Rome, Italy, Jun 11, 2010 / 01:05 am
The Knights of Columbus are celebrating the 90th anniversary of their presence in Rome by reflecting on the group's contributions to the city throughout the decades.
One commentator told CNA that although numerous contributions can be attributed to the Knights, the group's humanitarian work, such as keeping the playgrounds open for children in Rome during World War II, is most notable.
As part of the celebration, the Knights of Columbus introduced an exhibit at Rome's historically renowned Capitoline Museums on June 9. The exhibit is titled "Everybody welcome, everything free: the Knights of Columbus and Rome, celebrating 90 years of friendship."
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, thanked the group for their work on Tuesday, saying that throughout their 90-year presence in Rome, the Knights “have worked with particular care in favor of the younger generation by offering opportunities for fun and games, using recreational centers made freely available to parishes, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, institutions for disabled and priestly formation.”