Orlando, Fla., Aug 6, 2014 / 10:31 am
In a message delivered to the Knights of Columbus' international convention, Pope Francis thanked the Catholic fraternal organization for their charitable activity, as well as for their defense of religious freedom.
"The fraternal spirit inculcated by Fr. Michael McGivney and the first Knights of Columbus continues to be fruitful in the numerous charitable activities of the local councils, which, while meeting the needs of individuals, also build up communities in solidarity and concern for the common good," read the message conveyed Aug. 5 in a letter from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.
Pope Francis is "profoundly grateful" that the Knights "contribute to the mission of the Church at every level and, in particular, to the universal ministry of the Apostolic See."
More than 2,000 Knights and their families are in Orlando, Fla., this week for the 132nd supreme convention of the organization, being held Aug. 5-7. They have been joined by nearly 90 bishops.
The Pope's message also encouraged the Knights to defend religion's "proper place in the public square and to encourage the lay faithful in their mission of shaping a society which reflects the truth of Christ."
The convention's theme is "You Will All Be Brothers: Our Vocation to Fraternity," inspired by the Pope's message for the World Day of Peace, in which he said that "without fraternity it is impossible to build a just society."
In 2013, the Knights of Columbus donated more than $170 million to charity, as well as 70.5 million volunteer hours.
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson commented that the Knights "carry out works of charity in a spirit of fraternal brotherhood, and are pleased to be able to answer Pope Francis' call to all Catholics to care for our brothers and sisters in need."
The Knights of Columbus has more than 1.8 million members worldwide.
It was founded in 1882 in New Haven, Conn., by Venerable Michael McGivney, a parish priest who sought to help widows and orphans while aiding Catholic families and conducting acts of charity.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA