San Antonio, Texas, Aug 6, 2013 / 12:37 pm
At the Knights of Columbus' annual meeting, Texas Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller praised the group for its worldwide charitable work and encouraged continued compassion for immigrants.
The archbishop presided over the Aug. 6 opening Mass for the Knights' convention at their 131st Annual Supreme Council Meeting in San Antonio.
During his homily, he commended the 1.8 million-member global fraternity, saying the group's "principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism are vital for the Church and our country."
The archbishop emphasized the Knights' 70 million hours of service to charitable causes, including relief work after the devastating Oklahoma tornado and the tragic power plant explosion in West Texas earlier this summer.
Archbishop Garcia-Siller then spoke of the many lights and shadows present in the Transfiguration from the Gospel reading, noting the joy of the disciples at seeing Jesus in his heavenly state – while also hearing the prophesy of Christ's upcoming Passion and death.