights are working alongside other charitableorganizations to maximize the effect of the charitable giving. “The last few days, I’ve seen some of the most amazing

things in my life from this tragedy,” said Adams, who addedthat even the families of victims were helping in any way theycould. He noted that, despite dozens of evacuated homes, shel-ters were mostly empty because people were staying with fam-ily and friends.“We take care of each other around here,” Adams continued.

“And that’s what this community is about.”Like any other town, West had its minor divisions and petty

differences. But in the wake of this terrible tragedy, as the finalchapter waits to be written, a spirit of solidarity remains.“Today, we’re West,” Adams said. “We’re all one. This is some-

thing that won’t be forgotten any time soon. The spirit in thistown is strong, and we’re going to come back as strong as wecan be, as one community.”♦

MATTHEW ST. JOHN is communications project coordina-tor with the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and pastgrand knight of Saint Anselm College Council 4875 in Man-chester, N.H.

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BOTTOM: CNS photo/Tim Sharp, Reuters

Opposite page: Town residents bow their heads in prayer during an April21 outdoor prayer service four days after the deadly explosion. • Pallbearerscarry the casket of a fallen firefighter following his funeral Mass at theChurch of the Assumption April 24.

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ON FOLLOWING CHRIST

“Ours is not a joy born of having many posses-sions, but from having encountered a Person, Jesus,in our midst; it is born from knowing that with himwe are never alone, even at difficult moments, evenwhen our life’s journey comes up against problemsand obstacles that seem insurmountable, and thereare so many of them! And in this moment theenemy, the devil, comes, often disguised as an angel,and slyly speaks his word to us. Do not listen tohim! Let us follow Jesus!” – Homily, March 24

“Following and accompanying Christ, stayingwith him, demands ‘coming out of ourselves’ … outof a dreary way of living faith that has become ahabit, out of the temptation to withdraw into ourown plans which end by shutting out God’s creativeaction.” – Audience, March 27

“Christ opened the path to us. He is like a ropedguide climbing a mountain who, on reaching thesummit, pulls us up to him and leads us to God. Ifwe entrust our life to him, if we let ourselves beguided by him, we are certain to be in safe hands,in the hands of our Savior, of our advocate.” – Audience, April 17

The Quotable Pope Francis

Opposite page: Pope Francis waves to the crowd in St. Peter’s SquareMarch 17 as he leads his first Angelus. • Left: Newly elected Pope Francisreturned to the church-run residence where he had been staying to payhis bill, despite now effectively being in charge of the business.

From the first time he walked out onto the bal-cony of St. Peter’s Basilica March 13, Pope Fran-

cis has shown himself to be a gifted speaker whoconveys thoughtfulness and joy through simple lan-guage, as well as through silence, looks and gestures. Addressing the College of Cardinals two days after

his election, Pope Francis said wisdom is “like a goodwine that improves with age.” Later, to youth gath-ered in St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday, he said,“With Christ, the heart never grows old!” Expressingboth the wisdom of experience and a youthful exu-berance, the 76-year-old pontiff ’s humble proclama-tion of the Gospel has already inspired many.In the pages that follow, Columbia presents just a

sampling of the pope’s words during the firstmonths of his pontificate.

Through his audiences, addresses and homilies, the pope humbly proclaims the Gospel message

by Columbia staff

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Gregorio Borgia, AP Photo

ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

“How does Joseph respond to his calling to be theprotector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By beingconstantly attentive to God, open to the signs ofGod’s presence and receptive to God’s plans, andnot simply to his own. … In him, dear friends, welearn how to respond to God’s call, readily and will-ingly, but we also see the core of the Christian vo-cation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in ourlives, so that we can protect others, so that we canprotect creation!” – Inaugural Homily, March 19

“Being Christian is not just obeying orders butmeans being in Christ, thinking like him, acting likehim, loving like him; it means letting him take pos-session of our life and change it, transform it andfree it from the darkness of evil and sin. … Let usshow the joy of being children of God, the freedomthat living in Christ gives us which is true freedom,the freedom that saves us from the slavery of evil, ofsin and of death!” – Audience, April 10

“We too should be clear in our Christian life thatentering the glory of God demands daily fidelity tohis will, even when it demands sacrifice and some-times requires us to change our plans.” – Audience, April 17

“In this period of crisis, today, it is important notto turn in on ourselves, burying our own talent, ourspiritual, intellectual, and material riches, everythingthat the Lord has given us, but, rather to open our-selves, to be supportive, to be attentive to others. …Set your stakes on great ideals, the ideals that enlargethe heart, the ideals of service that make your talentsfruitful. Life is not given to us to be jealouslyguarded for ourselves, but is given to us so that wemay give it in turn.” – Audience, April 24

From left: Pope Francis embraces 8-year-old Dominic Gondreau, who hascerebral palsy, following the pope’s first Easter Mass March 31. • The popepasses a crucifix as he leaves his general audience May 1. • Pope Francisgreets the crowd outside after praying the rosary at the Basilica of St. MaryMajor in Rome May 4.

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ON GRACE AND FORGIVENESS

“The Lord never tires of forgiving — never! It iswe who tire of asking his forgiveness. Let us ask forthe grace not to tire of asking forgiveness, becausehe never tires of forgiving. Let us ask for this grace.”– Homily, March 17

“Sometimes it may seem as though God does notreact to evil, as if he is silent. And yet God has spo-ken. He has replied, and his answer is the cross ofChrist: a word that is love, mercy, forgiveness.” – Address, Good Friday, March 29

“This is the invitation which I address to every-one: Let us accept the grace of Christ’s resurrection!Let us be renewed by God’s mercy; let us be lovedby Jesus; let us enable the power of his love to trans-form our lives, too; and let us become agents of thismercy, channels through which God can water theearth, protect all creation and make justice andpeace flourish.” – Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter

ON THE TRUTH OF MAN

“Before all else, we need to keep alive in our worldthe thirst for the absolute, and to counter the dom-inance of a one-dimensional vision of the humanperson, a vision that reduces human beings to whatthey produce and to what they consume. This is oneof the most insidious temptations of our time.” – Address, March 20

“Francis of Assisi tells us we should work to buildpeace. But there is no true peace without truth!There cannot be true peace if everyone is his owncriterion, if everyone can always claim exclusivelyhis own rights, without at the same time caring forthe good of others, of everyone, on the basis of thenature that unites every human being on this earth.”– Address, March 22

“Man is like a traveller who, crossing the desertsof life, thirsts for the living water: gushing and fresh,capable of quenching his deep desire for light, love,beauty and peace. We all feel this desire! And Jesusgives us this living water: he is the Holy Spirit, whoproceeds from the Father and whom Jesus pours outinto our hearts.” – Audience, May 8

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ON EVANGELIZATION

“Inspired also by the celebration of the Year ofFaith, all of us together, pastors and members of thefaithful, will strive to respond faithfully to theChurch’s perennial mission: to bring Jesus Christ tomankind and to lead mankind to an encounter withJesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life, trulypresent in the Church and also in every person.” – Audience with the College of Cardinals, March 15

“To be sure, the testimony of faith comes in verymany forms. Just as in a great fresco, there is a varietyof colors and shades, yet they are all important, eventhose which do not stand out. In God’s great plan,every detail is important, even yours, even my hum-ble little witness, even the hidden witness of thosewho live their faith with simplicity in everyday fam-ily relationships, work relationships, friendships. …Let us all remember this: one cannot proclaim theGospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’slife. Those who listen to us and observe us must beable to see in our actions what they hear from ourlips, and so give glory to God!” – Homily, April 14

“May you also be true evangelizers! May your ini-tiatives be ‘bridges,’ means of bringing others toChrist, so as to journey together with him. And inthis spirit may you always be attentive to charity.Each individual Christian and every community ismissionary to the extent that they bring to othersand live the Gospel, and testify to God’s love forall, especially those experiencing difficulties.” – Homily, May 5

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square May 1.

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ON MINISTRY AND SERVICE

“God thinks like the Samaritan who did not pass bythe unfortunate man, pitying him or looking at himfrom the other side of the road, but helped him with-out asking for anything in return; without askingwhether he was a Jew, a pagan or a Samaritan, whetherhe was rich or poor. He asked for nothing. He wentto help him. God is like this.” – Audience, March 27

“This I ask you: be shepherds, with the ‘odor ofthe sheep,’ make it real, as shepherds among yourflock, fishers of men. … Dear priests, may our peo-ple sense that we are the Lord’s disciples; may theyfeel that their names are written upon our priestlyvestments and that we seek no other identity; andmay they receive through our words and deeds theoil of gladness which Jesus, the anointed one, cameto bring us.” – Homily, Chrism Mass, March 28

“Help one another: This is what Jesus teaches us,and this is what I am doing — and doing with allmy heart — because it is my duty. As a priest and abishop, I must be at your service. But it is a dutythat comes from my heart. I love it.” – Homily, Massof the Lord’s Supper, March 28

ON COURAGE

“We must not be afraid of being Christian andliving as Christians! We must have this courage togo and proclaim the Risen Christ, for he is ourpeace; he made peace with his love, with his for-giveness, with his blood and with his mercy.” – Regina Cæli, April 7

“Pay attention, my young friends: to go againstthe current; this is good for the heart, but we needcourage to swim against the tide. … We Christianswere not chosen by the Lord for little things; pushonwards toward the highest principles. Stake yourlives on noble ideals, my dear young people!” – Homily, April 28

“What does freedom mean? It is certainly notdoing whatever you want, allowing yourself to bedominated by the passions, to pass from one expe-rience to another without discernment, to followthe fashions of the day; freedom does not mean, soto speak, throwing everything that you don’t likeout the window. … Let us not be afraid of life com-mitments, commitments that take up and concernour entire life! In this way our life will be fruitful!And this is freedom: to have the courage to makethese decisions with generosity.” – Address, May 4♦

Opposite page: Pope Francis blesses palms with holy water as he begins PalmSunday Mass at the obelisk in St. Peter’s Square March 24. • Top: Pope Francis greets newly confirmed young people as they bring up theoffertory gifts during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square April 28. The pope con-firmed 44 people from 22 countries. • Above: The pope kisses a crucifixafter arriving to celebrate Mass at St. Anne’s Parish March 17.

B u i l d i n g a C u l t u r e o f L i f e

To g e t h e r

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The healing mission of Project Rachel complements pro-life celebrations in Peru

by Walter Sánchez Silva and Columbia staff

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Photos courtesy of Archdiocese of Piura

Each year, the Knights of Columbus commemorates the Dayof Prayer for the Unborn Child on March 25, the Solemnity

of the Annunciation. This international celebration, however, isnot limited to the Knights. In 1998, the government of Ar-gentina officially recognized the day as a secular memorial, andother Latin American countries followed. In 2002, the PeruvianCongress passed Law No. 27654, which established the Day ofthe Unborn as a national holiday.This year, Archbishop José Antonio Eguren of Piura, president

of the Peruvian bishops’ Committee on the Family and the De-fense of Life, invited Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel andthe Milwaukee-based National Office for Reconciliation andPost-Abortion Healing, to participate. Thorn took part in pro-life events surrounding the celebration of the Day of the UnbornChild in Piura, a city in northern Peru, and helped the localChurch establish an outreach to those who have suffered fromabortion.

‘HEALING AND HOPE’Project Rachel, which Thorn established in 1984 in response tothe U.S. bishops’ pastoral plan for pro-life activities, is a networkof healing composed of specially trained spiritual advisors, mentalhealth professionals and others who work together to care forwomen and men who have been touched by an abortion loss. The Supreme Council has supported Thorn’s work over the

years and has collaborated with her on conferences and otherprojects (see sidebar). “The Knights have been incredibly sup-portive of the work of Project Rachel, and I am very grateful fortheir assistance,” said Thorn, whose husband, Bill, is a memberof Bishop Leo J. Brust Council 3702 in Milwaukee.In the past three decades, Thorn has visited 24 countries, train-

ing caregivers who have enabled those who have suffered fromabortion to grieve, receive forgiveness and find peace. WhenArchbishop Eguren learned about the work of Project Rachel, heinvited Thorn to visit his archdiocese.Although Peru is a Catholic country that recognizes the right

to life from conception onward, illegal abortions still occur. Arch-bishop Eguren has seen that post-abortive women often experi-ence devastating emotional and spiritual suffering. “For them, Iwanted to offer a program of healing and hope to announce tothem in their pain the love of God for his children,” he said. “I think the archbishop understands as a confessor — which

happens every place in the world that I go — that this is an enor-mous issue in terms of the women and the men who are touchedby it,” Thorn said. “That pain in a mother’s heart is a soul wound,and it needs the attention of the Church.”Thorn facilitated a training seminar for approximately 70 peo-

ple at Holy Sacrament Parish in Piura during three consecutivemornings, April 8-10. The diverse group of clergy and laypeoplewill make up a referral network to provide spiritual and psycho-logical support to those who have been affected by abortion.

During the seminar, Thorn explained that the process of heal-ing and reconciliation for women who have suffered an abortionbegins when others “listen with the heart.” She added, “Whenthey are ready, they will be able to confront the anger that theyfeel against other persons and, with God’s grace, forgive them.” Women who have had an abortion often judge themselves

harshly, and this is an obstacle to God’s grace, Thorn explained.“They cling to their pain as a form of punishment, and they fearthat if they are healed and feel well again, they will in some wayforget their babies,” she said.In addition to leading the seminar, Thorn also delivered a pub-

lic address April 10 to an audience of 600 people filling an audi-torium at the National University of Piura.

A FESTIVAL OF LIFEJust as the Church’s celebration of the Annunciation was trans-ferred this year to April 8, after the Easter octave, many of theevents associated with this year’s Day of the Unborn Child tookplace in April. The Project Rachel training was just one compo-nent in a week filled with pro-life events in Piura.On Saturday, April 6, approximately 40,000 people turned out

for a pro-life march in Piura, one of many similar events through-out Peru. The march began simultaneously in four different partsof the city, met in the emblematic Grau Square and continuedon to the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel for a festival.People of all ages, including many civic representatives, joinedtogether for the celebration, which included music and presen-tations.Hundreds of pregnant mothers were invited to sit in the front

and were given either pink or blue t-shirts. They were also givenceramic figures of Baby Jesus, which were made by women atRioseco Prison as a sign of support. “It is absolutely necessary to care for, defend and love life,” said

Archbishop Eguren in remarks to the crowd. “The family receivesthe gift of children and … is called to live faithful love, whichchildren need to learn,” he added, before going into the crowdto bless women and their unborn children.Other pro-life events took place in the days that followed, in-

cluding speeches, prayer services, parades and civic gatherings.The joyful atmosphere of the festival and of a pro-life parade,

which took place the next day and included groups of young chil-dren marching, was an inspiration to Thorn.“I saw something there that I don’t see in the United States,”

said Thorn. “Where do we celebrate pregnant women? Wheredo we bless them in public? Where do we celebrate that inno-cence of childhood?”Thorn said she was also moved when people filled the cathe-

dral throughout the day April 11 to adore the Blessed Sacramentand pray for life.

CELEBRATING, DEFENDINGThe annual pro-life events in Piura and the Project Racheltraining demonstrated that Catholics in the Americas can learnfrom each other and collaborate in the cause for life. And theyhighlighted the twofold task of building a culture of life andfighting against the culture of death.

Archbishop José Antonio Eguren of Piura, president of the Peruvian bishops’Committee on the Family and the Defense of Life, blesses pregnant mothersand others gathered April 6 for a pro-life festival.

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On the one hand, the celebration of the Day of the UnbornChild in Peru emphasized the importance of rejoicing in thegift of life and not just fighting against the evil of abortion. “This day is a wonderful occasion for all Peruvians to celebrate

the gift of human life and commit to rediscovering it in all itsbeauty,” explained Archbishop Eguren. “If we want a culture of

peace, it begins in the womb — loving and caring for the un-born child, the smallest and most defenseless member of thehuman family.”Upon returning to the United States, Thorn suggested that

local K of C councils and parishes consider organizing similarevents during the summer. She noted that such events could bepresented as simply pro-life, rather than anti-abortion, andwould complement the annual March for Life in January. “I think that changes the tenor of the discussion,” Thorn

said. “This is just a celebration of life, and the willingness toenter into the discussion about the value of life is important.”Catholics in Peru, meanwhile, increasingly see the need to

address the pain of abortion and the push to legalize it. WhilePeru’s constitution recognizes the right to life from conception,the government receives heavy pressure to legalize abortionfrom nongovernmental organizations based in North Americaand Europe. According to Archbishop Eguren, those outsideLatin America can help prevent the spread of abortion there“with their prayers, but also with their bold action to fight thebattle for life and family in their countries.”With Project Rachel, the introduction of a post-abortion

healing ministry in Peru has also helped to strengthen the localChurch’s “pastoral voice” and fill an important need. “The Church has a prophetic voice regarding the sacredness

of human life and the evil of abortion,” Thorn explained. “Butwe also have a pastoral voice, which says if you come to the Fa-ther of Mercies with a repentant heart, he is waiting.”♦

WALTER SÁNCHEZ SILVA is a reporter with ACI Prensa, a Catholicnews agency that was founded in Lima, Peru, in 1980.

Project Rachel founder Vicki Thorn (center) and Archbishop Eguren (to her left) participate in a march for life in Piura, Peru, on April 6.

MEN AND POST-ABORTIVE HEALING

IN ADDITION to helping post-abortive women on thepath to healing and reconciliation, Project Rachel and theNational Office for Reconciliation and Post-AbortionHealing also provide assistance to men, the fathers ofaborted children.According to founder Vicki Thorn, some of the issues

that can be seen in post-abortive fathers include anger,powerlessness, inability to communicate, risky behavior,spousal abuse and substance abuse. These men, she said,also need to be heard and given assistance. The Knights of Columbus’ long history of support for

Project Rachel and the National Office for Reconciliationand Post-Abortion Healing has included co-sponsoringtwo conferences on the effects of abortion on men: in SanFrancisco in 2007 and Chicago in 2009. The Order’sCatholic Information Service also publishes a booklet ti-tled Men and Abortion: Finding Healing, Restoring Hope(Veritas Series, 344). For more information, visitwww.kofc.org/cis or hopeafterabortion.com.♦

CULTURE OF LIFE

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Iwill never forget reading through the 281-page grand juryreport on the now-infamous Kermit Gosnell in January2011. Gosnell ran an abortion facility in Philadelphia thatinvolved what he called a “late-term abortion” procedure:the delivery of healthy babies followed by the severing oftheir necks and spinal cords. The grand jury report outlinedthe stomach-turning details of these deaths as well as thedeplorable conditions at theclinic, the prejudice against mi-nority women, the negligentmedical attention that ultimatelyled to the deaths of two patientsand, perhaps most startlingly, thelack of any kind of governmentoversight. On May 13, Gosnellwas found guilty of three countsof first-degree murder and morethan 200 lesser charges. Perhaps the one silver lining of

the situation is that this abortionshop of horrors has caused manywho normally identify them-selves as “pro-choice” to questionthe abortion industry. Howcould such crimes take place sopublicly and for so long? What“choice” is being defended by abortion advocates?When President Obama was asked about the trial in a

mid-April media interview, he declined to comment. He in-stead responded with the popular old adage that abortionshould be “safe, legal and rare.” In light of the Gosnell trialand the questions it provokes, a review of these three cate-gories seems to be in order.

Safe? Many claim that Gosnell is an outlier. But the un-fortunate reality is that most abortion facilities have less reg-ulatory oversight than veterinary clinics and hair salons. Atlast count, according to the Americans United for Life an-nual report titled Defending Life (2013), 25 states had abor-tion clinic regulatory laws on the books, with another sevennot being enforced due to litigation (p. 112). Pennsylvania,home to Gosnell’s clinic, imposes “stringent” standards onabortion facilities, but authorities neglected oversight foryears. In fact, it was only because of suspected illegal pre-scriptions that the Gosnell clinic was investigated at all.In addition, there are numerous physical side effects to

abortion, including increased risk of pre-term birth, hem-

orrhage, menstrual problems, serious infection and death.The abortion drug RU-486, use of which is on the rise,also poses serious health risks.

Legal? A Knights of Columbus-Marist poll in December2012 showed that 8 out of 10 Americans favor significantlimitations on abortion (saying it should be illegal or allowedonly in first trimester, only in certain situations, etc.).

But contrary to public opin-ion, the 1973 U.S. SupremeCourt decisions Roe v. Wade andDoe v. Bolton set the stage forlegal abortion at any time duringpregnancy for any reason. In fact,the United States and Canadastand with China and NorthKorea as the four countries withthe most permissive abortionlaws in the world. Since the Gosnell trial involved

infanticide, it magnified thegruesomeness of abortion.Nonetheless, there are still manypoliticians and abortion advo-cates today who support even“partial-birth abortion” and op-pose legislation protecting infants

born alive during abortion procedures.Rare? In recent years, there have been more than one

million abortions annually in the United States alone. Thispast January, as we marked the 40th anniversary of Roe, wemourned the loss of some 55 million Americans who havedied as a result of abortion in the last four decades. Inurban settings such as New York City, four out of 10 babiesare aborted. For African-American babies, the abortion rateis even higher at 60 percent. Even with these ratios, NewYork politicians are currently advocating for fewer abortionrestrictions and greater access.Safe, legal, rare? A more honest motto about abortion

should be, “One killed and one wounded.” In this momentwhen the abortion industry is under greater scrutiny, pro-life Americans would do well to seize the opportunity andbegin a dialogue about basic, common-sense truths regard-ing life and death.♦

JEANNE MONAHAN is president of the March for Life Educa-tion & Defense Fund in Washington, D.C.

Exposing Ugly TruthsThe trial of Kermit Gosnell provides an opportunity to shine

a light into the darkness of the abortion industry

by Jeanne Monahan

Thinkstock

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Members of Benedictine College Council 4708 inAtchison, Kan., staple down roofing felt at a Habitatfor Humanity build in St. Joseph, Mo.

HOUSINGHEROESIn volunteering to build homes with Habitat for Humanity, Knights provide

assistance to the working poor

by Joe Bollig

It was a chilly April morning, but the blue sky held prom-ise of the day warming before noon. Paul Davidson, aHabitat for Humanity construction supervisor, gatheredhis work crew in the muddy yard of a half-built one-storyhome in an old, midtown neighborhood in St. Joseph, Mo.“I want all of you to grab a hard hat, a nail apron and a

hammer,” he said to the 10 college-age men around him.Their mission that day was to finish nailing foam insu-

lation panels to the exterior of the house, close in a gableat the back, install the last of the roof sheets and stapledown the roofing felt.“Depending on how everything goes, maybe we’ll shin-

gle,” he told the young men. “We’re working up high so becareful — hammers and shingles slip out of hands.”Eagerly, the volunteers went to work, and soon the sound

of pounding hammers echoed across the neighborhood. Asthey grew warm, the men removed their hoodies and jack-ets to reveal dark-gray t-shirts proclaiming: Knights ofColumbus.

HARD WORK PAYS OFFFounded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is a worldwideecumenical Christian housing ministry that has built or re-paired just over half a million homes for more than 3 mil-lion people. In providing assistance, Habitat does notsimply give away houses; future homeowners contribute“sweat equity” by working with volunteer builders, in ad-dition to making monthly mortgage payments.

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The goals and values of Habitat correlate nicely with theKnights of Columbus, whose first principle is charity. In 2011,K of C councils donated 1,310,640 hours of service and$1,728,808 to local Habitat affiliates worldwide, according tothe Supreme Council’s Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity.The young men in St. Joseph on April 13 were members of

Benedictine College Council 4708 in Atchison, Kan. Usuallytheir service projects keep them close to campus, but this timethey wanted to go farther afield, according to Grand KnightMichael Pesely.“A lot of the focus [of our council activities] has been on

the school community, which is great, but our campus isn’tvery big, and a lot of groups focus on the campus,” said Pesely,21, a junior from Washington, Ill. “We wanted to reach outto the broader community, which is what our guys will dowhen they graduate.”The idea to do something for

Habitat in St. Joseph, which isabout 23 miles northeast of Atchi-son, came from Knights JamesNistler, 19, a freshman from He-lena, Mont., and Justin Langfield,23, who serves Benedictine Col-lege as a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)missionary.“I wanted to work on a project

not only to make myself more in-vested in the Knights of Columbus,but also to get other men in thecouncil excited about something,”said Langfield, who is from Arvada,Colo. In particular, Langfieldadded, he wanted to help some ofthe younger members get more involved.The build proved to be a good project for the Benedictine

Knights, who had no problem lifting sheets of plywood tocomplete the gable on the high side of the house or lugging80-pound bundles of shingles up the ladder. Most of themhad some experience using tools and building, and they en-joyed the physical effort.“I’m really excited to be here today,” said Deputy Grand

Knight David Walter, 22, from St. Louis, adding that he hasbeen inspired by the witness of Pope Francis.“During one of his first homilies, [the pope] said that with-

out the cross, you’re not living the Christian life,” said Walter.“I think today is an opportunity for us to pick up our crossesas Knights. It can be strenuous work out here on the job, butthat just turns into a greater glory for God and his kingdom.”

CHARITY AND NEEDVolunteer labor is an important factor in making Habitathomes affordable, said Melissa Koch, executive director of St.Joseph Habitat for Humanity. “I could say [the Benedictine Knights] easily saved us

$3,000 to $4,000,” she said.

Although volunteer support helps reduce the cost of Habi-tat-built houses, it’s hard to overstate how valuable these hum-ble homes are to their new owners. The three-bedroom housein St. Joseph, for example, is for a single mother with twoyoung children who had never owned a home before.“She has lived with various family,” said Koch. “Most of the

places she could afford to rent are not safe and are pretty dirtyand run down. This will give her an opportunity to live in ahome for less than the average rent she could find.”Habitat for Humanity homeowners are the working poor,

and many are single mothers, said Koch. They struggle to findadequate, affordable housing to rent or buy.In the United States, 10.5 million people are among the

working poor, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statis-tics. Single mothers are more likely than their male counter-parts to fall into this category. The working poor usually

spend more than half of their in-come on housing. “The single mothers say, ‘I want to

give my children some stability anda safe place to live,’” explained Koch.Before moving into a Habitat-builthome, she said, families often movefrequently, which forces the childrento change schools and lack consis-tency in their lives.Natasha Berry, for whom this

house in St. Joseph is being built,said her children are eager to moveinto their new home.“My little girl is so excited,” she

said. “She goes to school down thestreet from the house, so we have todrive by every day so she can see it.”

And what is Berry’s daughter looking forward to the mostin their new house?“A puppy dog,” said Berry. “That was the first thing that

came out of my little girl’s mouth. Everywhere we’ve lived, wecouldn’t have animals.”

A GLOBAL VILLAGEIn Lloydminster, Canada, a city that straddles the border be-tween Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Knights of Columbus areworking with Habitat for Humanity to address a division causednot by the provincial border, but by economic disparity.“In Lloydminster, there’s a fairly good need, because hous-

ing is expensive,” said Mark Witzaney, a member of FatherDobson Council 3553. “The oil [industry] is huge, and thewages are really good, but service-sector jobs are just a littlebit above minimum wage. When housing gets expensive, peo-ple on the lower end really struggle.”

“IT CAN BE STRENUOUS

WORK OUT HERE ON THE

JOB, BUT THAT JUST

TURNS INTO A GREATER

GLORY FOR GOD AND HIS

KINGDOM.”

Opposite page: At the build in St. Joseph, Mo., Benedictine College Knightsworked on completing the roof, installed foam insulation panels and cutplywood boards.

ST. JOSEPH, MO: Julie Denesha

J U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 25

26 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ J U N E 2 0 1 3

For their most recent project, the Lloydminster Knights in-stalled insulation in a six-townhouse development. Their help-ing hands not only helped build homes, but also a strongercommunity.“Charity is giving back and helping someone else — not just

giving to them, but actually helping them,” said Witzaney.“What we’re doing is helping them get into affordable housingand also become homeowners. They become part of the com-munity that way.”By no means are the Knights in Kansas or Alberta isolated ex-

amples. K of C units and members throughout the Order’s 62North American jurisdictions are active in Habitat, as can be seenby the impressive totals of funds and volunteer hours donated.For example, the Knights of Columbus Archdiocese of San

Antonio Chapter in Texas co-sponsors the annual BishopThomas J. Flanagan Habitat for Humanity Golf Classic. Prof-its from the event are used to build Habitat homes. In additionto participating in the fund-raiser each year, members of GoodShepherd Council 6358 in Schertz also volunteer annually atseveral Habitat projects on their own.“The families we’ve dealt with are very appreciative and ex-

cited about getting their first home,” said Jeff Heim, the coun-cil’s community director. “It’s like their first step to theAmerican Dream, and they take great pride in it.”Through their work with Habitat, the Knights give a highly

visible witness to the power of charity.“Going out and helping people, that’s charity,” said Heim.

“We’re always looking to help organizations that are non-profitand provide service to people. That’s pretty much what theKnights like to do.”As for the Benedictine Knights, they ended their work in the

mid-afternoon with a significant portion of the roof shingled.After the hard hats, nail aprons and hammers had been putaway, the experience left them with a deep sense of satisfaction— and a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a Knight.♦

JOE BOLLIG is a senior reporter for The Leaven, the news-paper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan.

GOOD INVESTING FOR GOOD

LAST YEAR, the Supreme Council participated for thefirst time in an innovative program to benefit Habitat forHumanity International.Through FlexCAP (Flexible Capital Access Program),

the Knights lend money to Habitat for Humanity Inter-national, which in turn re-loans the money to local Habi-tat affiliates. Local affiliates pledge specific mortgages fromtheir portfolios as collateral for the loans. FlexCAP is a way for affiliates to recover a portion of

the mortgage before its full term, and it allows the affiliateto recycle the money to build additional homes.“We’re extremely grateful for this partnership,” said

Greg Skowronski, director of capital markets and financialsystems for Habitat for Humanity International in At-lanta. “It’s a great way to expand the partnership betweenour organizations. [The Knights] contribute a lot of vol-unteer hours, and they have been very easy to work with.I think we have a lot of alignment as far as the missions ofour organizations.”♦

Knights install interior insulation at a Habitat build in Lloydminster,Saskatchewan. The project in Lloydminster, which straddles the border betweenAlberta and Saskatchewan, will be a development of six townhouses.

LLOYDMINSTER, SASKATCHEWAN: Jenna-Marie Lam

b/Lam

b Studios

J U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 27

bags and 150 blankets. Theitems were distributed at adinner for the homeless andneedy in which each attendeecould take one item after eat-ing a warm supper. Mean-while, Knights of theResurrection Council 13851in Tualatin, Ore., conducteda “Mission for the Homeless”to collect new sleeping bagsand undergarments for thestate’s homeless population.With support from localbusinesses, churches and civicgroups, the project netted572 new sleeping bags and$3,000 for a number of out-reach organizations.

COMMAND PERFORMANCE

Ashwaubenon Council 7498in Green Bay, Wis., providedfunds and volunteer man-power to erect a Ten Com-mandments monument atNativity of Our LordChurch. Fourth DegreeKnights provided an honorguard for the monument’sdedication.

Knights worked with TheLending Cupboard, a charitythat provides hospital equip-ment to the public, to assem-ble a collection of walkers,roll-aid chairs and bathroomcommodes for a hospital inKoloymia. Council membersalso helped load the equip-ment for transportation.

WINDOW DONATEDMedford (Mass.) Council141 donated a stained-glasswindow depicting the bap-tism of Jesus to St. JosephChurch. The window wasdonated in honor of all de-ceased council members.

TREK ACROSS MAINE

Holy Spirit Assembly inKennebunk, Maine, partici-pated in the Trek AcrossMaine bicycle trip to benefitthe American Lung Associa-tion. The K of C team trav-eled 180 miles across thestate on bicycle, raising morethan $12,000 for charity.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENTFOR UKRAINE

Bishop Savaryn Council9559 in Red Deer, Alberta,donated two wheelchairsthrough the Global Wheel-chair Mission to a collectionof hospital equipment boundfor Koloymia, Ukraine.

KNIGHTS ACTION REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLESIN

Members of St. Basil Coun-cil 13800 and St. Basil Circle5509, both in Kimberton,Pa., rake leaves onto a tarpat the Medal of Honor Grovein Valley Forge. Knights andSquires removed downedleaves and tree limbs fromthe site, which serves as amemorial to recipients of theMedal of Honor.

Knights of Columbus from three area K of C units strip shin-gles from the roof of the rectory at St. Thomas Church inPhilo, Ill. More than 50 Knights from Illini Council 2782 at theUniversity of Illinois in Champaign, Father John C. HechtCouncil 13103 in Philo and Twin Cities Assembly worked to-gether to replace the roof in just over four hours, donatingtools, vehicles and, of course, manpower, to get the jobdone. Following completion of the roof, Knights gathered to-gether for lunch.

A volunteer nurse monitorsthe blood pressure of a pa-tient during a medical out-reach program sponsored bySan Jose de Agudo Council12878 in Caloocan, Luzon.Nearly 500 people receivedfree screenings and medicineduring the two-day event.

The assembly also hosted aceremony on Veterans Dayat Atria of Kennebunk, anelder care facility. Knightshonored 10 veterans living atthe facility.

DICTIONARIES DONATED

Vincent A. O’Brien Council5254 in Abington, Mass., do-nated 168 dictionaries to allthird-grade students in thetown’s school system.

CHARITY DINNERKnights from Forsyth andDavie Counties in NorthCarolina held their fourth an-nual intellectual disabilitiescharity dinner and auction atthe Bermuda Run CountryClub for a packed house of150 people. The event raisedmore than $15,000 for thespecial-needs community.

SALUTE TO SISTERSBishop N.Z. Lorrain Coun-cil 1531 in Pembroke, On-tario, sponsored a Mass andluncheon in honor of theGrey Sisters of the Immacu-late Conception and the Sis-ters of St. Joseph, tworeligious communities whohave provided decades ofsupport to the community ofPembroke. The event in-cluded a diocesan-wide Massat St. Columbkille Cathe-dral, followed by a cateredlunch and celebration formore than 260 people.

OPERATION SLEEPING BAG

Msgr. Patrick J. ConnorsCouncil 4997 in Renolaunched an initiative called“Operation Sleeping Bag” toprovide sleeping bags andblankets to homeless andneedy members of the com-munity. Knights set up sixcollection points to solicit do-nations, netting 165 sleeping

KNIGHTS IN ACTION

28 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ J U N E 2 0 1 3

Volunteers from Cardinal Bel-larmine Council 4849 in Au-rora, Ill., sort through coatsthat were donated during acouncil-sponsored coat drive.Knights collected more than200 coats during the initiative,which were donated to a localhomeless shelter and to indi-viduals in need.

bring stuffed animals to sickchildren at two area hospitals.Riders delivered 80 teddybears that hospital staff dis-tributed to children who arereceiving short- and long-term treatment.

ROSARIES FOR STUDENTS

Archbishop Francis P.Keough Council 5263 inOdenton, Md., donated100 Knights of Columbusrosaries and K of C rosaryprayer cards to fourth-gradestudents at School of the In-carnation in Gambrills.

OVER THEIR HEADSOur Lady of Fatima Council13137 in Signal Village,Luzon, constructed a roof forthe back portion of a healthcare center in South SignalVillage. This enclosed areawill house patients who arewaiting to receive medicaland dental treatment.

SHRINE CLEANEDBarney Gonyea Council7109 in Safety Harbor, Fla.,cleaned and refurbished theMarian shrine at EspirituSanto Church in honor ofthe shrine’s 10th anniver-

WEBSITE REDESIGNSt. Anna’s Council 14425 inMonroe, Ga., contributedhalf of the development costto create a new website for itsparish. In addition, FinancialSecretary Robert Gaubert de-signed the architecture forthe new site.

TEDDY BEAR RUNLos Caballeros de SanduskyCounty Council 15036 inFremont, Ohio, hosted a mo-torcycle teddy bear run to

Nova Scotia, provided anhonor guard for the dedica-tion of a new Marian gardenat St. Joseph’s Church.Knight Richard Doyle builtthe garden with assistancefrom the late Father JosephChristensen.

sary. Knights cleaned thearea around the shrine, re-furbished the statue ofMary, and installed newbenches and shrubs. Morethan 200 parishioners at-tended the rededication,which also included anhonor guard from EspirituSanto Assembly.

READING RIGHTSt. Basil the Great Council10721 in Duson, La., do-nated $600 each to DusonElementary School, Ridge El-ementary School, JudiceMiddle School and CharlesBurke Elementary School.The funds will be used topurchase books for theschools’ libraries.

PRAISING LUCYFather Jordan J. DillonCouncil 3563 in North Prov-idence, R.I., held a “St. LucyParty” for area residents withvisual impairments. Theevening included Mass and aravioli dinner sponsored bythe Rhode Island StateCouncil and prepared byCouncil 3563.

CHASUBLE & ALBHoly Cross Council 9642 inWest Fargo, N.D., presentedFather James Meyer, pastor ofHoly Cross Church andcouncil chaplain, with aKnights of Columbus chasu-ble and alb. Knights pre-sented the vestments toFather Meyer in appreciationfor his support of the Order.

RECOGNIZING ALTAR SERVERS

St. Mary Council 11666 inHuntley, Ill., treated morethan 40 altar servers to break-fast at a local restaurant.Knights annually recognizethe servers for their dedica-tion to St. Mary Parish.

MARIAN GARDENMsgr. William WamboldtAssembly in Bridgewater,

Gary O’Dell (left) and George Sneider of Dixon (Ill.) Council690 clean an old window for recycling while replacing thewindows at St. Mary’s School. Knights worked with a localglass company to replace all of the windows in the school’scafeteria. Knights also recycled the old glass, raising $350for the school’s music department.

Christopher Fabian and EdDietzel of Blessed MotherMary Council 15238 in Daw-sonville, Ga., call out a rafflewinner during a council-spon-sored barbecue festival.Knights invited parishionersand the community to attendthe event, which featuredfood, entertainment and raffleprizes. The festival raisedmore than $2,300 for charity.

Scott Halbur and Lyle Sporrerof Sacred Heart Council12438 in Manning/Minilla,Iowa, load children’s toysonto a truck for delivery toa local homeless shelter.Knights collected clothes,books, toys and other itemsfor the shelter. Council mem-ber Scott Halbur, who owns afarm, also donated fresh meatto the facility.

KNIGHTS IN ACTION

J U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 29

KEEP DAD IN THE GAME

Don Bosco Council 7784 inNewton, N.J., hosted twoevents to benefit the ProstateCancer Foundation’s “KeepDad in the Game” campaign.Knights hosted a two-dayfundraiser at an area restau-rant as well as a family bowl-ing night at Sparta Lanes.Both events generated morethan $1,200.

AED DONATEDSt. Clare of Assisi Council13253 in Eagle, Colo., do-nated an automatic externaldefibrillator to St. Mary’sChurch and St. Clare Ele-mentary School. Councilmembers were also certifiedto use the equipment andperform CPR.

FOOD PANTRY ACCESSIBILITY

St. Joseph Council 6508 inEdgerton, Wis., funded andbuilt a new staircase andwheelchair ramp for thethrift store/food pantry atEdgerton Community Out-reach. Prior to the Knightsundertaking the project, the

conference at the Basilica ofOur Lady of Guadalupe.

BAPTISMAL GIFTSOur Lady of Lourdes Coun-cil 4500 in Marple, Pa., pres-ents a red rose, a rosary and acertificate of appreciation toeach of the babies who arebaptized at the council’sparish each year.

building only had an exte-rior staircase, and clientswith disabilities could notget inside.

ITEMS FOR VETERANS

St. Patrick Cathedral Council11008 and Father Vincent R.Capodanno Assembly, bothin Harrisburg, Pa., collectedand delivered 1,600 comfortitems for veterans at theLebanon VA Medical Center.Knights collected toiletries,puzzles, magazines andstamps for veterans receivingtreatment at the facility.

RELIC VISITOur Lady of Lourdes Coun-cil 13059 in Laoag City,Luzon, together with mem-bers of the Philippine Armyassigned at Ilocos Norte, pro-vided security and assistanceat St. William Cathedralwhen a relic of St. Theresevisited the church.

PILGRIMAGE FOR YOUTH

San Ignacio de Loyola Coun-cil 14068 in Mexico DistritoFederal, Mexico South, spon-sored a team of young mis-sionaries known as “LumenGentium” to attend a youth

Henry Mendoza and Rudolf Aquino of Our Lady of La SaletteCouncil 10475 in Waipahu, Hawaii, stand guard over therelics of St. Marianne Cope while a parishioner prays. Knightsprovided support for the relics’ visit to St. Joseph Churchduring a tour that took place in the months following St. Mar-ianne Cope’s canonization in late 2012.

Ernie O’Neill, Wayne Jo-hansen and Al Durham ofFather Adrian Butts Council6417 in Bridgewater, NovaScotia, install a new sign atthe entrance to St. Joseph’sCemetery. The cemetery hadbeen without a sign for sev-eral years when the councildonated $1,150 to have anew one manufactured andinstalled.

NEWS FROM THEYEAR OF FAITH

• Our Lady of Lourdes Council13059 in Laoag City, Luzon,erected a Year of Faith billboard infront of its parish. The billboardoffers suggestions on howCatholics can deepen their bondsto the Church during the Year ofFaith.

• Petaluma (Calif.) Council1586 held the first in a series ofproposed faith forums to celebratethe Year of Faith. A three-personpanel of Cursillo Fourth Dayexperts shared their thoughts onthe responsibilities of Catholicmen in their families and society.Participants then broke into smallgroups to discuss the subject.

• Holy Rosary Council 6777in Milton, Ontario, undertookseveral initiatives to commemo-rate the Year of Faith. Knightspurchased 500 copies of the bookRediscover Catholicism, aswell as three Catholic Informa-tion Service booklets, to place attheir church for parishioners. Thecouncil also instituted a rosaryfor members prior to the council’smonthly meetings.

• St. Joseph Council 443 inNew York held a Year of Faithreflection on the life of Msgr.Gregory Schaffer of the SanLucas Mission in San LucasToliman, Guatemala. The eventfeatured a reflection and videoon Msgr. Schaffer and a specialGuatemalan soup prepared bycouncil members and their wives.The event raised $515 for themission’s work.

Al Valentin of St. Philip theApostle Council 11671 inClifton, N.J., holds up a roll ofraffle tickets for sale during afundraiser for Colin MichaelJones, a young boy with intel-lectual disabilities. The largebanquet included dinner, asilent auction and raffles forseveral hundred prizes. Morethan 500 people attended theevent, which raised approxi-mately $90,000.

KNIGHTS IN ACTION

30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ J U N E 2 0 1 3

died in the January 2010earthquake while on a hu-manitarian trip. In particular,Daniel and Dolan taughtlocal Haitians how to usemodern tools to aid thebuilding process.

BREAST CANCERBARBECUE

St. Joseph Council 3402 inKeyport, N.J., and its ladies’auxiliary co-sponsored acharity barbecue to benefitbreast cancer awareness andresearch groups. The eventraised $8,000, which was di-vided among four recipients.

ROSES FOR LIFEFather John P. Wessel Council6530 in Marlton, N.J., heldits annual “Roses for Life” saleat St. Joan of Arc Church.Knights sold roses followingall weekend Masses, netting$1,352 for First Way ofBurlington County.

PYX DONATEDNew Iberia (La.) Council1208 donated 17 pyx for dis-tributing Communion to Fa-ther Thomas Bamutaze, avisiting priest from Jinja,

PRAYER GARDENMOVED

Cathedral of the Risen ChristCouncil 9563 in Lincoln,Neb., relocated a Stations ofthe Cross prayer garden thatwas originally located next toa Planned Parenthood facilityto a new location on thegrounds of Cathedral of theRisen Christ. Initially con-structed in 2010 as a silentwitness to the horrors ofabortion, the prayer gardenwas no longer needed in itsoriginal location when thePlanned Parenthood facilitymoved. As a result, Knightsvolunteered to move the gar-den and its Stations of theCross to Cathedral of theRisen Christ, where it couldcontinue to be used for quietreflection.

ORPHANAGE IN HAITISt. Mary’s Council 14298 inJefferson, Mass., donated$400 to help defray the costof a mission trip taken byKnights Chris Daniel andJack Dolan to Haiti. Bothmen traveled with other vol-unteers to Grand Goave tohelp build an orphanage withthe Be Like Brit Foundation,an organization named for aU.S. university student who

Uganda. The pyx will allowFather Bamutaze and otherextraordinary ministers ofthe Eucharist to distributeCommunion in their geo-graphically large and popu-lous parish.

OPERATION STAND DOWN

Holy Family Council 9085 atBarksdale Air Force Base inLouisiana donated new un-dergarments and socks to anOperation Stand Down eventin Shreveport. OperationStand Down offers homelessveterans the chance to obtainmedical and dental services,free clothing and haircuts,and a place to eat and sleepfor the weekend.

CHALICES FOR INDIAPope John Paul I Assemblyin Bella Vista, Ark., has do-nated a number of chalicesand patens to Catholicpriests who are members ofthe Indian Missionary Soci-ety in Varanassi, India. Themost recent chalice dona-tion was made in memory oflate assembly member FranHeinen, who traveled to

Members of Msgr. William Varrily Council 12031 in Bathurst,New Brunswick, sort through donated pennies during acouncil-sponsored fund drive to support the Coats for KidsProgram. Knights set up collection boxes at Holy FamilyChurch, encouraging parishioners to drop off their pennies.Through the initiative, Knights raised enough money to pur-chase 38 winter coats for needy children.

kofc.orgexclusive

See more “Knights in Action” reports and

photos atwww.kofc.org/knightsinaction

Ken Gitobu of St. Michaelthe Archangel Council 12577in Leawood, Ks., pours outpancake batter during one ofthe council’s charity break-fasts. The council sponsorsfour breakfasts each year,with proceeds used to fundcollege scholarships for fiveparish students.

India in 2011 with a mis-sion group and suggestedthat the assembly begin do-nating chalices in memoryof deceased Knights to In-dian priests.

HOG ROASTAND RAFFLE

When Msgr. Adam A.Micek Council 8410 inHarrison, Ark., received twohogs in donation from aparishioner, the council de-cided to raffle one and havea pig roast with the other.Knights raffled the first hog,raising nearly $2,000 forcharity, and roasted the sec-ond as an appreciation din-ner for everyone whosupported the raffle.

DEVOTIONAL BREAKFASTS

St. Philip the Apostle Coun-cil 9220 in Corpus Christi,Texas, sponsors a benefitbreakfast each month at itsparish following first Sundaydevotions. Beginning in July2012, Knights have servedbreakfast to parishionerseach month, with fundsgoing to pastor Father HanhVan Pham’s personal chari-ties, like an orphanage inVietnam.

BABY SHOWERSt. Benedict Council 8337 inDuluth, Minn., hosted itsannual pro-life baby showerfor the Lake Superior LifeCare Center. Knights col-lected $1,200 in cash andmore than a dozen bags andboxes of baby items.

KNIGHTS IN ACTION

J U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 31

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CUA Knights Demonstrate Best of College Council Program

COLLEGE KNIGHTS are known for theiryouthful energy in fulfilling the Order’s principlesof charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, and forsetting a foundation for the next generation offaithful Catholics. Now, two college Knights arepreparing to enter the next stage of their lives inservice to Church and community.Tim McEvoy, the immediate past grand knight

of Catholic University of America Council 9542 inWashington, D.C., received the President’s Award,CUA’s highest honor for a graduating senior, at theuniversity’s commencement exercises May 18. While serving as grand knight of the council last

year, McEvoy helped the Knights take a leadershiprole in the usher service provided by CUA studentsat the Vigil for Life Mass held at the Basilica of theNational Shrine of the Immaculate Conception be-fore the annual March for Life. This Mass requiresthe coordination of hundreds of student volunteersto assist a crowd of thousands.Under McEvoy’s leadership, Council 9542 re-

ceived the 2011 Council Activity Award from theSupreme Council at the annual College CouncilConference, held in New Haven, Conn. Theaward recognized the council’s “OverKnight Pro-gram,” which provides off-campus retreats for stu-dents to meet and discuss their faith. The councilwas also recognized during McEvoy’s tenure for being a top contributor tothe university’s 125th anniversary goal of 125,000 hours of service. Outside of his activity with the Knights, McEvoy served as a resident

minister to students living in his dorm hall and helped coordinate retreats.After graduation, he will be teaching mathematics as part of the Universityof Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education: Service Through Teachingprogram.Brett Garland, another member of Council 9542, received the Father

Stratemeier Award last April, which is the university’s second highest honorfor a senior male. The award is presented for excellence in extracurricularactivities and scholarship, and the recipient must demonstrate significantleadership and service to CUA. Garland helped coordinate retreats for students and was a member of Stu-

dents for Life. Now that he has graduated, he intends to enter seminary forthe Diocese of Columbus. Both Garland and McEvoy also served on the Order’s College Council

Advisory Board. Roommates since sophomore year, the two men traveled toMadrid, Spain, in 2008 with a delegation of college Knights to participatein World Youth Day 2011 and to volunteer at the Love and Life Centre, anEnglish-language cacesthesis site for pilgrims that was co-sponsored by theOrder and the Sisters of the Life. Garland and McEvoy are also members ofthe university’s President’s Society, an organization to honor those studentswho combine academics, integrity, maturity and a well-rounded personalitywith university-wide awareness, participation and leadership.

Congratulations to all college Knights who graduated this past spring!

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COLUMBIANISM BY DEGREES

32 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ J U N E 2 0 1 3

MEMBERS OF the armed forces, in-cluding Knights from the Camp EggersRound Table in Kabul, Afghanistan,pass along bundles of winter clothingfor donation to needy Afghan families.As part of the Camp Eggers VolunteerCommunity Relations Team, the roundtable was instrumental in helping tocollect and deliver more than 2,000hats and gloves and 200 coats to needyfamilies living around Camp More-head. The community relations teamalso delivered clothing, shoes, blanketsand toys during the distribution. Theround table is sponsored by Christ theSavior Council 9129 in El Paso, Texas.

Patriotism

Charity

STUDENTS FROM Pope John PaulII Academy in Montrose, Colo., helpadministrators break ground on thesite of their new school facility. Mon-trose Council 1188 donated$187,000 to help build the newschool building after the Catholiccommunity outgrew its current facil-ity. The council had been saving thefunds to build a social hall but de-cided instead that a new school wouldbenefit the community more.

Fraternity

MEMBERS OF Fray Diego de la Ca-dena Council 2367 in Durango, Mex-ico Northwest, and their families sitastride horses with an image of OurLady of Guadalupe during a council-sponsored fraternal/religious horse-back ride. The event included Massand a 15-mile ride between the townsof Llano Grande and El Salto. Morethan 100 riders participated.

Unity

FLANKED BY members of St. JohnAssembly in Goshen, N.Y., CardinalTimothy M. Dolan, archbishop ofNew York, exits St. John the Evangel-ist Church after a Mass celebrating theparish’s 175th anniversary. Knightsprovided an honor guard for the an-niversary celebration. Cardinal Dolanis a 33-year member of the Knights ofColumbus.

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TO BE FEATURED HERE, SEND YOUR COUNCIL’S “KNIGHTS IN ACTION” PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO: COLUMBIA, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326 OR E-MAIL: COLUMBIA@KOFC.ORG.

Jack Garden of Cure D’Ars Council 12148in Round Rock, Texas, carries a piece ofmetal roofing while working with councilmembers at the Copprome Children’sHome in El Progreso, Honduras. St. JohnVianney Church, where the council isbased, adopted the orphanage and providesshipments of toys and clothing several timesa year. Knights wanted to get even more in-volved, so the council raised $900 to sup-port the facility, and four council memberstraveled to Honduras to work on roofingand painting projects.

Building a better world one council

at a timeEvery day, Knights all over the world aregiven opportunities to make a difference— whether through community service,raising money or prayer. We celebrateeach and every Knight for his strength,his compassion and his dedication tobuilding a better world.

J U N E 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 33

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

KEEP THE FAITH ALIVE

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‘I BECOME CHRISTTO THEM ANDTHEY BECOMECHRIST TO ME’

As is probably true of most religious voca-tions, mine was not a lightning-bolt moment;it was a gradual realization of God’s call, heardand pondered over the years.I became interested in the work of the Do-

minican Sisters of Hawthorne, who care for pa-tients with incurable cancer at no charge. I wasattracted to the order’s nursing apostolate, butI was also afraid of having to deal with deathand dying. On my first visit to the motherhouse, I was

half expecting to see a cloud of gloom surround-ing each sister. To my surprise, they were nor-mal, joyful sisters, happy in their religious life.My joy as a sister is the knowledge that the

love and care I give to my patients do not comefrom my effort alone, but from the grace ofGod. There is a sublime exchange of Christ’slove, wherein I become Christ to them andthey become Christ to me.To those discerning a religious vocation, do

not be afraid to answer God’s call. Persevere inprayer and entrust yourself to the Lord.

SISTER CARMELA MARIE

Dominican Sisters of HawthorneAtlanta, Ga.