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Columbia KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

NOVEMBER 2025

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CONTENTS

Columbia N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 5 B VOLUME 105 B N U M B E R 9

Christ the King is depicted in a detail of a stained glass window at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. The Church celebrates the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on the last Sunday of the liturgical year — this year Nov. 23.

10 Mission of Solidarity and Hope

K of C and CNEWA leaders visit the Holy Land to support communities affected by war. By Columbia staff

14 Visible Signs of Devotion

Pope Leo receives the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in audience during jubilee pilgrimage. By Columbia staff

16 Breaking Barriers, Building Brotherhood

Departments 3 For the greater glory of God True thanksgiving is not a sentiment but a duty and discipline that deepens faith and fosters joy. By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

4 Learning the faith,

living the faith At the heart of the Gospel, and of Blessed Michael McGivney’s founding vision, is the call to love Christ in the poor.

By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

6 Knights of Columbus News College Knights Urged To Be Ambassadors for Christ • Order Celebrates Golden Anniversary Seton Canonization • Relics of the Little Flower Make National Pilgrimage • Knights March for Life at State Capitols 8 Building the Domestic Church A series of columns on family life, leadership and financial stewardship

26 Knights in Action Reports from councils and assemblies, representing Faith in Action

ABOVE: OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz — ON THE COVER: Brasil2/i/Stock / Getty Images Plus

After making history in the NFL, LeRoy Jackson has forged a legacy through faith and service.

ON THE COVER

Rays of light shine through the oculus of Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in the fourth century at the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

By Zoey Maraist

19 ‘A Great Ride’

D-Day veteran Gordon Schottlander looks back on a century of epic events and everyday blessings.

22 Charity and Truth in the Public Square

In our contentious times, Catholics are called to engage opponents with civility in the common quest for truth. By R.J. Snell

24 Knights On Ice

National Hockey League alumni game supported by Knights promotes charity and fraternity.

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 an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

By Elisha Valladares-Cormier NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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EDITORIAL

Columbia

The Heart of His Kingdom A CENTURY AGO, amid the ruins of one world war and the foreboding of another, Pope Pius XI proposed a striking remedy for humanity’s unrest. In December 1925, he instituted a new feast — Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe — to be celebrated for the first time the following autumn, on Oct. 31, 1926. Echoing his first encyclical, written several years earlier, the Holy Father declared, “Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ” (Quas Primas, 1). Pope Pius also cited his predecessor Leo XIII, who, when consecrating the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1899, proclaimed that Christ’s “empire includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptized persons … but also all those who are outside the Christian faith; so that truly the whole of mankind is subject to the power of Jesus Christ” (18; cf. Annum Sacrum, 3). These declarations were not innovations but reaffirmations of truths firmly rooted in Scripture and sacred tradition. The prophets foretold the coming Prince of Peace, whose reign upon the throne of David would be “vast and forever peaceful” — a kingdom without end (Is 9:6-7, cf. Lk 1:32-33). Though Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom does not belong to this world,” he also taught his disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10). His reign is transcendent — “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion” (Eph 1:21) — yet meant to transform this world, shaping hearts and societies according to divine truth. In that first encyclical, Pius XI lamented that, after the Great War, peace had been “only written into treaties. It was not received

into the hearts of men.” He warned that “true peace, the peace of Christ, is impossible unless we are willing and ready to accept the fundamental principles of Christianity, unless we are willing to observe the teachings and obey the law of Christ, both in public and private life” (Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio, 20; 47). In the century since, the world has known no shortage of bloodshed — from global wars to conflicts still raging in our own day — along with growing polarization in the public square. Yet the remedy remains the same. Christ’s reign begins not through conquest but through conversion — when his truth governs the mind, his charity the heart, and his law the will. This is how Christ’s kingdom comes to earth, bringing his peace not only to persons and families, but also to nations and to the Church herself. Throughout this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Knights of Columbus — together with the whole Church — has looked to the source of that hope: the peace of Christ, whose Sacred Heart remains the sign and wellspring of divine mercy. This past spring, Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate by greeting the world from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica with the first words of the risen Lord: “Peace be with you all.” He spoke of “the peace of the risen Christ — a peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.” As the Church prepares to celebrate the feast of Christ the King, these words again remind us that the Lord’s reign advances not by force or decree, but by hearts converted — finding anew the peace of Christ in the kingdom of Christ. B Alton J. Pelowski, Editor

Featured Resource: Sons in the Son A 40-day preparation for consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sons in the Son invites men to rediscover their identity as sons of God and sons of Mary. Written by Father Innocent Montgomery and Father Angelus Montgomery, both Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, this 130-page booklet takes St. Juan Diego as a model and consists of 40 daily reflections culminating in an act of consecration, ordinarily on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12. For details and to order, visit kofc.org/sons. 2

PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus SUPREME OFFICERS Patrick E. Kelly Supreme Knight Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. Supreme Chaplain Arthur L. Peters Deputy Supreme Knight John A. Marrella Supreme Secretary Ronald F. Schwarz Supreme Treasurer Anthony R. Picarello Jr. Supreme Advocate EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski Editor Matthew Kirby Editorial Director Andrew J. Matt Managing Editor Elisha Valladares-Cormier Senior Editor Megan Stibley Associate Editor Paul Haring Manager of Photography Cecilia Engbert Content Producer

Blessed Michael McGivney (1852-90) – Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us.

HOW TO REACH US COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 columbia@kofc.org kofc.org/columbia Address changes 203-752-4210, option #3 addresschange@kofc.org Columbia inquiries 203-752-4398 K of C Customer Service 1-800-380-9995

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F O R T H E G R E AT E R G LO R Y O F G O D

The Grace of Gratitude True thanksgiving is not a sentiment but a duty and discipline that deepens faith and fosters joy By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

Photo by Michael Collopy

THANKSGIVING DAY in the United States is

often marked by hectic travel, a large meal with family and friends, and the beginning of the frantic Christmas shopping season. But should there be more to it? How should we approach this holiday dedicated to giving thanks? One way is to take a closer look at the life-changing power of gratitude. Gratitude is an often-overlooked virtue. It is not a passing emotion, but an intentional choice — an act of the will that has the power to transform our lives. As a spiritual practice, gratitude is a habit of mind that helps us fully grasp the presence of God in our lives and the extraordinary gifts he has given to us. Rooted in humility, gratitude is the recognition that God’s blessings are based on his goodness to us and not upon our own merit. Through gratitude, Our Lord gives us “eyes to see and ears to hear” (Dt 29:3, cf. Prov 20:12, Mt 13:16). We see more clearly his magnificent, often hidden, action in our lives. We realize his great love for us and how he shapes us, encourages us and prepares us through the circumstances and seasons of our lives. This is especially true in times of difficulty — times when it is hardest to be grateful. On a natural level, gratitude is the key to living a happier and healthier life. It brings about stronger relationships, better communication and healthier emotions. It takes us out of our narrow frame and allows us to see the world — and our place in it — with awe and wonder. There is a saying: “I never knew a grateful person who was unhappy, or an ungrateful person who was happy.” When we focus our minds and hearts on the gifts God has given us, our anxieties, petty resentments and negative emotions tend to fall away. St. Gianna Beretta Molla once wrote to her husband, “The secret to happiness is to thank God for what he is sending us every day in his goodness.” Gratitude moves us

to generosity and even joy. What the saints knew is that gratitude leads us to holiness. St. Thérèse of Lisieux told her sister Céline, “It is the spirit of gratitude which draws down upon us the overflow of God’s grace, for no sooner have we thanked him for one blessing than he hastens to send us 10 additional favors in return.” Indeed, the Latin root for gratitude is gratia, or grace. And lack of gratitude seems to be the root cause of so many of the ills that bedevil our society today, including selfishness and envy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists ingratitude among sins against the first commandment because it “fails or refuses to acknowledge” all that God has done for us (2094). Rooted in pride, ingratitude blocks our spiritual progress. It leads to self-absorption and a sense of entitlement based on the false notion that others owe us something. In a letter to a brother priest, St. Ignatius of Loyola went so far as to say that ingratitude is the “cause, beginning and origin of all sins and misfortune.” Conversely, the Mass is the highest form of thanks we can give to God. In its very essence, the Mass is a profound expression of our gratitude to the Lord for the healing power of his life, death and resurrection. It is no coincidence that the word “Eucharist” is derived from eucharistia, the Greek word for “thanksgiving.” So as we approach Thanksgiving and the season of Advent, let us truly be thankful. But more than that, let us cultivate gratitude as a spiritual practice and an intentional and permanent part of our character. It will heal us and bring us the grace and peace of Christ. “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thes 5:16-18). Vivat Jesus!

Gratitude is the key to living a happier and healthier life. When we focus our minds and hearts on the gifts God has given us, our anxieties, petty resentments and negative emotions tend to fall away.

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

Pope Leo’s Summons to Charity At the heart of the Gospel, and of Blessed Michael McGivney’s founding vision, is the call to love Christ in the poor By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

the poor is at the heart of our faith. His care for those in need flowed seamlessly from preaching and celebrating the sacraments. Third, Pope Leo speaks of different forms of poverty: the material poverty of those lacking life’s necessities; the poverty of the immigrant and outcast; and the spiritual poverty of those who possess worldly goods but lack faith. Father McGivney also recognized these forms of poverty: widows and orphans left without means; Irish and Catholic immigrants who were marginalized; a man condemned to death; and parishioners who were lukewarm in practicing their faith. Like the great saints, Father McGivney not only saw these forms of poverty — he addressed them. In founding the Knights of Columbus, he provided support for widows and orphans. He helped men practice their faith more ardently. In his charity, Father McGivney changed society — and even the course of history. Fourth, Pope Leo reminds us that love for the poor means respecting their dignity and individuality. The poor are not statistics or problems to be solved. They are persons created in God’s image and endowed with dignity. They have names, faces, a personal history and destiny. Ever the parish priest, Father McGivney knew and loved the poor by name. For him, they were not objects of pity but subjects of love flowing from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In living our principle of charity, we are privileged to serve the poor — to know, respect and love them as persons. One final point. Loving the poor, Pope Leo teaches, is not a one-way street. “In giving, we receive.” From the poor we receive not only gratitude but also insight into the depth of God’s love for each person. In them, we meet Jesus. We are spiritually enriched. Indeed, Blessed Michael McGivney’s holiness is unthinkable apart from his love for those in need. So too for us! B

The poor are not statistics or problems to be solved. They are persons created in God’s image and endowed with dignity. They have names, faces, a personal history and destiny.

Photo by Paul Haring

TWO DAYS BEFORE receiving the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in audience, Pope Leo XIV published Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), an apostolic exhortation on love for the poor. During our meeting with the Holy Father, the supreme knight and I assured him that we would take his teaching to heart and share it widely throughout the Order. As I read and ref lected on the exhortation, I saw in the pope’s words the spiritual vision of Blessed Michael McGivney. Pope Leo does not mention Father McGivney by name, but he describes him to a T. At the same time, the Holy Father challenges us to live our principle of charity more robustly. Like his predecessor Pope Francis, Pope Leo teaches that love for the poor and marginalized lies at the heart of our Catholic faith. God’s preferential love for the poor is inscribed throughout the pages of Scripture — and expressed fully in the person of Jesus Christ. St. Paul tells us that, for our sake, Christ “became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9). The Gospels tell us that Jesus had nowhere to lay his head (cf. Mt 8:20). When Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor” (Lk 6:20), he was revealing himself to us. Indeed, Christ taught that whatever we do for those in need, we do for him (cf. Mt 25:40). Second, Pope Leo shows that ancient Christian writers and the founders of religious communities firmly linked faith and worship to care for the poor. One cannot enter into Christ’s sacrifice worthily while ignoring those in need. To unite ourselves worthily with him in the Eucharist, we must love him in the poor. So too, Blessed Michael McGivney made charity the cornerstone of the Knights of Columbus. Care for widows and orphans, and love for the outcast, were hallmarks of his ministry and of our Order. By word and example, he taught that love for C O L U M B I A B NOVEMBER 2025

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Supreme Chaplain’s Challenge A monthly reflection and practical challenge from Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

“You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Gospel for Nov. 16, Lk 21:17-19)

FROM TOP: Courtesy of Centro di Spiritualità Paolina — Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives — CNS photo/Pablo Esparza

Jesus promised his faithful disciples many things — that he will always be with us, that we will receive if we ask, and that he would give us rest. He also promised that we would be hated and that we would be persecuted for the sake of his name. We must persevere and remain faithful despite the hardships we suffer for our faith. May we always put into action St. Paul’s admonition: “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer” (Rom 12:12).

Catholic Man of the Month Blessed Giacomo Alberione (1884-1971) IN THE FINAL HOURS of the Jubilee Year 1900, Giacomo Alberione, a young seminarian in northern Italy, prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. Kneeling in adoration, he received what he later described as “a particular light,” urging him “to do something for the Lord and for the people of the new century.” That night marked the beginning of one of the Church’s most innovative media apostolates. Alberione grew up in a devout farming family in Italy’s Piedmont region and entered seminary at age 16. He was deeply moved by Pope Leo XIII’s jubilee call for spiritual renewal and evangelization, and he became inspired to proclaim the Gospel in the spirit of St. Paul — using the most modern means of communication. Ordained in 1907 for the Diocese of Alba Pompeia, Father Alberione served as a parish priest, spiritual director for seminarians, and editor of the diocesan newspaper. In 1914, he founded the Pious Society of St. Paul, the first of 10 foundations he established. Known as

Liturgical Calendar

Challenge: This month, I challenge you to learn more about the lives of the saints by selecting one or more martyrs to read about and then reflecting on how you can imitate his or her perseverance and hope. To view future challenges, visit kofc.org/monthlychallenge

Nov. 1 All Saints Nov. 2 The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Nov. 4 St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop Nov. 9 The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Nov. 10 Pope Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church Nov. 11 St. Martin of Tours, Bishop Nov. 12 St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr Nov. 13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (USA) Nov. 17 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious Nov. 21 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Nov. 22 St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr Nov. 23 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Nov. 24 St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

the Pauline Family, they include five religious institutes, four unions, and an association of lay collaborators. These communities, grounded in prayer with Scripture and devotion to the Eucharist and to St. Paul, expanded to every continent and developed apostolic initiatives in publishing, radio, film and television. From the 1940s through the 1960s, Father Alberione traveled widely — including visits to the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines — to guide and encourage these works. Father Giacomo Alberione died in Rome on Nov. 26, 1971, at age 87 — just hours after receiving a final blessing from Pope Paul VI. He was beatified in 2003. B

Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intention

Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

College Knights Urged To Be Ambassadors for Christ THE 60TH ANNUAL College Coun-

Clockwise, from top: College Knights, including cadets and midshipmen from U.S. military academies, participate in a Eucharistic procession outside St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., Sept. 27. • Participants gather at the conclusion of the 60th College Councils Conference, Sept. 28. • Grand Knight David Bartlett, representing John Henry Cardinal Newman Council 15105 at the University of Houston, receives the first-place trophy for Outstanding College Council from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly during the Sept. 26 banquet.

also led a daily rosary and took part in pro-life efforts, including 40 Days for Life and the ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy) program. The next day, Supreme Secretary John Marrella addressed participants, noting that the conference theme was inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:20. “The motivation for our sacrifice as ‘ambassadors for Christ’ must be the same motivation that led him to the Cross: love,” he said. “If we truly love our family members, friends, classmates and teammates, we will deliver through words and actions that message of reconciliation about which St. Paul wrote.”

That evening, students joined in a Eucharistic procession through New Haven, followed by a vigil Mass at St. Mary’s Church, the birthplace of the Knights of Columbus. The conference concluded the next day with a call from Supreme Master Michael McCusker to follow the example of the Order’s founder. “Blessed Michael McGivney, just like you, as a young man had already made that commitment,” he said. “You do not run, you do not abandon your friends, you do not abandon your faith — you do not abandon the truth that lives in your heart and your mind and your souls.” B

TOP: Photo by Mike Ross — OTHER: Photos by Paul Haring

cils Conference welcomed nearly 200 college Knights to New Haven, Connecticut, Sept. 26-28, under the theme “Ambassadors for Christ.” The event opened with an awards dinner Friday, Sept. 26, and continued through the weekend with daily Mass, panel discussions, guest lectures, and opportunities for prayer and fraternity. In his keynote address, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly pointed to a growing crisis of isolation among young men, made worse by digital distractions — and the need for authentic, virtue-based friendship as its remedy. “A true friend desires only what is best for you — he desires that you become the man that God has created you to be,” he said. “These are the friends who spur you on to acts of greatness.” The supreme knight contrasted the example of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, canonized on Sept. 7, with the tragic case of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man in custody for the Sept. 10 assassination of civil dialogue advocate Charlie Kirk. “Tyler Robinson didn’t have friends who encouraged him in virtue and holiness,” he said. “Nor did he have the most important friendship of all — friendship with Jesus Christ. But Pier Giorgio Frassati had both.” He added, “Always be ready to help those who aren’t your friends — at least, not your friends yet. Do all you can to be there for the young men around you who are struggling in the darkness.” One prime example of Christian fraternity is John Henry Cardinal Newman Council 15105 at the University of Houston, which received this year’s Outstanding College Council Award. Last year, the council achieved 700% of its recruitment goal by partnering with the Thomistic Institute to host lectures on Catholic theology and philosophy, and by organizing cookouts and Newman Center fish fries to build Catholic community. Members C O L U M B I A B NOVEMBER 2025

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Order Celebrates Anniversary of Seton Canonization

Relics of the Little Flower Make National Pilgrimage

NEARLY 2,000 PILGRIMS, including Knights and their families, packed the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on Sept. 14 for a Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the shrine’s patroness — who, in 1975, became the first saint born in the United States. Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, the principal celebrant and homilist, was joined by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and other concelebrants. More than a dozen Fourth Degree Knights provided an honor guard for the Sunday Mass, which coincided with the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Mass was the culmination of a three-day celebration hosted by the shrine that featured concerts, lectures, museum tours, exhibits, and other family-friendly events honoring the life and legacy of Mother Seton. B

A Fourth Degree Knight stands guard as pilgrims venerate the major relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, Calif. A reliquary containing some of the saint’s bones is visiting more than 11 jurisdictions in the United States from Oct. 1 to Dec. 8 in celebration of the 100th year anniversary of her canonization and the Jubilee Year of Hope. Beginning with the tour’s opening Mass at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Mich., on Oct. 1, Knights have provided honor guards for Masses, processions and times of veneration. Often referred to as the Little Flower, Thérèse entered the cloistered Carmelite monastery in Lisieux, France, at age 15 and is remembered for her “little way” to holiness: performing small acts with great love and confidence in God. Learn more at stthereseusa2025.com. B

TOP LEFT: Photo by Matthew Barrick — TOP RIGHT: Photo by Slav Zatoka — BOTTOM: Photo by Jeffrey Bruno

Knights March for Life at State Capitols KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS and their families were among the thousands of pro-life advocates who participated in marches at the state capitol buildings of Pennsylvania and Ohio — two of the country’s most prominent battleground states for abortion policies. Pennsylvania Knights served as marshals, distributed K of C “Love Life, Choose Life” signs and helped set up an all-night Eucharistic adoration vigil Sept. 21 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Harrisburg. Twelve days later, Ohio Knights were among the 5,000 demonstrators who converged on the Ohio Statehouse for the state’s March for Life on Oct. 3. Knights distributed signs and helped lead the march as marshals. Two years ago, eight state marches were organized under the umbrella of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. This year, that number more than doubled to 19, with the final march of 2025 taking place in Lansing, Michigan, on Nov. 6. B

Thousands of pro-life advocates gather outside the state capitol building in Harrisburg, Pa., before the Pennsylvania March for Life on Sept. 22. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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BUILDING THE DOMESTIC CHURCH

LEAD WITH FAITH

MISSION OF THE FAMILY

Failure Is Not an Option

Look to the End

By Daniel J. Cellucci

Preparing for death means living with eternity on the horizon By Father Joseph Illo

No one likes to fail. Men — especially husbands and fathers — definitely don’t like to fail. So don’t fail. Learn. It might sound overly simplistic, but we can take “failure” off the table and treat the outcome — positive or negative — of anything we undertake as an opportunity to learn. Our identity is not fundamentally about what we do, but who we are — adopted sons and daughters of God. Looking at what we might consider a “failure” or a “success” as the next lesson the Lord has for us enables us to detach our tasks — and how well they go — from our sense of self-worth. In our daily examination of conscience and especially in life’s major disappointments, we need to cultivate the discipline of discernment. Consider keeping some of the following questions at the top of your list: How did this outcome align with my expectations? Which of my expectations were fair or unfair? What can I learn about myself from this experience? What could I do differently the next time to foster a better outcome? By intentionally choosing to learn, we can help motivate ourselves to embrace the autonomy and resilience God gives us rather than wallow as victims of circumstance or fate. Self-understanding, not self-pity, can help us become unstuck and move forward on the journey to become who the Lord calls us to be. B — Daniel J. Cellucci is the president and CEO of Catholic Leadership Institute. A Knight since 2021, he lives with wife and four children in Malvern, Pa. 8

directs our thoughts to the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. Death is an inevitable part of life — and of family life. As I often tell my Sunday congregation, “No one is leaving this church alive.” For husbands and fathers, spiritually preparing for your own last day brings grace to your family, both now and when the time comes. I was a pilgrim at World Youth Day in France in 1997 when I lost my fear of death. At the tomb of St. Thérèse in Lisieux, I read an inscription from one of her final letters: “I am not dying; I’m entering into life.” At that moment, I smelled roses and knew with certitude that Thérèse was alive. Since then, by the grace of God, death has held no power over me. Most people die as they live, so the time to become a saint is today — through frequent prayer and good works. At the end of life, however, there are a few final tasks to attend to. Make every effort to go to confession, receive anointing of the sick, and receive viaticum, your last holy Communion. A good confession at the end of life is even more important than anointing. If a priest tries to skip it, insist on it. I once gave last rites to a non-practicing Catholic who was persuaded to receive the sacrament of reconciliation before meeting her Maker. A few days later, as her children prayed the rosary at her bedside, the ravages of age and illness melted from her face. She awoke from her coma looking like a young woman, made eye contact with each of her astonished

children, then fixed her radiant gaze on a point above them and breathed her last. Death will come, the Lord tells us, “at an hour you do not expect” (Mt 24:44). How can we prepare? First, pray the rosary daily — as we ask for the grace of a holy death with each Hail Mary. Second, make a good confession regularly — normally once a month. Finally, give your end-of-life directives to three trustworthy people, usually family members — asking that every effort be made to ensure you receive the last rites, including the apostolic pardon. For those who are prepared, death — though it may be trying — is the beautiful moment when Our Lady and St. Joseph lead us back to God. B FATHER JOSEPH ILLO is pastor of Star of the Sea Parish in San Francisco and a member of St. Joseph the Worker Council 16734.

FROM LEFT: Delmaine Donson/E+ via Getty Images — StockPhotosArt/iStock/Getty Images Plus

EACH NOVEMBER, the Church

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FAMILY FINANCE

How can our family start investing consistently? By Thom Duffy

For many families, the idea of investing to build long-term stability can feel daunting or out of reach. One approach that’s accessible and time-tested is systematic investing — a method of contributing regularly to an investment account through automatic deposits. You’re effectively “paying yourself first,” setting aside funds before they’re spent elsewhere and without requiring constant monitoring or willpower. This strategy also takes advantage of dollar-cost averaging — buying more

shares when prices are low and fewer when they’re high — which can help smooth out market ups and downs. Because it encourages long-term commitment, systematic investing helps investors stay the course, reducing the temptation to react emotionally to market swings. Historically, those who remain invested are more likely to benefit from the market’s strongest days and the power of compound returns — even if they began with modest amounts. Importantly, systematic investing also provides flexibility across different income levels and as financial goals change: You can start small, increase contributions as income grows, or pause in case of an urgent need. In short, systematic investing offers Catholic families a way to approach investing with discipline and peace

of mind. It’s a tried-and-true strategy that helps reduce the stress and risk of trying to time the market, while gradually building financial security for the years ahead. For more information and resources, visit kofc.org/familyfinance. B — Thom Duffy is head of investment advisory services for the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. George Council 3928 in Guilford, Conn.

FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

Spousal Sandpaper Marriage, like anything of great value, takes faith, hope and a willingness to lose our rough edges

FROM TOP: Suriya Phosri/iStock /Getty Images Plus — Hispanolistic/E+ via Getty Images

By Stephen Colella

IN THE SACRAMENT of matrimony, God gives each spouse a unique tool for sanctification. It is the gift of the other person — intentionally designed with differences. The very person who once seemed “perfect” may soon begin to feel like “sandpaper,” rubbing us the wrong way. But such abrasion, rather than a polarizing problem, is truly part of God’s plan to smooth our rough edges, humble us, and help us become the saints we are called to be. The concept of “spousal sandpaper” is not meant to be derogatory but helpful. The differences, frustrations and conflicts that arise between husband and wife are not signs of failure or falling out of love. They are inevitable and must be accepted with much patience — and humor — as invitations to grow in love. These moments become real opportunities for deeper intimacy, communion and trust. Knights are called to be men who lead with virtue, modeling how to love well. Small acts of love and forgiveness,

often hidden and unnoticed, are the very building blocks of a holy marriage. This means embracing the everyday call to holiness through the ordinary joys and struggles of married life — the daily opportunities to “die to self ” and sacrifice for the good of one’s wife and family. The more a husband includes God in his marriage — through prayer and reception of the sacraments — the more he will witness grace at work. Even the hardest edges can become instruments of transformation. In time, what once felt abrasive becomes part of the polish. B STEPHEN COLELLA is cabinet secretary for Parish Life in the Archdiocese of Miami and a member of St. Mark Council 13045. He and his wife, Kari, co-founded Annunciation Ministries: Evangelization Through Marriage. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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TOP AND OPPOSITE PAGE: Photos by Joseph Saadeh — LEFT: Photos by George Jaraiseh

Above: Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and members of the Knights of Columbus/CNEWA delegation visit Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem. • Below, from left: Supreme Knight Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori meet in Jerusalem with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem. • Supreme Secretary John Marrella kneels before the altar of the Grotto of the Annunciation in Nazareth — the site where the Angel Gabriel is believed to have appeared to the Virgin Mary. • Opposite page: Archbishop Lori celebrates Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Msgr. Peter Vaccari (left), president of CNEWA, concelebrated the liturgy.

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MISSION

of Solidarity and Hope K of C and CNEWA leaders visit the Holy Land to support communities affected by war By Columbia staff

upreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore were part of a delegation of Catholic leaders who traveled to Jerusalem, the Palestinian West Bank and Israel from Sept. 2-6, in an expression of solidarity with Catholics and all those suffering from the effects of the Israel-Hamas war. Along with Supreme Secretary John Marrella, they joined Msgr. Peter Vaccari, president of Catholic Near East Welfare Association–Pontifical Mission, and other CNEWA representatives. “The time of this pilgrimage was chosen precisely because there is need here in the Holy Land for people to come from elsewhere to show that they care, to show that we are in solidarity, that we want to learn and understand, and also that we want to help,” said Archbishop Lori, who also serves as vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The voyage coincided with the Jubilee Year 2025, which bears the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” It included meetings with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem; Father Francesco Ielpo, OFM, custos of the Holy Land; and Josef Blotz, grand hospitaller of the Order of Malta. The delegates also participated in liturgies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. “For us, it’s a mission of hope and of solidarity with those who are suffering,” said Supreme Knight Kelly during the visit. “I think it’s especially poignant that we’re here in the Jubilee Year of Hope.” A REGION IN CRISIS The most recent wave of conflict in the Holy Land began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants, operating out of Gaza, attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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‘THE FACE OF CHRIST’ The delegation also visited several Christian communities in need, including Bethlehem’s Piccirillo Handicraft Center, where artisans with special needs craft products from olivewood; the St. Nicholas Home in Beit Jala, a predominantly Palestinian Christian town in the West Bank, where they met with elderly and infirm residents; and the Latin Patriarchate Seminary, also in Beit Jala. Despite the conflict wracking the region, these Christian communities continue to be a sign of hope, Archbishop Lori said. “Even in this time of struggle, when there is so much deprivation, so much injustice, so many challenges just to be the Church in this land made holy — there are heroic people doing tremendously important and beautiful ministries, and my admiration for them knows no bounds,” the supreme chaplain said. At the Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem — a refuge for abandoned orphans operated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul — the supreme knight and supreme chaplain stopped to cradle some of the home’s infant residents during their tour of the facility. “That mission of care really touched our hearts,” Supreme Knight Kelly said. “I think that’s one of the ways the Knights of Columbus can assist here — helping these courageous sisters who are doing that wonderful work. … Since our founding, we have assisted the vulnerable. Our hope [has been] to explore some of the areas where the Knights of Columbus can help.” During the recording of an episode of Connections with Msgr. Peter, CNEWA’s video podcast hosted by Msgr. Vaccari, Supreme Secretary Marrella reflected on the connection between the charity displayed by Christian communities and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. “What has impressed me is how you and your staff are the presence of Christ,” the supreme secretary told Msgr. Vaccari. “You’re carrying that [presence] — along with the Daughters of Charity and other religious orders that we visited. They are the face of Christ here.” Supreme Knight Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop Lori venerate the bedrock where Jesus is believed to have prayed before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, located in the Church of All Nations in Jerusalem.

Photo by George Jaraiseh

taking 250 hostages. Israel responded with airstrikes, artillery bombardments and armed incursions into Gaza. As of Sept. 4, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 64,000 people had been killed, estimating that half were women and children. Food shortages, lack of medical care, and widespread displacement have also resulted from the Israeli offensive. Just a week before the Supreme Officers’ visit, on Aug. 26, Cardinal Pizzaballa and Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli government’s stated intention to occupy Gaza City and evacuate residents. “We can only repeat what we have already said: There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge,” the patriarchs wrote. The following day, Pope Leo XIV echoed these sentiments after his Wednesday general audience. “I implore that all the hostages be freed, that a permanent ceasefire be reached, that the safe entry of humanitarian aid be facilitated, and that humanitarian law be fully respected — especially the obligation to protect civilians and the prohibitions of collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of the population,” the pope said. Sharing the concerns of the global Church, the K of C/ CNEWA delegation came bearing “a message of solidarity and hope to those who are suffering and in need in the great humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip,” said Archbishop Lori. “We all come together — CNEWA, the Knights of Columbus, the bishops’ conference; we are, you might say, united in hope, but also united in charity.” In connection with the visit, the Supreme Council made a $250,000 donation in support of CNEWA’s charitable efforts in the region, building on the Order’s longstanding partnership with the organization. The funds will assist the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and support a variety of humanitarian efforts: serving those in Gaza suffering from the war, providing food and medical care in Lebanon, and supporting charitable and pastoral initiatives in Jordan and Syria.

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TOP: Photo by Joseph Saadeh — OTHER: Photos by George Jaraiseh

Clockwise, from top: Archbishop Lori leads the delegation in prayer at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Taybeh, West Bank. The church was damaged in a fire set by Israeli settlers in July. • The supreme knight and supreme chaplain stand with a worker at the Piccirillo Handicraft Center in Bethlehem, where artisans with special needs craft olivewood products. • The supreme chaplain visits with a resident of the St. Nicholas Home in Beit Jala.

PEACE ON THE HORIZON On Sept. 24, Pope Leo XIV further expressed his concern for the region by calling all Catholics to pray the rosary daily for peace during the month of October. The request, made at a general audience, came the day after the Holy Father’s conversation with the pastor of Holy Family Church in Gaza City. The Knights of Columbus responded with an invitation to members to take up the pope’s call, beginning with an Oct. 1 rosary livestreamed from St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, the birthplace of the Order. Nine days later, just over a month after the K of C/ CNEWA delegation’s visit, a U.S.-brokered peace deal took effect on Oct. 10, followed by the Oct. 13 release of the remaining 20 living hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. The ceasefire brought renewed hope — tempered by ongoing clashes between the two sides, unanswered questions about governance of the Gaza Strip, and demands for the return of the bodies of deceased hostages. “This is the day that we’ve been waiting for for two years,”

Joseph Hazboun, regional director for CNEWA–Pontifical Mission’s Jerusalem office, told OSV News in an interview — though he considered the deal a “ceasefire” rather than a true “peace agreement,” and predicted an exodus of Gaza’s remaining Christians. Following the ceasefire, Hazboun noted, CNEWA would direct attention to the immediate needs of Gaza residents — including food, water and medical care. Pope Leo — who days earlier announced that his first apostolic journey would be to Turkey and Lebanon, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 — likewise welcomed the development with words of encouragement and caution. “As I have said before, peace is unarmed and disarming,” he told pilgrims gathered Oct. 11 in St. Peter’s Square for a prayer vigil and rosary for peace. “[Peace] is not deterrence, but fraternity; it is not an ultimatum, but dialogue,” the Holy Father said, in the presence of a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. “Peace will not come as the result of victories over the enemy, but as the fruit of sowing justice and courageous forgiveness.” B NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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Visible Signs of Devotion Pope Leo receives the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in audience during jubilee pilgrimage By Columbia staff

ope Leo XIV welcomed the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors for a private audience at the Vatican Oct. 6. In his address, delivered in the Sala del Concistoro of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father emphasized the Order’s support for the Holy See and its charitable work, which he said brings “the compassion and love of the Lord into your local communities.” In particular, the pope commended the Knights’ “efforts to uphold the sanctity of human life in all of its stages, to assist victims of war and natural disasters, and also to support priestly vocations.” The audience took place during the board’s pilgrimage to Rome in observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The jubilee, Pope Leo noted, has brought millions of pilgrims to Rome, where they have seen Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s iconic baldacchino and Chair of St. Peter monument in St. Peter’s Basilica. These 17th-century masterpieces were restored to their original beauty last year by the Fabbrica di San Pietro in monthslong projects underwritten by the Order. They now

stand, the Holy Father said, as “a visible sign of your continued devotion to the Vicar of Christ.” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori also met privately with the Holy Father shortly before the audience to discuss K of C initiatives and their recent visit to the Holy Land. The supreme knight presented the pope with a bound copy of prayer petitions submitted during the Order’s novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus last June. He also presented a calligraphed copy of a resolution in honor of the new pontiff, adopted by the delegates to the 143rd Supreme Convention in August, promising “constant loyalty to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Universal Church.” “It was a wonderful meeting where we were able to express our thanks to him and what he means to us,” the supreme knight said afterward in an interview with Vatican News. “We were honored that he expressed his gratitude to the Knights of Columbus and the works that we do to support the Church, to support the Vatican, and to support human life.” The previous day, the board gathered for Mass in Rome’s Church of the Gesù. They also visited the Gesù’s Sacred Heart Chapel and its renowned painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by 18th-century Italian artist Pompeo Batoni. The chapel and painting were restored earlier this year with support from the Knights of Columbus. During the Mass, board members prayed: “For the intentions of our Holy Father, and for the prayer intentions received during the Orderwide novena for Pope Leo this past June, that the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus would bless and protect Pope Leo XIV, and in his mercy, kindly hear and answer these petitions.” B

Photo by Vatican Media

Left: Pope Leo XIV speaks with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore before his Oct. 6 audience with the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors. • Opposite page: The Holy Father greets the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in the Sala del Concistoro of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

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Address of Pope Leo XIV to the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors, Oct. 6

Photo by Vatican Media

I AM PLEASED to welcome you this morning, all the mem-

bers of the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus as well as your families who accompany you this morning as part of your pilgrimage in this Jubilee Year of Hope. How important that word is in itself: hope. Tens of millions of the faithful have likewise come to Rome in this Holy Year to visit the tombs of the Apostles, walk through the Holy Doors, to be strengthened in their faith. One of the pieces of art in the Vatican that they undoubtedly see when they go through the Holy Door and enter the Basilica is the baldacchino of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which now shines forth in all of its original beauty after the first comprehensive restoration in its history. Another, in the apse of the Basilica, is Bernini’s beautiful bronze monument protecting the Cathedra of Saint Peter, which was renewed at the same time. These masterpieces help all who look upon them to contemplate two of the principal tenets of our faith: the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Pope as the Successor of Peter who unites and guides the Church. I would like to express profound gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for your generosity in making these projects

possible. They are a visible sign of your continued devotion to the Vicar of Christ. Throughout its history, the Order has supported the charitable work of the Roman Pontiff in a variety of ways, including through the Vicarius Christi Fund, which allows him to express solidarity with the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world. Through a variety of initiatives undertaken by local councils, you and your brother Knights also seek to bring the compassion and love of the Lord into your local communities, including through your efforts to uphold the sanctity of human life in all of its stages, to assist victims of war and natural disasters and also to support priestly vocations. For these concrete actions, as well as for your daily prayers and sacrifices for the good of all God’s people, I express sincerely my warm appreciation. Dear brothers and sisters, I wish you a fruitful pilgrimage and pray that your time in Rome, in the Eternal City will nourish your faith, will confirm you in hope, and deepen your love for the Church. In this way, may you be strengthened to continue the worthy mission begun by your noble founder. With these sentiments, I entrust all of you to the intercession of Our Lady, Mary, Mother of the Church, and also of Blessed Michael McGivney, and I gladly impart my blessing to each and every one of you, your families and loved ones. Thank you very much.B NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING BROTHERHOOD

After making history in the NFL, LeRoy Jackson has forged a legacy through faith and service

ne of LeRoy Jackson’s most memorable birthdays came on Dec. 8, 1962, when the rookie Washington Redskins running back scored on an 85-yard touchdown reception against the Baltimore Colts. At just 23, Jackson was already known for his exceptional speed; the team’s media guide called him the “fastest Redskin player of all time,” noting he had run the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds and could consistently do so in 9.5. A couple months earlier, in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, he made NFL history as the first Black player to take the field for the Redskins — known today as the Commanders. Decades later, in the mid-1990s, Jackson was recognized in an entirely different setting. By then, he had been a member of Immaculate Conception Shrine Council 4944 in 16

Washington, D.C., for more than 15 years and was helping to mentor a new Knight named Arthur Robinson — showing him how to participate in meetings and assist with charitable events such as their neighborhood free-throw contest. Robinson would go on to serve multiple terms as grand knight, but at the time, he had no idea of Jackson’s past. “You know who that is?” Robinson’s brother-in-law asked one day, gesturing at Jackson. “That’s the one who played with the Redskins.” At first, Robinson thought he was joking. “I actually saw him play back in the ’60s,” he said. Today, at age 85, Jackson is still known as a team player — as a barrier-breaking athlete, a faithful Knight, and a daily presence at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the

Washington Star Photo Collection / Courtesy of DC Public Library archive

By Zoey Maraist

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Immaculate Conception, where he works as a security guard. “He pioneered the way,” Robinson affirmed. “He’s a very prime example of what a Knight should be.”

Photo by Matthew Barrick

PLAYING BALL Though a longtime Washingtonian, Jackson grew up in Chicago Heights, Illinois, in a family of steelworkers. As a child, he loved watching the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals). A track and football standout in high school, Jackson earned All-American honors in both sports at Western Illinois University, where a new football coach helped the team excel. “Coach Lou Saban started recruiting from all parts of Illinois and built a team around two or three players,” Jackson recalled. “We became a top, great football team.” (Saban would later coach several NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills.) Jackson’s college career culminated with the College AllStar Game, where top seniors faced off against the reigning NFL champions. In 1962, that was the Green Bay Packers, coached by Vince Lombardi, a Fourth Degree Knight. “It was a big, big experience, because you got to meet some of the best players in the United States, and you felt like you were one of them,” Jackson recalled. Though the Packers won

42-20, the All-Stars put up a good fight. “They didn’t expect that much out of us,” Jackson said, “but they definitely found out once we got on the field.” Jackson had been selected in the first round of the 1962 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. “I didn’t think I’d be drafted by a team that good — and not that high in the draft,” he recalled. But a few months later, he and fellow running back Bobby Mitchell were traded to Washington — then the southernmost team in the league and the last to integrate, due to the refusal of team owner George Preston Marshall. “It was kind of a shock,” Jackson said. “I was leery about that trade.” The Redskins only began accepting Black players after pressure from the Kennedy administration, which barred discrimination on federal land — including the site of the team’s new stadium. Still, Jackson kept his focus. “As long as you go out and get your job done, they were all fine with you,” he said of his teammates. Jackson, Mitchell and guard John Nisby — all African American — officially integrated the Redskins when they played in the 1962 season opener in Dallas. Of the three, Jackson was the first on the field: The Redskins lost the coin toss, and he was part of the kickoff team.

Above: LeRoy Jackson stands in the Our Mother of Africa Chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., where he serves as a security guard. • Opposite page: Jackson makes a catch for an 85-yard touchdown against the Baltimore Colts on Dec. 8, 1962 — his 23rd birthday. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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His daughter Mia said he became a father figure to many of his players. “It doesn’t matter whose child it was,” she said. “If they needed help, he would help.” Jackson joined the Knights of Columbus in 1979 at the invitation of Ben Thompson, Mia’s godfather. He has been active in Immaculate Conception Shrine Council 4944 ever since. “It’s a great organization because you work with your brother Knights to help people in your community,” Jackson said. Reginald Tobias, a longtime member and current grand knight of Council 4944, fondly recalled going to preseason football games with Jackson and a priest friend. “I told him, ‘Mr. Jackson, you’ve got to tell these people you used to play with the Redskins,’” Tobias said. “And he would laugh and say, ‘Well, that’s in the past, you know.’” Jackson is especially grateful for the fraternal bond he shares with Knights throughout the Order. “You are always running into a JOINING NEW TEAMS brother Knight somewhere in your Fortunately, Jackson had already built LeRoy Jackson is pictured during his senior life,” he said. “And when I do, I feel a new foundation. The year before year at Western Illinois University, where better for the rest of the day.” his release, he had married his high he earned All-American honors and was After retiring from public transschool sweetheart, Dorothy, and she acclaimed as the nation’s fastest back. portation, Jackson took a job as a helped him move forward. security guard at the Basilica of the “My wife said, ‘Don’t let it get to National Shrine of the Immaculate you. Just take it in stride — things work out on their own,’” he recalled. “So, I did what she said.” Conception. Most days, he arrives at 5 a.m. to turn off the alarms and turn on the lights in the largest Catholic church In 1964, Jackson became a bus driver, a job he held for 30 in North America. He greets pilgrims from around the world years. “You got to meet all kinds of people — from Embassy and makes a point to pray the rosary and read Scripture daily. Row down to the housekeeping workers,” he said. “It makes you feel better,” he said. Jackson and Dorothy had two children, Mia and LeRoy Over the years, Jackson has seen both triumph and loss. III, and informally adopted a daughter, Rosita. Jackson also One of the hardest times came when he lost both his wife had an older son, Rodney, from a previous relationship. It and his son LeRoy in the same year. More recently, he nearly was Dorothy who introduced him to Catholicism. “When died on the operating table during surgery. we moved here to D.C., we went about checking different “I saw a bright light. It got brighter and brighter — and churches,” he said. “My wife met a priest, and I guess he then all of a sudden, it started to fade,” he recounted. “My made a good impression on us. We both agreed we’d bedoctor told me they had to resuscitate me. I was dead for come Catholics.” about 45 seconds — close to a minute.” Though his football career was behind him, Jackson Through it all, Jackson says, his faith has sustained him. stayed involved in athletics — playing intramurals and “I put a lot of trust in the Lord,” he said. “He’s still bringing coaching basketball for the Catholic Youth Organization me through.” B for about 16 years. “I enjoyed being around young men, trying to teach them some skills and point them in the right direction,” he said. ZOEY MARAIST writes from northern Virginia.

Photo courtesy of Sequel, the yearbook of Western Illinois University

“My legacy to the NFL will be that I was the first Black guy to play for the Washington Redskins,” Jackson said. Mitchell would go on to play six seasons in Washington and be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On the field, Mitchell was all business, Jackson recalled, but otherwise he was down-to-earth. “When you stepped on the field with Bobby, you better be ready to play ball — or else you were going to hear it when you got in the huddle,” he said. “Off the field, he was just a regular guy. I’ll tell you something else most people don’t know — he loved to dance. And he was a real good dancer, too.” Jackson was abruptly cut from the team in 1963. Saban, now coaching the Buffalo Bills, encouraged him to try playing in Buffalo or in the Canadian Football League — but Jackson’s heart was no longer in the game. That birthday touchdown would remain the only one of his career. “It was a hard experience, being cut,” Jackson said. “I felt let down.”

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‘A GREAT RIDE’ D-Day veteran Gordon Schottlander looks back on a century of epic events and everyday blessings

Photo courtesy of Crestwood Preparatory College, Oral History Project

I was born Jewish, but the army ordon Schottlander was had to change that on my paperborn on Jan. 10, 1925, in work; they said if the Germans ever London, England, the only caught me, they’d probably kill child of Solomon “Sam” and Violet me. So I became a member of the Schottlander. Sam, a veteran of World Church of England on paper. War I, rarely spoke about his military Then, I was attached to the Royservice. “After my father’s death in al Berkshire Regiment, in Reading, 1975,” Gordon recalled, “we found and I trained in Hull. It was quick his military medals for bravery but no because they wanted people in record of how he got them.” the service as fast as they could. His own four sons then began to ask It was hard — they really put you about his service during World War II, through it — but I was young telling him, “Dad, you can’t leave us in and fit. that same position.” From there, I was assigned to the “So I started talking , and talking , Signal Corps and sent to the Isle and talking,” Gordon said. of Man for training in Morse code A past grand knight of St. Gabriel’s and flags. We did some training Parish Council 10061 in Burlington, with landing craft in Wales and Ontario, Schottlander celebrated his commando training in Scotland. I 100th birthday earlier this year, on did officer training too, which was Jan. 10. Later that month, he spoke Gordon Schottlander is pictured after enlisting in very hard, and became a second with Columbia about his eventful life, the British army at age 17. World War II had begun lieutenant. including his experience at Normandy two years earlier, in September 1939. Finally, I was sent out to the on June 6, 1944. This personal account Mareth Line [in Tunisia] to help is adapted from that conversation stop the [German-Italian] invasion and supplemented with details from of North Africa. I was there helping with signals for nine an interview conducted in March for the Oral History Project at months and then sent back to Reading. Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto. In 1938, my father decided that if there’s a war, then London’s going to be bombed. So we moved west of the city and were never in the war zone. Two years later, my boarding school in Brighton was closed because the Germans had invaded France and were 20 miles off the southern coast of England. So, at age 15, I got home from school earlier than usual, and that was the end of my formal education. At that time, we were all listening to Churchill. We thought he was wonderful — most Brits did — because he was standing up to the Germans. At age 17, I joined the British army. I knew I was going to be called up, and I didn’t want to be under the ocean, on the ocean, or up in the air. If you volunteered, you could choose the service you wanted to go into, so that’s what I did. My parents didn’t want me to, but they understood.

ACROSS THE CHANNEL Two days before D-Day, I was taken at short notice and shipped down to Portsmouth, on the southern coast. It was rough and cold and wet, with rain and fog, and we all thought the invasion would be called off — but they decided to go ahead. I was part of the 5th Royal Berkshire Battalion, attached to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. I was a young officer with 30 men under me, and a lot of them were seasick; fortunately, I wasn’t. We went across the English Channel at night in a landing craft. We had a pastor on board, and he said a prayer for us all. Personally, I felt peaceful — calm. With 30 men to look after, that was a blessing, because my attention was on them rather than on myself. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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One of the things I really remember was the noise — the planes going over, hundreds of planes — but most of it came from the shells of the big ships a few miles back. And of course, when we got close to the shore, the bullets started hitting the boat. We knew we were going to be under fire, and that’s exactly what happened. We landed at Juno Beach about 6:35 a.m. The door went down, the bullets flew, and we ran. We pushed our way through waist-deep water as fast as we could and got onto the beach. I could feel the bullets whistling by me, and some of my friends went down, but we weren’t allowed to help them — the medics would. You had to keep going; if you stopped, you became a target. Once we got on the beach and over a little hill, we were finally under cover. We lost about eight men, killed, and some were injured; I think almost half made it onto the beach. It was a tough time. We didn’t know the master plan, of course, and I knew even less because I came on late. The mission was to get on the beach. But then we were stuck there — we couldn’t move. So we made tea and cigarettes; you know Brits — that’s what we did. We were there for four or five hours until, I think, the Americans took out most of the German guns. Later, I was ordered to join my regiment. There were a lot of other troops around: Canadian, British, American. The locals were pleased to see us — they brought us eggs, wine, hot meals — and we flirted with the girls. We had liberated them; they were very grateful. 20

FROM CAEN TO CANADA The capture of Caen, 15 miles south of Juno Beach, was the next objective. Halfway there, I got injured. A mortar bomb landed about 10 or 12 feet away, killing three other men beside me. Shrapnel hit my legs and knees, and I got knocked out. When I woke up, I wondered why I had water in my boots — and of course, it was blood. The medics came in, dressed my wounds, and sent me back to England. That was the end of the war for me, though I would stay in the army several more years. First, I was sent to a hospital near Reading. I remember one nurse made me laugh so hard that I burst my stitches. The doctor was very angry. I had metal all the way down my legs. Little pieces came out for years afterward. I was sent to recover in Bangor, Northern Ireland — and that’s where I met my wife. I was assigned to Hollywood Barracks, the Royal Ulster Rifles regiment. One of our duties as young officers was to escort the families of senior officers who came to visit. At a big party, a friend and I were standing at the door when a blonde and a brunette stepped out of a car. I said, “I’ll take the blonde.” Her name was Colleen. We met that night and never parted for 65 years. On VE Day — May 8, 1945 — Colleen and I went to downtown Belfast and celebrated with everyone. The following year, we were married there. Still in the army, from 1947 to 1950 I was sent to the Royal West African Frontier Force, stationed in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Photo by Imperial War Museum/AFP via Getty Images

Canadian soldiers storm Juno Beach in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Second Lieutenant Gordon Schottlander landed nearby as an officer in charge of 30 men with the British 5th Royal Berkshire Battalion, attached to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division.

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We came back to England in 1950, and I was looking for work. So many people were leaving the army that jobs were scarce. We were living with Colleen’s parents in Plymouth, and one day I got off a bus in the pouring rain and ducked into a doorway. I saw pictures of Niagara Falls and Toronto, so I popped inside — it was Canada House — picked up some brochures, and later threw them on the bed and said, “Let’s go to Canada.” And that’s exactly what we did. If I’d stepped into Australia House, we would have moved to Australia! We stayed briefly in Windsor, Ontario, then Hamilton, where our first son was born in 1952. The next year we moved to Burlington. Three more boys followed. I was an only child, but I have a big family now — with lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Photo by Nadia Molinari

FAITH, FAMILY, FRATERNITY Colleen came from a Catholic family, but I felt that to become Catholic I had to feel it from the heart. With the help of a very fine priest — and my wife — I entered the Church in 1968. I was very happy doing so, and I’ve been happy ever since. I joined the Knights of Columbus in 1997, in Surrey,

British Columbia, when I ran a business on the west coast for a time. I was impressed by the work the Order was doing and joined the local council. The Knights, to me, have been a wonderful organization. I’ve had so many great friends, and we’ve done so much in the community. It’s been very good for me — spiritually, emotionally, every way. Living a good life, I believe, means doing your best for people and hurting nobody. You need to be aware of what’s going on around you, make good decisions, and be part of a family — your own family of course, but the Knights have also been a family to me since the day I joined. I’m grateful to all my brother Knights who have given me so much in my life. There’s no better organization in the world. I don’t know why I’ve lived to 100. My wife died in her 80s. Some people live long, some don’t. I think being positive, enjoying things, and communicating with people helps. But part of it’s health; sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not. That’s the way it is. It’s up to the good Lord to decide when he wants you to go, and you go. I don’t want to go lying down thinking, “Oh, I wish I’d done that.” I want to go out saying, “Wow, that was a great ride!” B

Gordon Schottlander, who turned 100 on Jan. 10, 2025, is pictured at his residence in Burlington, Ontario, where he is a member and past grand knight of St. Gabriel’s Parish Council 10061. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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CHARITY AND TRUTH in the Public Square In our contentious times, Catholics are called to engage opponents with civility in the common quest for truth

hile the prophet Jeremiah did not have the United States — or any modern nation — in mind, his description of calls for “‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” ( Jer 6:14) aptly illustrates our current political and cultural discourse. Many decry the rancor and polarization in public life, to no avail, prompting ever more fervent demands for peace. Catholics are full and ordinary citizens, with duties and rights like every other. Consequently, they have political tastes and views, as well as the usual disagreements — all of which is perfectly normal and not a problem. Many political issues allow reasonable people of good will to see things differently without revealing themselves as ignorant or unfaithful. Zoning laws, school funding and tariffs are matters the Church has not dogmatically defined and which natural law leaves unspecified, so differing viewpoints are expected without scandal. Men and women in the pews can and do disagree on many issues while remaining loyal both to their faith and their country. Patriotism is a virtue, and patriots often disagree — just ask James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. Or Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence, who argued for independence from Britain in the Maryland Gazette under the pseudonym “First Citizen.” We 22

are patriotic citizens, proudly so, and a free and self-governed people deliberate, debate and disagree — as they should. Of course, some disagreements are fundamental, with far more at stake than tax policy. Debates about abortion, euthanasia or the definition of marriage do not allow faithful Catholics to compromise on moral truth or the clear teachings of the Church. An essential task, then, is to know the difference and respond accordingly. Is this a matter of preference? Does this debate allow for legitimate diversity of opinion? We must take responsibility for forming our consciences well, guided by the Church’s teaching. Even on fundamental issues, Catholics are called to be sowers of peace rather than enmity. After all, we know we are not citizens solely of the city of man; our first and primary citizenship is in the city of God, the Church. Politics matter — sometimes a great deal, involving life and death, right and wrong — but politics are not ultimate, for eternity awaits us long after the next election cycle, let alone the next news cycle. We take our rightful place in public debate but with a freedom not available to the unbeliever, trusting in a time beyond this one‚ in a King beyond all rulers. We vote and debate with a freedom — and responsibility — that others may lack, especially those who do not hope in God. Politics matter, but they are never first.

If Thou Hadst Known (1885) by William Brassey Hole, Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture / Artepics / Alamy stock image

By R.J. Snell

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CHARITY AND UNITY Because we live in hope and faith, Catholics are free to be charitable — even toward political opponents. In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola offered invaluable advice that is especially relevant today: “It should be presupposed that every good Christian ought to be more eager to put a good interpretation on a neighbor’s statement than to condemn it. Further, if one cannot interpret it favorably, one should ask how the other means it. If that meaning is wrong, one should correct the person with love.” This counsel is nearly the opposite of today’s political chatter, especially online, where small disagreements are mischaracterized, catastrophized and attacked — often without the slightest effort to understand, let alone to interpret in the best possible light. But this is not charitable, nor does it reflect the freedom, hope and good cheer proper to the children of God. The Catholic tradition holds to the natural law, affirming that human beings can access the basic principles of morality through reason alone. This provides a basis for unity despite disagreement. For instance, we all know that human life is to be preserved. It is reasonable to conclude that traffic laws help protect life, but whether the speed limit should be 65 or 70 on a particular stretch of highway is a prudential judgment — a question on which reasonable people may disagree. Obviously, the Church has no fixed opinion on speed limits, so why should you or I? But there are other natural law issues on which the Church has always spoken clearly — for example, the intrinsic evil of abortion. And this raises an important question: In a society where grave violations of natural law are permitted or even celebrated, how should Catholics conduct themselves in political discussions? Here again, charity remains essential. People in error about serious moral matters need our prayers, which truly help them. And while we must not treat all perspectives as morally equal, we can still acknowledge that most people — like us — are attempting to state the truth as they understand it. They may be wrong, and even gravely so, but still be acting in good conscience. Two perspectives can, at times, both carry partial truths. And one person’s grasp of the truth does not render it unavailable to others.

Even on fundamental issues, Catholics are called to be sowers of peace rather than enmity. … We offer that truth best when we do so with mercy and humility, not condemnation.

This is not relativism; moral truth exists and can be known and defended. But we offer that truth best when we do so with mercy and humility, not condemnation. If we remember that others, like us, are created as rational seekers of truth, we can see them not as enemies, but as fellow pilgrims on a common quest. BOUND IN BROTHERHOOD Many matters allow for good people — all seeking the truth, all trying to be reasonable — to arrive at different conclusions. Unity with difference is not always a contradiction, and we need not fear it. We certainly need not be outraged by it. Calmness and charity in such matters can go a long way toward modeling good disagreement. This posture fosters fraternity. When we recall that others are also patriotic, when we interpret them charitably, when we remember that they are united with us in seeking truth, it becomes easier to see them as neighbors — even friends and brothers. They have political views that matter to them; so do we. They have families, insurance premiums and property taxes; so do we. They have fears and dreams for their children — and so do we. Perhaps they differ from us about taxes or health insurance, but they remain fellow citizens, fellow members of humanity, and perhaps redeemed by the same waters of baptism. We might oppose them at the ballot box or in the comments section, but we are still called to care for them, shoulder their burdens, seek the common good, and live in solidarity with all. In that view, cheap rhetorical points seem a hollow victory. As Knights of Columbus in particular, we can draw on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism in our dealings with others, whether our disputes are large or small. We cannot compromise on essentials, but firm resolution need not be unkind. We must also be humble. Some truths we hold not because of our own brilliance, but because we were taught them by our mother, the Church. Not everyone has that good fortune. “There but for the grace of God go I” is more than a cliché; it’s a call to modesty about ourselves, and to patience and generosity for others. And let us not forget: Those others, whatever their politics, are persons with an eternal destiny. If we gain the whole world but lose their souls — or risk our own — by seeking to “win” an argument, what does it profit? Peace is in short supply, and bitterness often pervades public debate. Still, we would do well to remember that not every disagreement is a fundamental one — and even when it is, we are still bound by Christ’s command: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). As Catholics and as Knights, we can begin by doing just that. B R.J. SNELL is director of academic programs and editor-in-chief of Public Discourse for the Witherspoon Institute in Princeton, N.J. A member of St. John the Evangelist Council 10024 in nearby Lambertville, he and his family reside in the Princeton area. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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KNIGHTS

ON ICE

National Hockey League alumni game supported by Knights promotes charity and fraternity By Elisha Valladares-Cormier

lying up the left wing, John Scott — an eight-year NHL veteran and MVP of the 2016 NHL All-Star Game — took a pass from a Montreal Canadiens teammate and fired the puck past the Detroit Red Wings’ goalkeeper. Montreal 5, Detroit 2. The crowd roared, horns blared, and Scott’s teammates shared congratulations. But no Stanley Cup was at stake, nor were players vying for a big contract. Instead, the two squads — rosters filled with alumni from their storied franchises — were facing off to raise funds for children with disabilities. The GH Pastor Foundation hosted its third annual NHL Alumni Game last March at Big Boy Arena in Fraser, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. The Canadiens would go on to win 9-6, but the real victory couldn’t 24

be found on the scoreboard. The game — organized with support from George F. Monaghan Council 2690 in Livonia and several other Knights on and off the ice — raised about $35,000 to benefit sled hockey programs for youth with disabilities and other organizations that support families with children in need. John Pastor, a member of Council 2690 whose family established the GH Pastor Foundation, helped plan the event, and additional council members volunteered during the game as ushers and clubhouse attendants. Angelo D’Amico, who spent six years as an NHL linesman, and John Horrigan, an Emmy-winning announcer for the Boston Bruins Alumni, are Knights who reprised their professional hockey roles for the game.

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Photos by Scott W. Grau

Opposite page: John Scott (right), an eight-year veteran of the NHL, takes a shot on goal during the 2025 NHL Alumni Game organized by the GH Pastor Foundation with support from local Knights. • Above, from left: Angelo D’Amico (second from left), a former NHL linesman and a Knight in Ontario, stands with members of George F. Monaghan Council 2690 in Livonia, Mich., who volunteered at the alumni game.• Alex Foster (left), wearing a replica jersey of his father, former Detroit Red Wing Dwight Foster, greets John Scott after the alumni game. A former professional hockey player himself, Alex joined the Red Wings alumni team in honor of his father, who died in January.

For D’Amico — a member of St. Christopher Council 13272 in Mississauga, Ontario, and the son of Hockey Hall of Fame linesman John D’Amico — the game was a clear expression of what it means to be a Knight. “Blessed Michael McGivney inspires us to make a difference,” D’Amico said. “This game is not in my community, but I traveled here to make a difference with fellow Knights. That’s what this brotherhood is all about.” Pastor explained that the GH Pastor Foundation was established in 2023 to give back to organizations that had supported children facing serious medical challenges — including his own son, who had a brain tumor; a niece with epilepsy; and the son of a business partner, who was diagnosed with autism and trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. Hockey had long been a shared passion among the families, so the foundation explored the idea of a charity game featuring former NHL stars, with proceeds benefiting children with disabilities and serious health conditions. One of the foundation’s long-term goals, Pastor explained, is to create a residential facility for people with trisomy 21 who no longer qualify for government assistance. “That’s the value of hockey,” he said. “The reason we’re doing this event is for our love of the game and to raise money for the different charities. And it’s what the Knights of Columbus is about: giving back to our community, helping people who don’t have the same things we do.” The foundation launched its NHL Alumni Series in its first year, with Red Wings alumni taking on a different NHL team’s alumni squad each year; more than $100,000 has since been donated to children’s charities. The event also features a sled hockey competition between Canadian and U.S. teams that include Paralympians and other athletes with disabilities. The 2024 sled hockey game saw Vladimir Konstantinov, a Red Wings legend and Stanley Cup champion, return to

the ice for the first time since 1997, when a car crash left him partially paralyzed and ended his career. This year, he appeared as an honorary captain for Team USA. Cliff Liptak, grand knight of Council 2690, said the sled hockey game was a key reason the council chose to get involved. “The Knights of Columbus has always supported programs for kids with disabilities, so this is something we have a big interest in,” Liptak said. “We want to make sure they are supported and have access to the things they’re interested in.” Though not its primary intention, this year’s game was also an opportunity to bring athletes and fans from Canada and the United States together, following tensions surrounding the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament the month prior. “One thing we felt was that hockey unites us as one, and it gave us an opportunity to celebrate why we’re there — for the greater good,” D’Amico said. “If individuals from two different countries can combine their efforts to make a difference in someone’s life through faith and charity, it’s a win.” Scott, who was born in Alberta and now lives in Michigan, agreed that camaraderie and charity go hand in hand. “We’re different players with different teams coming together for a common goal to achieve some good,” he said. Several Knights reflected on the long-term impact they hoped the event would have — long after the final buzzer. “We hope to continue to support these families, make their lives comfortable and give them quality of life,” said Pat Maher, a past grand knight of Council 2690. “Blessed Michael McGivney was all about family, community, fraternity, charity … and that’s what today is all about: seeing families get together, raising money for charity and supporting each other.” B ELISHA VALLADARES-CORMIER is senior editor of Columbia and a member of Sandusky (Ohio) Council 546. NOVEMBER 2025 B C O L U M B I A

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K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N ✢ F A I T H I N A C T I O N

Faith

Members of Father Vincent S. Sikora Council 7992 in Burke, Virginia, display their council banner in front of a chapel in Bangang, a village in western Cameroon, during a mission trip with the nonprofit Viridiane’s Hope for Children’s Health & Education. In addition to helping complete the chapel’s interior and exterior walls and building an altar, the Knights drilled two drinking water wells in Bangang and Babouantou, planted crops, and assisted with other projects.

FATHER MCGIVNEY, PRAY FOR US! Knights from Banal na Sakramento Council 8753 in Quezon City, Luzon North, attended Mass at Banal na Sakramento Church to celebrate the conclusion of the council’s novena to Blessed Michael McGivney. An image of Father McGivney was on display during the Mass. MONASTERY MOMENTS St. Patrick Council 11109 in Independence, Ore., sponsored a pilgrimage of 25 youth from St. Patrick Church’s confirmation program to Mount Angel Abbey Church in St. Benedict. Many Knights joined the pilgrimage and Benedictine Father Andrew Schwenke

spoke to students about the history of the Benedictine order, the process of entering religious life, and his own vocation story. FONT OF EVERY BLESSING Perham (Minn.) Council 1773 donated $300 — proceeds from a pancake breakfast — to cover half the cost of materials to build a second baptismal font at St. Henry Church. Council member Mark Halbakken built the font, which was placed in the parish chapel to allow for more flexibility in scheduling baptisms around Mass times. FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION St. Patrick Council 11745 in Anchorage, Alaska, worked with Father Leo Walsh, pastor of St. Patrick Parish and council chaplain, to revive the First Friday Devotion at the parish — inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us). After each month’s Mass, attendees pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart, followed by a potluck organized by the council.

Fourth Degree Knights from Marquette Assembly 1197 in Green Bay, Wis., provide an honor guard as they lead a procession of the Jubilee Mission Cross into the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion for a Mass celebrating the Jubilee 2025. After Mass, Knights carried the cross for a 1.7-mile procession throughout the shrine grounds.

RIGHT: Photo by Sam Lucero / The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion

GLORY TO THE SACRED HEART Father Aloysius Nolan Council 10655 in Kinkora, Ontario, hosted a Holy Hour with the Order’s pilgrim icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Patrick Church. Father Jude Ogbenna, associate pastor and a brother Knight, led Eucharistic adoration.

HOLY FAMILY, PRAY FOR US Holy Family Council 6099 in Chattanooga, Tenn., gave small statues of the Holy Family to more than 40 young people who received the sacrament of confirmation at St. Stephen Church. Since 2020, Council 6099 and its associated women’s group have provided sacramental gifts to parishioners receiving first Communion and confirmation.

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Family

THROWING FOR A CAUSE St. Joseph the Worker Council 10921 in Orefield, Pa., and Queenship of Mary Council 4050 in Whitehall jointly hosted their annual cornhole fundraiser tournament at Egypt Memorial Park. The event raised more than $4,000 and collected 10 boxes of food for the Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative, which serves about 1,000 people each month. A+ SCHOLARS Good Samaritan Council 14181 in Ellijay, Ga., awarded seven Gilmer High School graduates each with a $1,000 scholarship. The program, named in honor of longtime Knight Ed Elie, who died in 2019, has supported students for five years.

BOTTOM: Photo by Karen Callaway

Lope Suyom of St. Peter the Apostle Council 14648 in Telegrafo, Visayas, cuts grass at Canmogsay Elementary School as part of the country’s annual Brigada Eskwela campaign — an effort to prepare schools before the start of the new school year. Fifteen Knights landscaped the school grounds over three hours.

A TON OF SUPPORT Our Lady of Peace Council 61 in Stratford, Conn., received more than 1,000 pounds of food during its monthly Food for Families collection. The donated food was given to the food pantry at Blessed Sacrament Church, which distributes more than 700 bags of food each week. Since March 2023, Council 61 has collected an average of 500 pounds of food for the pantry each month.

SENDING A BROTHER HOME When a Nigerian-born member of Immaculate Conception Council 6245 in Annandale, N.J., died, the council contributed $5,000, with support from individual donations, to help his wife send his body to Nigeria for burial in his family cemetery.

PARISH FAMILY PICNIC Knights from Blackstone (Mass.) Millville-St. André Bessette Council 15829 prepared food and served more than 100 people during Divine Mercy Parish’s annual picnic. COLD STORAGE, WARM HEARTS St. William Council 10757 in Naples, Fla., donated $5,600 to an outreach center for people experiencing homelessness, operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice, to purchase a new freezer after the previous one failed. The donation came from proceeds of the council’s monthly parish breakfasts at St. William Catholic Church. IN MEMORIAM Knights from Cardinal Gibbons Assembly 150 in Hockessin, Del., built and installed six memorial benches, with plaques engraved with names of deceased assembly members, at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Shrine at Holy Spirit Parish. The $8,000 project was funded through individual member donations and gifts to the memorial fund.

Edward Domich (right) and other members of Siena Council 8596 in West Dundee, Ill., fill backpacks with school supplies for local families in need. The items came from the annual school supply drive organized by Council 8596 and F.I.S.H. Food Pantry, with donations totaling more than 500 pounds — enough to fill more than 75 backpacks. NOVEMBER 2025 ✢ C O L U M B I A

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K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N ✢ F A I T H I N A C T I O N

Community

Supreme Master Michael McCusker (front, third from right) joins State Deputy Savio Dias of Prince Edward Island (front, third from left) and other K of C leaders following a Fourth Degree exemplification at the Prince Edward Island State Convention. Nearly 30 men became Sir Knights during the event, which followed the revised ceremonial format introduced earlier this year.

HIGHWAY TO CLEANLINESS Knights from Sacred Heart of Mary Council 7622 in Jermyn, Pa., collected more than 40 large bags of litter during a recent road cleanup. For more than 20 years, Council 7622 has partnered with the Adopt-A-Highway program to organize cleanups along a 5-mile stretch of State Route 107. NOT ALONE Annapolis (Md.) Council 1384 raised more than $36,000 during its annual fundraiser to support research and awareness of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva — a rare genetic disorder in which muscle and connective tissues are gradually replaced by bone. The event was first held in 2023, after a Knight’s son was diagnosed with the disease.

ABAYAN FESTIVAL Nearly 50 Knights from several councils and assemblies near Butuan City, Mindanao, participated in the 2025 Abayan Festival — an annual religious and cultural event honoring St. Anne, patroness of the Agusan River. Knights provided an honor guard during a 30-minute procession from St. Joseph Cathedral to a nearby Philippine Ports Authority site, where Mass was celebrated. They then accompanied the image of St. Anne during a three-hour river parade. WEATHERING THE STORM After a tornado struck Grinnell, Kan., in mid-May, destroying about 20 homes, Knights from several area councils distributed water and $300 gift cards through the Kansas State Council’s emergency response program to affected families. SPRING JUBILEE Members of St. Gerard Majella Council 6884 in Seneca, S.C., staffed a food tent at the annual Pendleton Spring Jubilee arts festival. Approximately 300 attendees purchased sausages, hot dogs and water from the council, raising more than $750 for charity.

Knights from several councils near Rapid City, S.D., place flags on veterans’ graves at Black Hills National Cemetery. St. Therese Council 8025 has coordinated the event for more than five years. This is one of many activities organized by the councils throughout the year to honor deceased veterans.

HOLY SMOKE Members of Father Puetz Council 6550 in Harrisonville, Mo., participated in an annual barbecue competition and community meal. Council 6550’s team, representing Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, competed against nine other local churches at the ecumenical event, which gathered hundreds of people for Christian fellowship. Knights also shared information about the Catholic Church with several people who inquired.

LEFT: Photo by Dale Preston

CARING FOR OUR VETERANS Members of Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 in Norwalk, Conn., partnered with House of Heroes to repair and paint the deck, clean a basement, and install a handrail at the home of Willie Jones, a U.S. Army veteran. The $5,000 project was funded by proceeds from the assembly’s annual Patriot Dinner and community carnival.

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Life MARCHING FOR LIFE St. Charles Borromeo Council 13513 in Jacksonville, Ala., and Joseph J. Burn Sr. Council 3227 in Anniston organized a joint march for life with five local Catholic churches. The group made a mile-long procession from St. Charles Borromeo Church to Jacksonville’s town square. Knights have supported the walk for more than 20 years, but this was the first year they served as principal organizers.

Special Olympics athletes high-five Knights and other volunteers after a track and field competition at the Special Olympics Maine State Summer Games held at the University of Maine in Orono. More than 50 Knights from some 20 councils statewide volunteered during the weekend event — keeping time for track events, preparing food for athletes, and more.

TOP: Photo by Soubanh Phanthay

DRIVE SUPPORTS MEDICAL NEEDS St. Joseph Astoria (N.Y.) Council 18577 and St. Joseph Church hosted a blood drive at the parish auditorium to benefit the New York Blood Center. More than 60 pints of blood and platelets were donated to benefit patients and advance research.

Mark Weiss, life director of Father Aufderheide Council 12912 in Vandalia, Ohio, and Father Kyle Schnippel, pastor of St. Christopher Church, stand beside a pro-life educational display created by the council and the parish respect life committee. The illuminated cabinet, showing fetal models at various stages of development, was blessed by Father Schnippel and placed near the church entrance.

LIFE-SAVING DONATIONS Islands Council 10579 in Savannah, Ga., hosted a blood drive at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, collecting 40 pints. The council has run twice-annual drives for more than a decade, gathering about 500 pints in that time. ALL LEARNING STYLES WELCOMED Santa Maria Council 2829 in Winston-Salem, N.C., made several donations, totaling more than $13,000, to support programs for students with intellectual disabilities at 10 local Catholic and public schools in the Children’s Center of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County School District. The

grants were made through the LAMB Foundation of NC, a K of C-sponsored initiative founded in 1960. BRITE FUTURE AHEAD Archbishop James V. Casey Council 9349 in Littleton, Colo., donated $10,500 to Birthline of Colorado, the state’s oldest pregnancy resource center, to help expand its services and construct a new facility, BriteStar Health. The council has supported Birthline since 1985. CHOOSE LIFE Knights from Ramon E. Nazareno Council 5378 in Calape, Visayas, were joined by parishioners of St. Vincent Ferrer Church for the council’s first march for life. The theme for the march was “Choose Life.”

See more at www.kofc.org/knightsinaction Please submit your council activities to knightsinaction@kofc.org NOVEMBER 2025 ✢ C O L U M B I A

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S TA R C O U N C I L S 2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5

Star Councils Awarded

7517

DELAWARE (CONT.) 11285 13348 16771

For the 2024-2025 fraternal year, 2,967 councils earned the Star Council Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and programming. Of these councils (listed here), 455 earned the Double Star Council Award (200% of membership quota) and 244 earned the Triple Star Council Award (300% or more of membership quota) or higher. In addition, 4,644 councils earned the Columbian Award for excellence in programming; 4,886 attained the Father McGivney Award for meeting their membership quota; and 3,856 earned the Founder’s Award for meeting their insurance quota.

224 6375

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 9542 11496 15795 17611 11302 13242

611 667 1768 1951 2075 2112 2505 3393 3580 4357 4444 4727 4851 4934 4955 4999 5357 5618 5635 5644 5845 5971 6125 6168 6274 6569 6584 6590 6724 6988 7052

FLORIDA 7109 10626 12569 7121 10718 12664 7166 10757 12956 7210 10850 13037 7282 10853 13042 7399 11079 13051 7420 11125 13116 7589 11189 13118 7621 11211 13139 7667 11220 13153 7672 11226 13172 7826 11241 13207 7968 11281 13240 7997 11295 13300 8009 11328 13341 8012 11421 13355 8074 11483 13389 8086 11488 13525 8104 11497 13527 8419 11651 13624 8450 11669 13639 8510 11680 13900 8791 11784 13996 8838 11850 14132 9649 11961 14202 9720 12110 14203 9916 12155 14212 9924 12165 14217 10169 12240 14295 10514 12376 14390 10572 12456 14456

1484 2737 3227 3568 3986 4083

4859 8308 9581

ALABAMA 5636 10731 13125 16381 8696 11215 13339 16400 8740 11366 13415 17040 8959 11537 13446 17202 9550 12011 13513 17519 10232 12618 14507 ALASKA 9830 11816 12290 13566 11206 12018 12431 17517

4748 7070

ALBERTA 7092 8258 10519 10986 7432 9502

1200 1229 3121 4339 5133 5221 6842 6848 6933 7159 7243

ARIZONA 7306 10062 12144 14089 7521 10070 12164 14101 8077 10540 12246 14230 8386 10762 12313 14804 8813 11440 12449 15001 8854 11536 12708 15576 9287 11675 12851 15704 9446 11738 13272 16277 9678 11809 13278 17893 9801 11999 13497 18215 9838 12078 13779 18389

6419 7353

ARKANSAS 8410 9514 10208 12458 9396 10167

1283 2552 2558 3478 4253 4767 4949

BRITISH COLUMBIA 5423 9534 10681 5540 9703 10899 6855 9844 11359 7359 9846 11916 7934 9990 12861 7991 9998 13072 9246 10500 13356

953 977 1174 1324 1349 1586 1638 1830

CALIFORNIA 1990 3052 3472 2329 3073 3545 2382 3148 3571 2557 3254 3629 2692 3368 3687 2938 3429 3726 3016 3436 3744 3041 3449 3772

14225 14994 16076 16692 18018

3926 3978 4041 4060 4112 4178 4228 4258

CALIFORNIA (CONT.) 4305 7773 10140 12805 4436 7846 10180 12834 4443 7902 10234 12887 4523 7987 10248 12938 4581 8072 10378 13007 4901 8207 10414 13124 4922 8599 10469 13180 4970 8627 10494 13299 5007 8628 10623 13311 5012 8728 10925 13403 5216 9076 10981 13622 5271 9206 11137 13672 5322 9213 11260 13899 5392 9402 11335 13925 5568 9410 11393 14007 5650 9445 11612 14158 5696 9481 11653 14550 5796 9487 11788 14554 5978 9498 11837 14754 6004 9511 12050 14772 6028 9530 12213 14818 6038 9590 12383 14836 6043 9594 12394 15034 6066 9648 12451 15065 6197 9714 12452 15122 6332 9740 12489 15317 7116 9897 12542 15339 7142 9986 12555 15589 7390 10094 12587 15625

15671 15693 15719 15750 15812 15874 16185 16255 16256 16293 16452 16570 16584 16687 17037 17048 17097 17376 17904 17933 18011 18076 18182 18221 18297

625 1498 2160 2308 3285 3434

COLORADO 4732 11514 12979 15857 5064 11575 13221 15956 5237 11730 13981 17142 7880 12228 14338 8909 12335 14806 10937 12336 15751

1 2 4 5 7 9 13 15 16 20 24 31

CONNECTICUT 36 1090 4303 38 1350 4313 39 2287 5467 41 2616 5833 48 2758 6376 50 2961 7738 61 2968 8013 64 2978 10537 185 3181 10657 245 3544 11077 270 3675 11835 573 3961 11913

195

3792

DELAWARE 4075 4548

12615 14014 14360 14546 14590 14600 14664 16347 17166

7297

14485 14573 14697 14730 14839 14848 14866 15154 15332 15366 15619 15644 15675 15779 15821 16018 16080 16236 16492 16536 16724 17161 17162 17182 17480 17531 17689 17915

GEORGIA 631 8731 10821 12984 14348 660 8972 11402 13052 14425 1019 9458 11461 13161 14488 5484 9515 11676 13204 14773 6514 9792 11746 13229 14944 6622 9923 11768 13376 15238 6918 9975 12287 13440 16534 6920 10004 12386 13457 17969 7416 10497 12580 13491 18154 8081 10632 12862 13808 18218 8376 10633 12883 14181 18427 8495 10687 12942 14275

10752

GUAM 13176 14434

HAWAII 6734 12733 14663 16414 17042 10475 14620 16002 16741 18025 12045

1363 1416 1663

2014 2888

IDAHO 3086 11548 15304 10581 11623 18509

361 382 427 470 574 745 776 1077 1143 1176 1444 1496 1599 1628 1659 1911 2076 2090 2191

2601 2782 2869 2874 2964 3507 3540 3582 3602 3731 3738 3880 3914 3934 4053 4179 4194 4330 4836

ILLINOIS 4977 8473 5516 8596 5573 8699 5591 8716 5754 9768 5866 9770 5918 10025 6090 10151 6483 10637 6498 10678 6521 10884 6710 10926 6993 10944 8002 11027 8020 11092 8021 11112 8229 11358 8365 11361 8366 11582

11666 12005 12407 12497 12576 12801 12863 12882 13103 13123 14008 14057 14171 14284 14463 14562 14649 15037 15168

ILLINOIS (CONT.) 15296 15822 16350 17129 17439 15324 16011 16369 17241 18037 15584 16126 16720 17360 18043 15771 INDIANA 6323 12387 16305 7839 12951 17043 11165 14673 17069 11276 15144 11353 15777

451 1131 1221 1477 1542

1584 3283 4511 5521 6138

510 644 707 780 936 999 1409 1466

IOWA 2074 5660 11162 4009 7506 11592 4308 7556 11986 4403 8178 12193 4516 8650 12422 5038 10464 12432 5043 10558 13109 5389 10980 14494

601 723 1149 1181 1269 1370 1372 1383 2278

2296 2332 2680 3058 4113 4166 4458 4708 4713

KANSAS 6673 10483 6761 10932 6781 11067 7426 11352 7485 11661 8488 11853 9510 12546 9699 12577 10279 12932

15049 15603 15921 16904

12960 13354 13394 15134 16027 18092

KENTUCKY 390 7847 12502 14604 15979 1055 10725 12774 15181 16179 1315 10988 12852 15452 17445 2282 11132 12923 15525 18058 4665 11470 12965 15841 18126 5453 12354 13304 15914 18284

969 1208 1337 1420 1819 1905 1998 2012 2409 2436 2732 2807 2855 2972 3208 3465

LOUISIANA 3634 7033 9007 3642 7350 9107 3662 7355 9240 3729 7856 9247 3857 8058 9623 4085 8342 9769 4562 8442 10080 4663 8546 10176 4873 8601 10178 5352 8615 10293 5499 8743 10744 5530 8840 10911 5747 8878 11060 5935 8901 12061 6326 8932 12072 6753 9000 12245

3363 3692 3693 3710 3711 3887 3939 4073 4091 4109 4206 4233 4268 4277 4278 4317 4318 4352 4366 4506 5018 5119 5120 5269 5379 5533 5739

LUZON NORTH 5773 8801 10227 5775 8804 10268 6002 8825 10399 6080 8833 10550 6105 8834 10582 6613 9006 10638 6655 9008 10639 6704 9057 10695 6732 9087 11124 6775 9101 11289 7178 9116 11699 7257 9119 11754 7632 9366 11900 7666 9370 11990 7731 9390 12042 7876 9440 12052 7919 9449 12204 8226 9459 12369 8254 9491 12388 8432 9582 12461 8537 9866 12462 8677 9874 12624 8691 9878 12714 8693 10039 12755 8751 10073 12810 8753 10173 13183 8757 10187 13218

12529 12906 12989 13425 13819 14614 14657 14822 15006 15133 17205 18091 18108

13332 13549 13617 13774 13919 14177 14226 14258 14353 14419 14424 14592 14594 14680 14901 15166 15167 15273 15311 15387 15402 15432 15481 15554 15560 15697 15702

15998 16136 16272 16289 16302 16323 16416 16445

LUZON NORTH (CONT.) 16542 17283 17801 16632 17297 17894 16789 17428 17936 16847 17452 17971 16993 17504 18000 16998 17554 18181 17053 17632 18413 17282 17736 18465

18500 18526 18562 18587 18596 18619

LUZON SOUTH 1000 7844 12206 15427 17268 3468 7957 12318 15506 17269 4103 7971 12351 15508 17307 4290 8256 12370 15541 17451 4640 8513 12442 15549 17496 4668 8626 13213 15572 17551 5124 8724 13234 15663 17552 5311 8942 13274 15670 17587 5507 8987 13298 16138 17642 5575 9071 13536 16208 17646 5579 9160 13548 16245 17655 5622 9189 13553 16271 17788 5774 9348 13628 16282 17942 5937 9468 13857 16366 18038 6115 9588 13922 16439 18039 6122 9636 14072 16484 18042 6155 9877 14160 16575 18095 6167 10438 14323 16602 18138 6178 10548 14405 16637 18141 6259 10734 14618 16661 18164 6291 10971 14653 16717 18165 6300 11200 14800 16790 18346 6387 11368 14904 16844 18375 6830 11444 14907 16887 18380 6932 11519 15079 16895 18387 6953 11594 15115 16919 18537 7037 11791 15139 17001 18548 7189 11847 15140 17033 18549 7594 11852 15187 17084 18551 7628 11923 15215 17093 18635 7631 12041 15232 17104 7806 12205 15298 17244 MAINE 10221 15791

136

3942

1107 1435 3579

4557 5808 5870

1384 1622 2169 2293 2427 2605 2809 2942 3960

MARYLAND 6021 9808 11618 6188 10100 11898 7559 10137 12054 8159 10966 12127 8251 11171 12128 8736 11214 12180 9302 11259 12524 9462 11341 13008 9638 11616 13294

14297 14455 14612 15985 17759 17990 18156 18170

81 85 87 109 183 202 228 231 287

MASSACHUSETTS 314 1847 5188 498 2095 5231 729 2121 5585 813 2525 5876 1078 2536 6063 1232 2911 9275 1319 4181 10049 1462 4225 11690 1562 5027 12380

13140 13388 13845 14027 14940 15280 16001 16437

MANITOBA 7253 10247 15257 8221 10551 15596 9790 11005

MEXICO CENTRAL 2062 12062 15888 16955 17958 3337 14720 16799 17311 18633 5107

2312 2359 3776

MEXICO NORTHEAST 4559 15103 16296 16932 4573 16139 16378 18590 5159

2367

MEXICO NORTHWEST 2419 3996 12019 12097

3 0 C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2025

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MEXICO NORTHWEST (CONT.) 14963 16200 16458 17049 18279 15364 16283 16603 17336 18316 15668 16340

1891

MEXICO SOUTH 13963 15245

2101

MEXICO WEST 4344 4637 14374 17964

389 414 521 600 689 744 944 1213 1492 1987 2026 2084 2141 2168 2632 2659 2660 2667 2690 2709 2733 3078 3092 3111 3257 3292

11987

MICHIGAN 3615 7582 11761 3774 7717 11811 3860 7719 11957 3956 7918 12121 4036 7945 12258 4090 8117 12295 4188 8169 12408 4401 8284 12808 4764 8291 13362 5436 8391 13449 5452 8564 13499 5460 8605 13526 5981 8687 13579 6223 9523 13633 6293 9568 13641 6667 9937 13645 6694 9979 13673 7115 10006 13863 7200 10170 13950 7255 10724 13958 7304 11099 13980 7311 11114 13983 7341 11581 14018 7418 11689 14056 7444 11694 14206 7545 11756 14366

14427 14598 14642 15204 15337 15352 15495 15548 15889 15967 16092 16169 16199 16630

MILITARY OVERSEAS

3108 3504 4269 4552 4639 5307 5863 5907 6133 6974 6982 7643 7852 8006

MINDANAO 8181 13933 17265 8209 14153 17306 9074 14286 17373 10338 14740 17513 10604 14812 17515 11185 15148 17523 11199 16036 17676 11842 16107 17687 11863 16117 17705 12608 16403 17723 12723 16429 17826 12790 16607 17863 13454 17226 17925 13736 17235 17946

945 1076 1516 1649 2506

MINNESOTA 2751 6791 10031 3758 9141 10052 3827 9585 10238 4174 9657 12520 5202 9905 13359

1034 1522 1908

MISSISSIPPI 4472 8848 10499 14051 6765 9673 11541 15131 7915 10216 11934

1121 1185 1230 1321 1335 2027 2044 2117 2119 2333 2440

MISSOURI 2627 7199 10746 3414 7588 10794 3511 7841 11182 5586 8620 12022 6018 8887 12288 6525 8931 12332 6550 9272 13604 6780 9522 13681 7064 9533 13748 7119 10136 13901 7198 10200 14096

2464

9395

MONTANA

18127 18151 18194 18214 18401 18523

14250 15761 16016 18545

14097 14266 14489 14745 14972 15126 15294 17355

NEBRASKA 10047 11312 13956 10160 11879 14077 10795 12086 16878 10895 13576

652 1312 1966 2681

6192 8010 9704 9771

978 4828 4928 4997 5693

7322 8282 9899 10442

6766

NEVADA 10780 13754 11029 13842 12877 13897 13456 13924

14544 14820 16207 18256

NEW BRUNSWICK

92 1624 1820

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2048 4442 7572 11573 2078 5163 9058 12988 3023 5748 10488 13904

335 359 405 426 514 570 588 589 636 816 836 1179 1443 1672 1910 1984 2086 2188 2355 2393 2396 2544 2560

NEW JERSEY 2572 5410 6621 2607 5486 6890 2858 5510 7000 2976 5611 7020 3187 5903 7046 3231 5959 7316 3402 6100 7333 3428 6173 7526 3451 6202 7536 3471 6212 7647 3495 6247 7784 3500 6277 8415 3512 6284 9021 3546 6336 9113 3644 6342 9193 3680 6364 9852 3801 6392 9914 3826 6424 10899 4154 6504 10900 4524 6520 11017 4969 6530 11349 5114 6573 11378 5324 6575 11386

11415 11498 11660 11873 11889 12092 12184 12229 12232 12592 12700 12940 13678 14493 14716 15217 15540 15964 17254

804 3683 4205 4227

NEW MEXICO 8304 10629 14410 15199 8741 13969 14452 15788 9504 14124 14999 9527 14254 15183

275 281 309 338 381 481 486 545 566 725 794 821 1445 1662 1675 1694 1967 1992

NEW YORK 2079 4651 7006 2122 4783 7085 2147 4810 7104 2345 5001 7278 2502 5103 7423 2548 5252 7460 3481 5329 7551 3581 5343 8250 3676 5814 8964 3701 5817 9165 3852 5872 9254 3892 5890 10332 3958 5983 11163 3993 6526 11175 4065 6561 11227 4126 6652 11449 4422 6802 11950 4618 6844 11968

12006 12361 13378 13524 13635 14578 14687 15446 15698 15809 15917 16134 16334 16411 16519 17379 17652

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR 11776

939 2829 3498 3574 4507 4600 4660 5487 6451 6528

NORTH CAROLINA 6648 8509 11103 6650 8759 11180 6700 8923 11234 6717 9499 11817 6970 9549 11848 7152 10504 11946 7186 10891 12017 7259 11076 12025 7547 11101 12119 8143 11102 12266

12281 12455 12610 12921 13016 13220 13488 13511 13812 15085

NORTH CAROLINA (CONT.) 16013 16839 17125 17501 17960

1779 1883

NORTH DAKOTA 2760 6540 9589 11930 4715 8313 10496

1097

NOVA SCOTIA 16817 OHIO 3970 4603 4617 4664 4733 4847 5128 5429 5582 5776 10003 10183 10215

310 360 478 500 546 554 774 1162 1195 1641 1716 2158 2299

2362 2643 2726 2927 3123 3213 3304 3410 3724 3727 3730 3813 3930

916 4598 4721

OKLAHOMA 6477 7395 11959 6478 11237 13313 7392

485 755 1387 1388 1626 1812 3881 4895 4973 5080 5153 5350 5523

ONTARIO 6074 9989 11531 14749 6161 10236 11726 14969 6361 10370 12067 15176 8339 10402 12124 15920 8602 10416 12372 16005 8611 10617 12706 16254 8668 10873 13094 17065 8919 10874 13244 17394 9005 10888 13405 17397 9235 11098 13417 17476 9494 11164 13785 17693 9557 11332 14411 17725 9742 11528 14446 18384

1261 1594 1623 1634 1872

10749 10876 10936 10941 11208 11311 11445 11665 12359 13813 14344 14406 14408

OREGON 2439 4087 12656 2939 5416 13700 3509 9263 13851 3818 11682 14802

372 388 492 512 519 604 866 867 956 1191 1333 1480 1530 1603 1774 1807 2201 2256 2294 2551 2555 3084 3291

PENNSYLVANIA 3440 6611 11935 3501 6614 12043 3633 7208 12406 3658 7515 12571 3858 7622 12572 3876 7925 12573 3907 8452 12703 4050 8530 12788 4084 8613 13100 4159 9019 13126 4282 10194 13241 4518 10502 13427 4609 10685 13451 4678 10827 13490 4925 11013 13832 5671 11051 13935 5826 11319 13943 5940 11356 14081 6037 11388 14103 6177 11454 14210 6191 11564 14333 6353 11838 14384 6440 11872 14474

14003 14004 14983 14989 15117 15128 15142 15160

POLAND 15216 15856 17050 15267 16014 17316 15268 16039 17534 15415 16105 17569 15416 16266 17607 15649 16650 17624 15759 16709 17667 15814 17030 17677

14457 14504 14551 14834 14962 15458 15573 15901 16373 16376 17092 18195

16367 17383

15485 15605 17536 18062

14626 14847 14865 14880 15188 15346 15456 15590 16071 16656 17028 17145 17262 17417 17784 17887 18239 18392 18424 18566

17782 17865 17924 17938 18023 18115 18280 18320

2070

5928

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 6917 9025 10808 PUERTO RICO

QUÉBEC 2909 6148 3258 7044 5321 7161

446 1001 1180 1209

1468 2015 2218 2762

71 95 113 322

RHODE ISLAND 379 4005 7110 12613 1472 5273 10557 14417 1528 5295 12312 16053 3563 5787

2031

SASKATCHEWAN 8905 10313 11888

724 3067 5026 5086 6629 6726

SOUTH CAROLINA 6756 8502 11028 6847 8900 11471 6884 8980 11910 7122 9475 11991 7129 9575 12263 8123

859 1720 2686

SOUTH DAKOTA 2977 10546 15457 16802 6251 12617 15748 17216 10328 13400 16017

610 1101 3763 4264 4572

TENNESSEE 5207 9787 12633 6645 11925 12838 6992 12012 14341 7170 12256 14482 7447

759 786 799 830 951 1003 1202 1422 1450 1459 1653 1680 2045 2136 2461 2490 2574 2771 2778 2785 3008 3071 3169 3201 3203 3205 3217 3244 3253 3491 3593 3793 3867 3910 4157 4183 4204 4298 4315 4550 4554 4771 4786 5035

5052 5090 5145 5232 5598 5919 5967 6065 6234 6358 6402 6413 6557 6699 6711 6812 6878 6950 6978 7058 7099 7153 7175 7196 7264 7290 7347 7382 7386 7438 7445 7600 7613 7728 7736 7840 7850 7983 8065 8085 8135 8142 8156 8157

TEXAS 8298 8306 8327 8388 8417 8482 8493 8494 8572 8771 8788 8789 8875 8954 8960 8975 9088 9215 9220 9291 9299 9310 9318 9368 9394 9564 9626 9674 9698 9708 9748 9759 9765 9794 9868 9967 9997 10090 10131 10209 10240 10333 10373 10390

10420 10463 10523 10524 10562 10574 10609 10646 10677 10861 10930 10939 10940 10959 10998 11023 11026 11070 11107 11151 11238 11343 11472 11570 11599 11620 11716 11721 11807 11980 12040 12084 12148 12153 12292 12300 12320 12327 12337 12480 12553 12657 12661 12697

10634 13881 17555

12366 12472 14475 17760 17824

15020 15585 16604 17578

12711 12803 12809 12818 12866 12955 13005 13044 13158 13166 13232 13342 13357 13363 13408 13498 13514 13520 13523 13577 13615 13825 13876 13927 14426 14512 14549 14568 14584 14617 14636 14690 14700 14810 14943 15017 15033 15105 15262 15343 15362 15448 15783 15789

15876 15882 16041 16047 16078 16103 16205 16275

TEXAS (CONT.) 16287 16917 17653 16393 17060 17679 16451 17196 17708 16663 17225 17762 16665 17304 17769 16748 17404 17812 16796 17492 17991 16820

18101 18179 18202 18262 18277 18311 18327

UKRAINE 15800 16417 17258 17482 18216 15802 16649 17293 17651 18318 15804 16846 17475 17740 18342 16250

602 777 1129 1136 2611

UTAH 5214 6966 11246 14239 5502 7961 12181 14399 6010 9561 12959 14764 6147 10304 13297 15418 6739

279

297

VERMONT 7525

367 395 418 459 595 2473 3548 4034 5332 5750

5998 6372 6538 6546 6828 7877 7992 8183 8393 8403

VIRGINIA 8600 11667 9259 11678 9285 11710 9428 11958 10015 11984 10515 12378 10947 12589 10979 12846 11136 12982 11323

13468 13599 14516 15256 16234 16793 17189 17630 17995

3171 3288 3290 3348 3938 4432 5672 6048 6255

VISAYAS 6990 9179 12324 7776 9223 12771 7815 9329 13493 8148 9466 14119 8185 9931 14537 8236 10082 14646 8584 10101 14782 8721 11920 15754 9091

16020 16114 16818 17638 17852 18338 18347 18351

683 829 1327 1629 1643 2303 2999 3044 3307

WASHINGTON 3361 8102 10652 3645 8137 11134 4322 8150 11736 4782 8297 11780 6806 9238 12002 7117 9617 12583 7528 9637 12899 7908 9833 13238 8079 10534

13364 13374 14268 14689 15136 15730 15968 17257

771

WEST VIRGINIA 10756 12036

524 710 722 973 1257 1386 1478

WISCONSIN 1709 4240 6568 1789 4505 7048 2035 4520 7732 2487 4527 7775 2770 4648 7798 3562 5438 10976 3955 6279

11155 12269 12467 16022 16280 17889

Denotes Double Star Council status Denotes Triple Star Council status

For a complete list of 2024-2025 Star Councils and for more information on these awards, visit kofc.org/starcouncils.

NOVEMBER 2025 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 25 ENG Star Councils 10_21 FINAL.indd 31

10/21/25 11:57 AM

The official trusted partner of the Knights of Columbus

Spread Faith & Cheer this Christmas season with gifts from Knights Gear!

OFFICIAL NOVEMBER 1, 2025: To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 065061492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, Place d’Armes Station, P.O. Box 220, Montreal, QC H2Y 3G7 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-9982. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-9982. COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 554, ELMSFORD, NY 10523. CANADIAN POSTMASTER — PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 50 MACINTOSH BOULEVARD, CONCORD, ONTARIO L4K 4P3. PHILIPPINES — FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL AT THE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIES TO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

(Act of August 1, 1970: Section 3685, title 39, U.S. code) 1. Publication Title: Columbia 2. Publication Number: 12-3740 3. Filing Date: November 1, 2025 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 10 6. Annual Subscription Price: $6 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters of Publisher: 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher and Editor: Publisher: Patrick E. Kelly/Knights of Columbus 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 Editor: Alton J. Pelowski 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 Managing Editor: Andrew J. Matt 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 10. Owner: Knights of Columbus, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 11. Known Bondholders: None 12. Tax Status: (X) Has not changed during the preceding 12 months

( ) Has changed during the preceding 12 months

13. Publication Title: Columbia 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: NOVEMBER 2025 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

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No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total no. copies (net press run): 1,682,876 1,691,101 b. Paid and/or requested circulation 1. Outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 1,315,140 1,323,546 2. Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 0 0 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS distribution: 0 0 4. Other classes mailed through the USPS. 0 0 c. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 1,315,140 1,323,546 d. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary and other): 1. Outside-county as stated on Form 3541: 2,657 2,690 2. In-county as stated on Form 3541: 0 0 3. Other classes mailed through the USPS: 0 0 4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution outside the mail (carriers or other): 0 0 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate distribution: 2,657 2,690 f. Total distribution: 1,317,797 1,326,236 g. Copies not distributed: 400 400 h. Total: 1,318,197 1,326,636 i. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 99.8% 99.8% 16. Paid electronic copies 0 0 I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. ALTON J. PELOWSKI, Editor 11/1/2025

*When you subscribe to knightsgear.com. First time subscribers only. 3 2 C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2025

COLUMBIA NOV 25 ENG Star Councils 10_21 FINAL.indd 32

10/21/25 11:57 AM

KNIGHTS OF CHARITY

Photo by Michael Back

Knights of Charity Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.

Michigan State Deputy Barry Borsenik (center, holding baseball) gathers with priests and seminarians from the Diocese of Lansing at Jackson Field for the 25th annual K of C Vocations Night baseball game. Priests, seminarians, religious sisters and numerous families enjoyed cheering on the Lansing Lugnuts, a Minor League Baseball team, and raising awareness for vocations in the Catholic Church.

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: knightsinaction@kofc.org COLUMBIA NOV 25 ENG COVERS 10_21 FINAL.indd 3

10/21/25 2:09 PM

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

‘I marvel at the work of God’s grace.’

Father James Fleming Archdiocese of St. John’s Mary, Queen of Peace Council 7405 Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador

COLUMBIA NOV 25 ENG COVERS 10_21 FINAL.indd 4

Photo by Emma Hutchinson Photography

Growing up on the east coast of Canada, I was involved in my family’s parish, but my faith remained lukewarm. A vocation to the priesthood never crossed my mind. Instead, my attention was captured by the insights into the natural world provided by science, which eventually led me to pursue a doctorate in chemistry at a university in California. During my Ph.D. research, the Holy Spirit led me to ask deeper questions that could not be answered by chemistry alone. As a result, I came to believe the Catholic faith firmly and sought to live it intentionally. Jesus Christ answered the true longing of my mind and heart. During this time, I sensed an unexpected call to the priesthood. The priests serving in campus ministry helped my discernment, and in time I heard God calling me home as a diocesan priest. After my doctorate, I entered seminary and was ordained in 2016. I still marvel at the work of God’s grace in my life, and I encourage young people to be open to the surprising ways God may be calling them.

10/21/25 2:09 PM