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P ROTECT W HAT M ATTERS M OST YOUR L IFE . YOUR FAMILY. YOUR F UTURE .

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KNIGHTSOFCOLUMBUS

j u l y 2 0 1 7 ♦ V o l u m e 9 7 ♦ N u m b e r 7 COLUMBIA

FEATURES 8 Caseys at the Bat Major league Knights delivered the national pastime to American doughboys “over there” during World War I. BY JIM LEEKE 12 ‘Grant Us Peace’ Order and U.S. Military Archdiocese co-sponsor annual pilgrimage of wounded warriors to Lourdes. BY COLUMBIA STAFF 14 A Revolution of Conscience The Knights of Columbus in Poland promote Emmy- winning documentary about John Paul II’s role in the fall of communism. BY TOMASZ ADAMSKI 18 Christian Truth in a Democratic World An interview with Prof. Ryszard Legutko about reconciling faith and politics in the secular West. BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI 22 Brothers in the Faith State officers of Utah share why they joined the Catholic Marine Sgt. Buster Miscusi, a member of Msgr. David M. Stoten- Church and the Knights of Columbus. bur Council 7237 in DeWitt, Mich., is pushed in a wheelchair by BY MARIE MISCHEL his wife, Monique, during the 2017 Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus (see story on page 12).

DEPARTMENTS 36Building a better world Knights of Columbus News 21 Christians at Risk In a spirit of solidarity, leaders express Order Mourns Passing of Bishop As the Order continues to aid gratitude to God and work to protect Daily, Former Supreme Chaplain genocide victims, U.S. House offers the religious liberty of all. • Knights in Canada, Mexico support with bipartisan legislation. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON March for Life 26 Knights in Action 4 Learning the faith, 7 Fathers for Good living the faith Starting a family in my early 20s It is sometimes easy to overlook the has filled my life with joy and scope of our Order’s charitable sup- blessings. port throughout the world. BY TIMOTHY KENNEY BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI PLUS: Catholic Man of the Month Photo by Tamino Petelinsek

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EDITORIAL COLUMBIA

PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus On the Side of Freedom ______WHEN NAZI GERMANY invaded politics can become “a ‘secular religion,’ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson Poland in September 1939, 19-year-old which operates under the illusion of cre- SUPREME KNIGHT Karol Wojtyła, a college student in ating paradise in this world” (25). Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. Kraków, was forced into manual labor. The foundation of any free society, SUPREME CHAPLAIN Patrick E. Kelly His beloved father — his last living fam- John Paul II argued, is recognition of “the DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT ily member — died less than two years rights of the human conscience” (29). He Michael J. O’Connor later. Wojtyła then entered Kraków’s explained that “in constantly reaffirming SUPREME SECRETARY Ronald F. Schwarz clandestine seminary in 1942, in the face the transcendent dignity of the person, SUPREME TREASURER of atrocities committed by the Nazi the Church’s method is always that of re- John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE regime. By the time he was ordained spect for freedom.” In contrast, the mod- ______four years later, World War II had ended ern claim that “there is no ultimate truth EDITORIAL and the Soviet Army “liberated” Poland, to guide and direct political activity” eas- Alton J. Pelowski replacing one totalitarian government ily leads to tyranny (46). Far from com- EDITOR Andrew J. Matt with another. For the next three decades, promising the legitimate autonomy of MANAGING EDITOR Wojtyła fostered a vibrant Christian the state or the freedom of others, the Anna M. Bninski identity among the people he served as Christian view of the human person af- ASSOCIATE EDITOR a priest, bishop and cardinal, despite the firms that fundamental rights must al- state’s atheistic ideology. ways be respected. In 1979, he returned to his homeland Where does all of this leave us, partic- as Pope John Paul II, sparking a spiritual ularly in our mission as faithful citizens revolution that led to the eventual col- and Knights of Columbus, today? For lapse of communism in Central and East- one thing, it means that we are called to ern Europe (see page 14). In 1991, 18 continue our defense of religious freedom Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, — described in Centesimus Annus as “the Protector of Christian Family Life and he published an encyclical titled Centes- source and synthesis” of other human Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. imus Annus. The document marked the rights (47) — whether it is threatened by ______100th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s secularism, totalitarianism or Islamist fun- HOW TO REACH US groundbreaking social encyclical, Rerum damentalism. In addition, we must re- MAIL Novarum, by developing its key insights member that political challenges are COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza and outlining principles regarding human rooted in cultural challenges. “In order to New Haven, CT 06510-3326 rights and the role of the state. overcome today’s widespread individual- ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4210, option #3 For example, the pope recognized the istic mentality,” John Paul II observed, [email protected] value of free markets but warned against “what is required is a concrete commitment PRAYER CARDS & SUPPLIES a “consumer society.” The latter, he to solidarity and charity, beginning in the 203-752-4214 COLUMBIA INQUIRIES wrote, actually “agrees with Marxism, in family” (49). That is to say, the fight for 203-752-4398 the sense that it totally reduces man to freedom begins in our own homes and FAX the sphere of economics and the satisfac- communities, and it begins with charity.♦ 203-752-4109 K OF C CUSTOMER SERVICE tion of material needs” (Centesimus 1-800-380-9995 Annus, 19). In a similar way, he advocated ALTON J. PELOWSKI E-MAIL for political engagement but warned that EDITOR [email protected] INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ______Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) The film Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the of Communism (see article on page 14) is currently available Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to on DVD, Netflix and digital platforms including iTunes live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church. and Amazon. After airing throughout the United States and ______Canada, the 90-minute film, produced by Supreme Knight Copyright © 2017 All rights reserved Carl A. Anderson and narrated by Jim Caviezel, received ______two Chicago/ Midwest Regional Emmy Awards in Decem- ON THE COVER ber 2016. For more information, visit jp2film.com.♦ Johnny Evers, a Hall of Fame second baseman

who served as a K of C secretary in France COVER: Photo courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y. during World War I, is pictured in 1909.

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BUILDINGABETTERWORLD

The Prayer of a Nation In a spirit of solidarity, leaders express gratitude to God and work to protect the religious liberty of all

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

ON MAY 4, I had the honor of join- equality and justice be established in ing Cardinal Donald Wuerl, arch- human society.” bishop of Washington; Cardinal Years ago, Father Patrick Peyton re- Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galve- peatedly reminded us that “the family ston-Houston and president of the that prays together, stays together.” Per- U.S. bishops’ conference; members of haps the same might be said of nations. “process of alleviating the serious bur- the Little Sisters of the Poor; and lead- Approximately six decades ago, the den of the HHS mandate” had in- ers of Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish Knights of Columbus led the effort to deed begun. and other faith communities at a add the words “under God” to the Just days after the president’s signing White House Rose Garden ceremony U.S. Pledge of Allegiance. The phrase of the executive order, I had the privi- during the National Day of Prayer. is taken from Abraham Lincoln’s Get- lege of a one-on-one meeting with The event, at which President tysburg Address. Vice President Pence to discuss these Trump signed an executive order on And it was Lincoln who first pro- issues in more detail. religious liberty, began with the claimed a National Day of Prayer in It is said that a journey of a thou- singing of the Lord’s Prayer. 1863, stating that “it is the duty of na- sand miles begins with a single step. The spring observance of the Na- tions as well as of men to own their de- Recently, the president took two tional Day of Prayer was established pendence upon the overruling power such steps. by Congress and proclaimed by Pres- of God, to confess their sins and trans- The first was setting a legal founda- ident Harry Truman in 1952. While gressions in humble sorrow … and to tion by executive order to protect our some may dismiss the National Day recognize … that those nations only free exercise of religion from overreach of Prayer as largely symbolic, and oth- are blessed whose God is the Lord.” by federal agencies. ers, like the Freedom From Religion During the ceremony this past The second came in answer to a Foundation, may ridicule it, I felt that May, the president signed an execu- question from EWTN, whose News something very important took place. tive order on religious liberty. Some Nightly reporters had recently visited Religious leaders from around the na- have criticized the order for not going Iraq with Knights of Columbus spon- tion joined together in prayer at the far enough to establish new, broad sorship. The president stated that he White House with a deep sense of re- protections. was going to help the Christians of the spect for each other’s traditions. But Cardinal DiNardo’s response Middle East. Cardinal Wuerl was one of those seems most appropriate. Noting that The Knights of Columbus has al- chosen to lead the gathering in prayer. he had met with the president to dis- ways been steadfast in our defense of His words truly captured the atmos- cuss these issues shortly before the cer- religion freedom at home and phere of unity when he said: “O God, emony, the cardinal stated, “Today’s abroad. Seeing a new concern for this who gave one origin to all peoples and executive order begins the process of issue at the highest levels of our willed to gather from them one family alleviating the serious burden of the country is welcome. for yourself, fill our hearts, we pray, HHS mandate. We will engage with Welcome, too, is the fact that Pope with the fire of your love and kindle the administration to ensure that ade- Francis and the president agreed to do in all of us a desire for the just ad- quate relief is provided to those with more to protect religious freedom and vancement of our neighbor, that deeply held religious beliefs.” religious minorities when they met through all good things which you Seeing the president greet the Little May 24 in the Vatican. richly bestow upon all, each human Sisters of the Poor and invite them to Now is the time for all of us to person may be brought to perfection, the podium to stand with him, those commit to do more. every division may be removed, and in attendance were assured that the Vivat Jesus!

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

The Forest and the Trees It is sometimes easy to overlook the scope of our Order’s charitable support throughout the world

by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

SOMETIMES, as the saying goes, we responded, ready to provide comfort, can’t see the forest for the trees. It’s all shelter and assistance. Similarly, I too easy to become so involved in our would see local Knights conducting own projects, plans and points of view fund drives in support of Special that we fail to see the larger picture. The Olympics and those with intellectual Egypt who have been targeted by ISIS. Church is much bigger than our expe- disabilities. The Knights, in fact, support a host rience or knowledge of it. The same is Over the last 13 years as supreme of humanitarian relief efforts through- also true of the Knights of Columbus. chaplain, my comprehension of the so- out the world. When Typhoon Haiyan Let me offer a personal example. cial and charitable works of the Knights struck the Philippines in 2013, the Since 2012, I have served as arch- of Columbus has expanded. In 2015- local Knights sprang into action. bishop of Baltimore. It is a wonderful 16, I watched as the Order worked with Knights from Cebu City traveled to a archdiocese, the oldest in the United members of the U.S. Congress from devastated area to distribute sacks of States, replete with projects and rice and canned goods, while challenges. It would be very the Supreme Council author- easy for me to focus merely on ized substantial funds to sup- one or two areas or initiatives. I did not fully appreciate all the port humanitarian efforts. The In a similar way, it is tempting Order also launched the Liveli- to become so immersed in ways the Knights of Columbus hood Project to help fishermen, archdiocesan work as to lose serves both Church and society. farmers and craftsmen, who sight of the larger Church. had lost everything in the ty- Truth to tell, until I began phoon, get back to work and to serving as supreme chaplain in rebuild their lives. 2005 I did not fully appreciate all the both sides of the aisle and the Obama Similar efforts of humanitarian relief ways the Knights of Columbus serves administration to secure an official dec- have been provided in places like Pak- both Church and society, nationally laration that the persecution of Chris- istan and Kenya. The Order has sup- and internationally. In a phrase, I saw tians and other religious minorities in ported efforts to assist children with some trees but not the forest. I had the Middle East is in fact genocide. Not AIDS in Uganda, and it has helped to known of the work of my local council, content with that, the Knights of drill wells and provide clean water for and it was that spirit of charity that Columbus has provided millions of dol- residents in Guatemala and Ethiopia. first attracted me to the Knights. But lars to alleviate the sufferings of those my new role opened my eyes to the persecuted. For example, the Order A CULTURE OF LIFE AND LIBERTY depth of the Order’s charitable out- supported a project that offers mental Last year, when Pope Francis visited reach in many parts of the world. health programs in northern Iraq for Ciudad Juárez, just across the U.S.- those traumatized at the hands of ISIS. Mexican border from El Paso, Texas, IN TIMES OF NEED It supported housing for refugees who the Knights provided funding to dio- When I was a young priest serving in fled to Lebanon from Syria and helped ceses on both sides of the border. This Prince George’s County, Md., a devas- to fund a film that will explore the re- papal visit helped to highlight the tating fire struck a family home. Lives sponse of many faiths to the plight of plight of migrants and the determina- were lost, and the house was de- refugees and immigrants. And it has of- tion of the Church in the United States stroyed. I saw how quickly the Knights fered assistance to Coptic Christians in and Mexico to work together to help

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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

these individuals and families, and to In addition to its many humanitar- mother and child. work for just immigration laws. ian efforts, the Order also supports a Finally, I would also note with deep When unprecedented flooding variety of ecumenical and interreli- gratitude the support of the Knights in struck Louisiana last year, the Knights gious projects, including those that helping the efforts of the Church in provided disaster relief funding to the foster dialogue with Islam. the United States to preserve and de- Diocese of Baton Rouge. In places Perhaps better known are the efforts fend the religious liberty both of indi- like Magog, Québec, the Order has of the Knights of Columbus to protect viduals and religious institutions and helped offer low-cost housing to and promote the dignity of unborn ministries. pregnant women and single mothers human life — such as providing more All this is but a sampling of how ro- in need. After the 2015 racial unrest than 800 ultrasound machines that en- bustly the Order is living out its in Baltimore, the Order, at my re- able women to see their unborn chil- Gospel principles of charity, unity and quest, provided assistance to Catholic dren in the womb. I am continuously fraternity, bequeathed to us by Vener- inner-city schools that offer the hope impressed by how the Order responds able Father Michael J. McGivney. of a better life to many in our poorest to the Church’s call to build a culture With his help and prayers, let us see neighborhoods. of life with great respect for both both the trees and the forest!♦

HOLY FATHER’S CATHOLICMANOFTHEMONTH PRAYER INTENTION Blessed Andrew of Offered in Phú Yên (1625-1644) Solidarity with Pope Francis ANDREW was born in the kingdom of Annam (part of present-day Viet- LAPSED CHRISTIANS: That nam) in 1625. His father died when our brothers and sisters who have he was an infant, and he was raised as strayed from the faith, through our the youngest child of a Christian prayer and witness to the Gospel, woman named Joanne. A French Je- may rediscover the merciful close- suit, Father Alexandre de Rhodes, ness of the Lord and the beauty of baptized the entire family, including the Christian life. 15-year-old Andrew, in 1641. Andrew, who possessed keen intel- ligence yet fragile health, soon be- came a student of Father de Rhodes. On July 25, the king’s envoy at- The young man’s spiritual and intel- tempted to make Andrew give up “that lectual life blossomed as he collabo- foolish opinion of his” and renounce rated in the missionary activity of the his faith. In reply, Andrew said that he Jesuits, who often remained in hid- was willing to suffer anything for his ing or sought refuge in Christian love of Christ, adding, “I wish I had a homes. Within two years, Andrew thousand lives to offer God in thanks- joined the Maison Dieu (House of giving for what he has done for me.” God), a community of catechists The next day, Andrew was sen- whose members vowed to serve the tenced to death. Many followed the Church for life. procession to the place of execution, In 1644, angered by the growing nonbelievers and Christians alike, in- number of converts and the Catholic cluding Father de Rhodes. Serene and teaching against polygamy, the king joyful, Andrew told them not to be of Annam ordered all priests to be distressed by his death but to pray banished and all Christians severely that he remain faithful to the end. Be- punished. Soldiers apprehended An- headed by a scimitar, his last word was drew and had him beaten, bound and “Jesus!” Pope John Paul II beatified brought to the governor’s palace. Andrew of Phú Yên in 2000.♦ POPE FRANCIS: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters — BLESSED ANDREW: Photo courtesy of Salt + Light Catholic Media Foundation

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KNIGHTSOFCOLUMBUSNEWS Order Mourns Knights in Canada, Mexico March for Life Passing of Bishop Daily, Former Supreme Chaplain

Canadian youth stand with pro-life signs on Parliament Hill, where tens of thousands gath- MOST REV. THOMAS V. DAILY, ered in peaceful protest for the 20th annual Canadian National March for Life in Ottawa bishop emeritus of Brooklyn, who May 11. Approximately 100,000 lives are lost to abortion in Canada every year. was supreme chaplain of the Knights A large Fourth Degree honor guard, as well as countless other Knights and their families, of Columbus for 18 years, died May participated in the march, which processed through the downtown streets before returning to 15 at age 89. Parliament Hill. “Bishop Thomas Daily served the Supreme Director Graydon Nicholas of New Brunswick was among the speakers at the Order as supreme chaplain with ded- rally preceding the march. Supreme Director Larry Kustra of Manitoba and Supreme Director ication and joy from 1987-2005 and Arthur Peters of Ontario were also present. will be deeply missed,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “I invite all Knights and their families to remem- ber him in their prayers.” Bishop Daily was born Sept. 23, 1927, in Belmont, Mass. Ordained a priest in 1952 for the Archdiocese of Boston and an auxiliary bishop in 1975, he served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., from 1984-1990. In August 1990, he was installed as the sixth bishop of Brook- lyn, where he served until his retire- ment in August 2003. His father, a past state deputy of Maine, introduced his son to the Pro-life demonstrators take to the streets of Mexico City in the annual March for Life Order at a young age. April 29. Knights and their families were among the estimated 13,000 participants in In Bishop Daily’s final Columbia the march, with many carrying K of C “¡Defiende la Vida!” signs. column as supreme chaplain, he This year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of the decriminalization of abortion up wrote, “Just as I was brought up in to 12 weeks gestation in Mexico City, while some politicians are pressing for the expansion the Catholic faith, I was brought up of legal abortion to 24 weeks throughout the country. in the Knights of Columbus. Both It was the sixth March for Life in Mexico City organized by “Pasos por la Vida,” an or- ‘educations’ have helped me as a ganization of young Mexicans testifying to the sanctity of human life from conception to priest and bishop, but also as a natural death. The director of the organization, Ángel Souberville, said, “The Knights of Catholic man seeking to draw ever Columbus has been a vital supporter of our efforts in Mexico. Thank you for what you do closer to our God.”♦ around the world to protect life.” BISHOP DAILY: CNS photo/courtesy DeSales Media Group — CANADA: Photo by Jake Wright — MEXICO: Photo courtesy of Pasos por la Vida

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FATHERS FOR GOOD Marrying Young

Starting a family in my early 20s has filled my life with joy and blessings

by Timothy Kenney

y road to marriage sounds fairly unremarkable at of them drift along trying to find themselves, I consider Mfirst. I went out with a number of girls and after a myself blessed to have already made decisions that force while began seeing one beautiful young lady exclusively. me to focus on the welfare of others, rather than on what Eventually, we took the big step to getting engaged and I imagine to be my needs of the moment. Any doubts or then tied the marriage knot. Pretty typical, except for a hardships I may suffer seem small and self-centered when few details. Rylee and I were high school juniors when we I hear Rylee’s reassuring words, our daughter call me “Da- started dating seriously, and I was married before age 23, da,” or the heartbeat of our unborn baby via ultrasound. a father by 24, and will have two children under age 2 be- Rylee and I both know that if we had waited until our fore turning 26. lives were perfect to marry and At a time when the average age have children, we’d still be wait- for marriage in the United States ing — and would never be as is 29 for men and 27 for women, happy as we are now. Genera- our path to the altar and parent- tions before us took on these re- hood may seem almost reckless. sponsibilities amid greater What were we thinking? All I can challenges and fewer conven- say is that we were motivated by iences. They placed their own true love and the sense of voca- lives at the service of the next tion. We knew we were made for generation, and it was because each other and were answering of their faith in the future that God’s call to the sacrament of any of us are here today. marriage. Caring for two children can We did not set out to be be a daunting task. But thinking countercultural. But when I met that I may be blocking God’s Rylee, I knew she was the one. plan for our marriage by refus- Though we were separated for ing to be open to new life is four years at different colleges, even more frightening. By using we continued to grow closer natural family planning, Rylee during that time and decided to and I place our fertility at the start a new chapter of our lives service of God as we pray and together. Our culture claims we discuss together when God may were too young for the commitment. But we figured that be calling us to have another child. From our own expe- since life is difficult and unpredictable at any age, we riences, we know that the greatest gift we can give our would rather face the challenges together as a couple. children is a sibling. To be honest, sometimes I do feel too young and inex- It is ironic that many people my age are desperately perienced for the commitments I’ve taken on. I don’t have seeking what Rylee and I have — a stable, supportive love all the answers; there are lives that depend on me, and and a stake in the future through our children — yet they failure is not an option. But in another sense, this fear are doing everything to avoid the commitment. Marrying can be a healthy motivation for me to grow up and take young is not for everyone; God may have others plans for on the mantle of manhood long before our culture you. But for my generation, known for keeping all op- prompts men to do so. tions open, it may be the one option that will bring the With the love and support of my wife and the innate most fulfillment now, and in the years to come.♦ desire to be a hero to my children, my masculine identity is being forged. When I consider how many of my peers TIMOTHY KENNEY, a high school teacher, is a mem- are terrified of lasting commitments, and as I watch some ber of Notre Dame (Ind.) Council 1477.

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

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Caseys at the Bat

Major league Knights delivered the national pastime to American doughboys “over there” during World War I

by Jim Leeke

he United States had been at war with Imperial Germany Tfor more than a year by summer 1918, but momentous battles lay ahead. One-half million U.S. troops were overseas, with more regiments reaching France every day. By the armistice in November, the American Expeditionary Forces would total nearly 2 million men. The Knights of Columbus Committee on War Activities raised more than $14 million to fund recreational centers, called huts, for doughboys at home and abroad. The commit- tee also enrolled more than 2,000 Knights from many profes- sions as uniformed officers — called secretaries — to supervise these huts and sent half of them overseas. Secretaries wore army officers’ uniforms affixed with a “KC” insignia, prompting the soldiers to call them “Caseys.” When the doughboys in France weren’t training or fighting, they wanted recreation and reminders of home. Among other things, that meant baseball — which the Order delivered. The Knights soon “realized the necessity of sending a man to France who had played the game and knew how to teach it,” read a comment in The New York Times, Aug. 28, 1919. “That man was Johnny Evers.” Evers ranks among the game’s greatest stars — the second baseman in the fabled Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance double-play combination that helped the Chicago Cubs win back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908. A number of other baseball men followed him into K of C uniform, including Detroit Tigers manager Hughie Jennings; St. Louis Cardinals manager Jack Hendricks; and Bill Cough- Hall of Fame second baseman Johnny Evers, a member of Troy (N.Y.) lin, former infielder for the Tigers and Washington Senators. Council 176, poses for a portrait before a game in New York City July 1913. • Opposite page: A July 28, 1918, New York Herald story DOING GREAT WORK features Evers and 45 fellow K of C overseas secretaries — known as John Joseph Evers was born July 21, 1881, in Troy, N.Y. After “Caseys” — pictured in front of the New York Public Library shortly playing 12 seasons for the Cubs, he was part of the 1914 “mir- before sailing for France. acle Braves” of Boston. The team had come from last place in late July and swept the World Series against the Philadelphia Athletics, who were led by legendary manager Connie Mack, sign with Boston, only to find himself sitting in the stands on also a K of C member. Evers won the Chalmers Award the opening day. same year as the National League’s most valuable player. Nicknamed “the Trojan” for his hometown and “the Crab” His career, which later earned him a place in the National for his disposition on the field, Evers was eager to join the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, came to a sudden halt in 1918. war effort, but an arm ailment prevented him from enlisting. He had gone to spring training with the Boston Red Sox, A member of Troy (N.Y.) Council 176, he pitched the Knights rooming with 23-year-old pitcher Babe Ruth, who would join the idea of sending him “over there” as an athletic director. the Knights the following year. Evers, then 36, expected to “Believe me, I’m mighty glad the Knights of Columbus LEFT: Photo by Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images

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have accepted my offer,” Evers said in the Watertown (N.Y.) The former second baseman even taught the game of base- Daily News, June 5, 1918. “I feel as though I can do great ball to French troops, known as les poilus (the unshaven). A work in France.” French general named Paul Vidal, who was married to an Evers reached Paris Sept. 15, hours before a German bomb- American woman, admired how accurately baseball-loving ing raid, and quickly got down to work. doughboys could throw grenades and asked for Evers to teach “We are making a tour, riding in big motor vans or in any- at a military school at Besançon. thing going our way, from camp to camp, hospital base to hos- “I shall never have any other experiences as interesting as pital base,” Evers wrote in the Troy Times, Oct. 15, 1918. “And my work in France when I undertook to teach the poilus how we have discovered that the fellows want to see us, to talk base- to play baseball,” Evers later wrote in the March 1919 issue ball, and to talk about back home, and so every morning I get of Baseball Magazine. up early and go visiting the boys in the hospitals.” On two separate occasions, totaling 23 days, Evers also When Evers wasn’t visiting wounded doughboys, he spent time serving troops on the front lines. In a letter arranged and umpired games between units. reprinted Nov. 21, 1918, in the Troy Times, a K of C secretary “Evers is organizing ball teams in the different sectors, and wrote, “I have seen Evers working under the heaviest of shell- in every way the Knights of Columbus work is meeting with fire to supply cigarettes and other comforts to the boys at the grand success,” reported the November 1918 issue of The front, and neither danger nor fatigue meant anything to him Columbiad, quoting an army chaplain in France. when there was work to be done for the fighting men.”

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‘ON THE OTHER SIDE’ “I ran into boys from every town in which I used to manage Future Hall of Famer (1945) Hughie Jennings, a Knight from a club,” he said in the Utica Herald-Dispatch, Dec. 21, 1918. Pennsylvania, enrolled as a K of C secretary in 1918. One of “I was with Evers part of the time, and believe me, John was the major league’s great shortstops, Jennings had managed the certainly popular abroad.” Detroit Tigers since 1907 and would later become a trial Hendricks went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds from lawyer in Scranton. 1924-29 and, like Jennings, practiced law. “There is no man in the national game who is better known or more popular than Jennings, and he will be a valuable ad- AFTER THE ARMISTICE dition to the Knights of Columbus staff abroad,” The New After returning home shortly before Christmas, Evers was York Times reported Oct. 3. joined by Hughie Jennings in addressing a K of C Board of Since fans had dubbed him “Ee-Yah” Jennings for his ear- Directors meeting in New York City Jan. 5, 1919. splitting yells on the diamond, sports artist Robert Ripley Evers gave an account of his work to Supreme Knight sketched enemy soldiers raising their hands in surrender as a James A. Flaherty, Supreme Chaplain P.J. McGivney — shattering E-E-E-E YAH! rose from the opposite trench. brother of the Order’s venerable founder — and others. He However, Jennings never left America. The war also recounted how a fellow secretary, Joseph P. ended before his passport arrived. With baseball Crowe of Binghamton, N.Y., lost his leg after set to resume in 1919, he lacked enough being hit by an artillery shell while serving time to sail to France and still return to on the front. the Tigers for spring training. By that time, Hendricks had re- A fellow Pennsylvania native, turned to the United States as well, who had played third base for the but several former big league Tigers (1904-08) and previously ballplayers joined Coughlin in for the Washington Senators continuing the unglamorous (1901-04), did make it over to work of Caseys in France and serve as a Casey. occupied Germany. Their “I’ve arrived here safe and hardy corps included Tommy sound,” wrote Bill Coughlin Dowd, who had played for six from Paris, in a letter printed in teams from 1891-1901; Jack the December 1918 issue of “Shad” Barry, who had played The Columbiad. “There is a for seven teams (1899-1908); feeling everywhere you go that Pete Noonan, an infielder for the war will be over soon, which the Athletics, Cubs and Cardi- makes a fellow feel more like nals; and Bill Friel, who played for working than ever.” the Milwaukee Brewers and St. A member of Scranton (Pa.) Louis Browns. American League um- Council 280, Coughlin later worked pire Jack Kerin also was a Casey. in Germany, in charge of baseball for the Dowd reached Europe Jan. 11, 1919, Third Army. According to an article in the becoming director of baseball for the Army army newspaper Stars and Stripes, June 13, of Occupation. By that time, immense quanti- 1919, “It was his pet idea to start the umpire school, ties of baseball paraphernalia were being shipped which provided efficient umps for the many leagues in the weekly from K of C overseas headquarters in New York, and Army of Occupation.” it is estimated that doughboys across Europe played some Jack Hendricks, a former MLB outfielder and manager of 5,000 ball games a day with outfits supplied by the Knights. the St. Louis Cardinals, also arrived in France shortly after the Barry arrived after a year in charge of K of C athletics at armistice Nov. 11, 1918. He had enrolled later than Jennings Camp Kearny, Calif. He and other Caseys supported the but met no delays. Inter-Allied Games in Paris the summer of 1919. Meanwhile, “I have been anxious for some time to do my bit on the Noonan developed a strong ball team in Esch, Luxembourg. other side,” Hendricks said in The New York Times, Nov. 5, Most of baseball’s Caseys came home with the last of the 1918. “I feel like a youngster, although I have a son now in doughboys later in the year. Noonan was in Ireland when he an officers’ training camp.” learned that a late relative had bequeathed him half a million The Knights still had valuable work to do, keeping up the dollars. “So Pete, who went across to help the Doughboys, is morale of servicemen waiting to go home. Hendricks visited coming back wealthy,” the Brooklyn Standard Union reported Chateau Thierry and met thousands of doughboys, among Aug. 14, 1919. them a minor leaguer who had lost an eye and a leg to enemy Friel stayed in France several months longer than the others, shelling just hours before the armistice. teaching baseball in schools and colleges. He also “apparently Photo by International Film Service; courtesy of the Library of Congress, Serial and Government Publications Division

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has found a little time to provide for his own happiness,” re- ported The Harrisburg Telegraph, Sept. 5, 1919. The Casey married a young Italian woman in Paris Aug. 7. He returned to America with his bride in January 1920, no doubt feeling richer than Noonan. Moreover, the success that these men had on the ball field did not mean as much to them as did their service as Caseys. Reflecting on his decision to serve as a K of C field secre- tary, Evers stated, “I was never more enthusiastic about any- thing in my life.” It was with great pride that he later received a medal from the Order “in recognition of patriotic service as a secretary for the Knights of Columbus in their war activities.”♦

JIM LEEKE is a member of the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR) and a writer and editor in Columbus, Ohio. His latest book is From the Dugouts to the Trenches: Baseball Dur- ing the Great War (University of Nebraska Press, 2017).

A number of Knights affiliated with Major League Baseball signed up to serve as K of C field secretaries at the conclusion of World War I, in- cluding Bill Coughlin (top right), former third baseman for the Detroit Tigers; Jack Hendricks (right), manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds; and Hall of Fame shortstop Hughie Jennings (above), best known for playing for the Baltimore Orioles and managing the Tigers. • Opposite page: Johnny Evers, wearing a K of C uniform, is pictured in Paris with former Boston Braves teammate Hank Gowdy, the first active major league player to volunteer for service in World War I. The photo orig- inally appeared in the Sept. 29, 1918 issue of The New York Times.

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‘Grant Us Peace’ Order and U.S. Military Archdiocese co-sponsor annual pilgrimage of wounded warriors to Lourdes

by Columbia staff

early 200 U.S. soldiers, veterans, designated caregivers, Yongsan, South Korea, celebrated the opening Mass for all Ncompanions, chaplains and volunteers participated in U.S. pilgrims May 19. the Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage for Non-Wounded, “My friends, you are here because of God’s love for you,” Wounded, Ill or Injured Military Personnel May 17-23. Co- he said in his homily. “He has taken the initiative to love you sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, first and now simply waits for your response, perhaps during (AMS) and the Knights of Columbus, the trip took place dur- this very pilgrimage here in Lourdes.” ing the 59th International Military Pilgrimage (Pèlerinage The Warriors to Lourdes pilgrims attended a variety of re- Militaire International, or PMI), which included delegations ligious and spiritual events — including Masses, Stations of from 41 countries comprising some 13,000 military personnel the Cross, Marian processions and occasions to pray the in all. This year’s pilgrimage coincided with the 100th an- rosary — as well as a colorful opening ceremony. They also niversary of the United States entry into World War I. had the opportunity to bathe in the waters of the Lourdes In a letter to this year’s Warriors to Lourdes pilgrims, Grotto — a destination that annually draws millions of people Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson reflected on the pilgrim- who seek spiritual, physical or emotional healing. age’s theme — Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant us peace). A military band concert and a sports challenge provided “Jesus instructs us that ‘blessed are the peacemakers, for cultural and athletic entertainment, while a wreath-laying they will be called children of God.’ And so we naturally think commemoration for fallen soldiers allowed the U.S. pilgrims of the brave men and women of the military who have served to join in prayer with international military personnel. as instruments of peace in our modern day,” the supreme U.S. Army Special Forces 1st Sgt. Sompaul Vorapanich, a knight wrote. “And we pray that God will grant the gift of member of St. Michael the Archangel Council 15250 at Fort peace in our world.” Bragg, N.C., participated as a trip leader. Auxiliary Bishop F. Robert Spencer of the AMS, a member of “There are soldiers who have physical ailments, physical Bishop John J. Kaising Council 14223 at U.S. Army Garrison wounds that you can see,” he explained. “Others have wounds

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Above: Warriors to Lourdes pilgrims stand outside of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in France. Participants included nearly 50 injured veterans, as well as other military personnel, chaplains, caregivers and volunteers. • Opposite page: Navy Chaplain Father Brian Reedy, S.J., a lieutenant junior-grade, leads pilgrims in prayer at the 11th Station along the Via Crucis in Lourdes. • Military pilgrims pray the rosary as a Marian procession makes its way through the sanctuary grounds of Lourdes May 20.

that are invisible to the eye, but they are still scarred mentally Free.” The Order established a hut in Lourdes and in 1919 and have had traumatic experiences that have led them there. organized a post-war pilgrimage to the site that attracted This event is both a spiritual healing, as well as physical and thousands of U.S. soldiers stationed across Europe. mental, and there’s no place better to do it than Lourdes.” The author of a contemporary report wrote, “Some of us On May 20, Warriors to Lourdes pilgrims joined thousands had come 6,000 miles, but if we had come from the uppermost of fellow PMI pilgrims in a massive candlelight Marian pro- parts of the earth, the joy of these moments would have made cession that included the singing of hymns and recitation of the journey and the fatigue seem as nothing. The atmosphere the rosary in different languages. Similar processions gather a was redolent with prayer and praise and thanksgiving.” multitude of faithful every night at Lourdes, but the annual The overwhelming success of the 1919 pilgrimage PMI event is one of the largest of the year. prompted the Order to produce a pocket guide about Lourdes The Order’s sponsorship of the Warrior to Lourdes pilgrim- for future pilgrims. age is the latest chapter in its involvement with the town, Nearly a century later, the site continues to attract thou- which became a haven of healing after the Blessed Virgin sands of faithful soldiers seeking peace and healing. Mary appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, “Lourdes is perfect for this type of military healing pilgrim- revealing herself as “the Immaculate Conception.” age, which is really needed for many of our men and women During World War I, the Knights of Columbus provided of the military services,” said Sgt. Vorapanich. “The cama- social services and spiritual support to Allied servicemen of raderie here has been a wonderful thing, with so many differ- all faiths, especially through the K of C Hut program that op- ent nations, and seeing the healing, whether physical or erated under the motto “Everybody Welcome, Everything mental, has been awesome. I’ve never seen anything like this.”♦ Photos by Tamino Petelinsek

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A Revolution of Conscience

The Knights of Columbus in Poland promote Emmy-winning documentary about John Paul II’s role in the fall of communism

by Tomasz Adamski

Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, played in the process. The film’s narrator, Jim Caviezel, best known for his role of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, visited Poland March 28- April 2 at the invitation of the Knights of Columbus. Assisted by Knights in the pope’s homeland, to which the Order ex- uring his 27-year pontificate, St. John Paul II traveled panded in 2006, Caviezel promoted the Polish version of the Dfar more than any other pope, encountering the faithful documentary, the work of the Order and the teachings of around the world. He canonized more saints than all of his John Paul II. predecessors in the previous five centuries combined and left a vast and rich collection of teaching. His papacy had an un- BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN precedented impact on the Church and the world, illustrated “We often think of political or economic forces changing his- by the pivotal role he played in the fall of communism in tory, but John Paul II understood that men and women live Central and Eastern Europe. and die for great ideas. They live and die in defense of human The film Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of dignity, and therefore, he was essential to this new birth of Communism, which aired throughout the United States and freedom on the European continent,” explained Supreme Canada in 2016, documents the spiritual revolution that led to Knight Carl A. Anderson, who served as executive producer the fall of the communist regime in Europe — and the part that of Liberating a Continent. LEFT: Photo by Paweł Igielski

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AP-Photo/mw/POOL of the buildings in Warsaw, the nation’s capital, were com- were capital, nation’s the Warsaw, in buildings the of Popeof John Paul II,duringCaviezel’s visittothecitypromote LiberatingaContinent:John Communism. Paul IIandtheFall of Actor Jim page: Caviezel stands with Opposite Cardinal • Stanisław Dziwisz, archbishop 1979. Kraków emeritus of June and in the former secretary Poland native his to pilgrimage historic his of day sixth the during in hometown, Wadowice, his faithful of crowd huge a to PaulPopewaves II John depleted Poland, incorporating it into the Eastern Bloc. As Bloc. Eastern the into it incorporating Poland, depleted economically and demographically a of control took munists destroyed. pletely two-thirds Nearly killed. were doctors medical of percent 40 about and lawyers 4 in 1 professors, and priests 3 in 1 forts, its population. As a result of deliberate extermination ef- extermination deliberate of result a As of population. percent its 20 than more for accounted which citizens, lion propaganda and surveillance, hope for an imminent victory imminent an for terror, hope using surveillance, Poland and in propaganda power maintained regime new the It is estimated that during World War II Poland lost 6 mil- 6 World lost War Poland II during that estimated It is After the fall of the Nazi regime in 1945, the Soviet com- Soviet the 1945, in regime Nazi the of fall the After over the next decade, leading to the eventual dissolution of Bloc. Eastern dissolution the eventual the to leading decade, next the grew over that movement protest peaceful the the ignited was it that spark opinion, their In 1979. in pope as homeland his to visit apostolic II’sPaul John first of role symbolic great the in the emphasize film who are leaders and interviewed Church oppression. of decades after curtain iron the and a gave the world “new behind living awareness” to citizens of a election Polish throughout waves in pope shock sent 1978 dim. grew soon system Soviet powerful the over Many of the heads of state, historians, foreign policy experts policy foreign Many of historians, of the heads state, Continent a Liberating xlis o te unprecedented the how explains 7 1 0 2 Y L U J ♦ A I B M U L O C ♦ 15 JUL 17 E 6_15 FINAL.qxp_Mar E 12 6/15/17 10:01 PM Page 16

“You must divide the post-war history of Poland between “There was no way that you could contest Soviet power by the period before June 2, 1979, and after June 2, 1979. The force,” explained Davies. “It had to be contested by spiritual dividing line marks two very different eras,” said Dominican power by convincing people that there was another way to Father Maciej Zięba in a featured interview, citing the date of live, and he did it.” John Paul II’s arrival in his homeland as pope. Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, archbishop emeritus of A LIVING LEGACY Kraków and former secretary of John Paul II, also attests to In the teaching of John Paul II, the path to regain freedom the profound impact of the apostolic journey. “There is no did not end with the fall of communism. He further empha- doubt,” he said. “You could say that everything began there sized the need for a new evangelization to fill the emptiness in Victory Square.” that follows the collapse of totalitarian regimes. The documentary depicts that crucial moment in the center In his 1994 apostolic letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente, of Warsaw, as John Paul II concluded his homily on the vigil John Paul II wrote, “With the fall of the great anti-Christian of Pentecost with these words: “Let your Spirit descend and systems in Europe, first of Nazism and then of Communism, renew the face of the earth, the there is urgent need to bring face of this land!” once more the liberating mes- Instead of criticizing com- sage of the Gospel to the men munism directly, the pope un- and women of Europe.” dermined the very foundations The spiritual revolution de- of Marxism by emphasizing picted in Liberating a Conti- the dignity of man and his nent is a crucial part of the work, the brotherhood of hu- history of the Polish people. manity, and man’s destiny be- Now, more than a decade after yond temporal prosperity. the death of John Paul II, edu- As John Paul II would later cating a new generation about state in his 1991 encyclical his influence on the world and Centesimus Annus, “The funda- the European political sphere mental error of socialism is an- remains an essential task. thropological in nature.” With this in mind, Liberating His nine-day pilgrimage in a Continent was recently brought 1979 reclaimed the Polish peo- to John Paul II’s homeland with ple’s faith. A year later, the Sol- the help of the Knights of idarity movement — the first Jim Caviezel receives a framed shield depicting Our Lady of Columbus in Poland. independent labor union in the Czestochowa and the Polish eagle from then-State Deputy An- “When we recall the words bloc — was formed. To this drzej Anasiak (right) and his wife, Magdalena, on behalf of the he spoke on his first visit to day, John Paul II is called the Knights of Columbus in Poland. Poland, we see that they are “spiritual father of Solidarity,” still relevant, there is no need which played the role of a for- to update them,” said Andrzej malized, mass resistance move- Anasiak, immediate past state ment against the regime. deputy of Poland. “We have an obligation, especially in Norman Davies, a well-known historian of Poland, explains Poland, to pass on the teachings of John Paul II to the new in the film, “Without this week of his visit in ’79, the Soli- generations, to the young people who have not been fortunate darity movement of 1980 was unthinkable.” enough to meet him.” Even Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski, the head of the communist The Knights of Columbus has a particular reason to pro- state of Poland who instituted martial law in the nation in mote John Paul II’s teachings, Anasiak added. “St. John Paul December 1981, described the apostolic visit as the “detona- II was a unique saint to the Knights. It is due to him that the tor” which blew communism into the air. Order developed in Europe.” In response to French foreign minister Pierre Laval in 1935, On April 2, the 12th anniversary of the Polish pope’s death, Joseph Stalin famously asked, “The pope? How many divi- the documentary aired on TVP1 — the largest public televi- sions does he have?” sion station in Poland. Liberating a Continent tells the story of how John Paul II’s Caviezel, the film’s narrator, traveled to Poland to promote spiritual dynamism and revolution of conscience, which led to the documentary and shared his enthusiasm for John Paul II’s the rebirth of European freedom, was a definitive answer to teachings and for the nation. Stalin’s question, which is posed at the beginning of the film. “It wouldn’t be Jim Caviezel playing Jesus if it wasn’t for John In the words of Cardinal Dziwisz, John Paul II led the Paul II,” he said in an interview with the Polish weekly magazine “largest revolution in history without the shedding of blood.” wSieci, describing the impact of the saint on his life as an actor. Photo by Jan Walczewski

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During a visit of Pope John Paul II to his homeland in June 1987, Polish police officers form a police line to block demonstrators carrying banners reading Solidarnosc`` (Solidarity), the name of the Polish trade union formed in 1980 in opposition to the communist government.

“I understood that I could not be satisfied by mediocrity,” profile of the Knights of Columbus,” said Anasiak. he added, emphasizing how John Paul II’s witness affected It is not often, Anasiak explained, that “an actor of this cal- his life. iber comes to us, recalls the greatness of the Polish pope and In an interview with Gość Niedzielny, Poland’s largest reminds us of what is often forgotten: that a man must con- Catholic weekly, Caviezel also said, “Forbidden fruits will stantly grow in faith.” never make you a real man. To become a real man means that Partnership with Poland’s more than 10,000 Catholic you take full responsibility and make courageous, outward parishes also contributed to the increase of interest in the acts of love. Just like John Paul II.” Order. Polish Knights sent official posters to hang in each During his visit, Caviezel visited the memorial and mu- church, and many parishes shared information in their Sun- seum of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi concentration day bulletins and invited parishioners to watch the film’s tel- and extermination camp where more than 1 million were evision premiere on the anniversary of John Paul II’s death. murdered, as well as the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which District deputies and grand knights report that they have commemorates the heroism of the Polish resistance during received many inquiries and are welcoming new members World War II. thanks to the documentary. “I did not experience the totalitarian powers. But visiting In this way, the Knights are helping to ensure the continu- Auschwitz, where Maximilian Kolbe gave his life for a fellow ation of the Polish pope’s legacy — a spiritual revolution that prisoner, helped me to realize the scale of suffering of the Pol- extends far beyond bringing freedom to countries in Europe. ish people,” Caviezel explained in an interview. “John Paul II’s legacy,” Supreme Knight Anderson ex- At the annual Catholic Publishers Fair in Warsaw, Caviezel plained, is the universal message that “freedom is a dramatic signed hundreds of Liberating a Continent DVDs. Hosted by experience that has to be lived every day, and the challenge of the Polish Knights, the opportunity for the public to meet freedom is at its very core a moral, personal challenge.” with him generated great interest. Some people traveled hun- For more information about Liberating a Continent, see dreds of miles for the limited edition of the film, a photo and page 2 or visit jp2film.com.♦ Caviezel’s autograph. “One of the greatest consequences of this premiere in our TOMASZ ADAMSKI writes from Kraków, Poland, where he country and the visit of Jim Caviezel has been the increased is a member of St. Brother Albert Council 15128. Photo by Peter Turnley/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

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Christian Truth in a Democratic World

An interview with Prof. Ryszard Legutko about reconciling faith and politics in the secular West

by Alton J. Pelowski

orn in 1949, Ryszard Legutko spent the first four decades PROF. RYSZARD LEGUTKO: The effect of the Reformation in Bof his life in communist-controlled Poland. Like many, Europe was that religion was under the control of the throne, he came to idealize the freedom and political structure of lib- whereas in the United States there is this separation. Until re- eral democratic societies, particularly the United States. Fol- cently, this was widely believed to mean only that there is no lowing the collapse of communism in 1989 and Poland’s established religion. The idea that religion has no access to democratic transition, he experienced disillusionment as po- the public square is a recent phenomenon. litical problems persisted. From the beginning, it was assumed that the United States Today, Legutko is a professor of philosophy at the Jagiel- was founded on Christian principles and that people who are lonian University in Kraków, and he has been a member of elected to the public functions are religious people, sometimes the European Parliament since 2014. He is the author of sev- with very strong religious views, and that these views affect eral books, including The Demon in Democracy: Totalitarian their political opinion. It’s not that religious truth is to be Temptations in Free Societies (Encounter, 2016). translated literally into policy, but it has a role to play. If you Columbia editor Alton J. Pelowski recently had the oppor- are a Christian, you cannot totally abstract your religious views tunity to talk to Legutko about his book and about the role from your public life. That’s why the Bible is considered to be of faith in the public square today. a sacred document in courts, such as for swearing oaths. Only recently has this been seriously contested, with calls for the re- COLUMBIA: Thomas Jefferson spoke of “a wall of separation moval of crosses and of the Ten Commandments, for example. between church and state.” Many people in the United States My opinion is a simple one: You cannot just distill or sepa- have taken this to mean that a person’s personal faith does not rate politics from your religious or philosophical views, in an belong in the public square. What is your opinion about the effort to create a “pure” politics, deprived of metaphysical con- proper role that religion should play in the political sphere? tent. It’s simply impossible; such human beings do not exist. Thinkstock

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COLUMBIA: How are we to understand the marginalization of Christianity when secular culture espouses the importance of tolerance? LEGUTKO: What we see nowadays, not only in the United States but also here in Europe, is that a certain type of ideology is considered to be no ideology at all. It is seen as civil neutral- ity, which is a version of liberalism. If you identify as a liberal, you imply that you are neutral, that you are free from meta- physical or religious presuppositions. This is untrue, of course. Liberalism is a very philosophically loaded point of view, and there’s a whole package that you put into the public square. With respect to abortion, for example, what liberals today have tried to do is make people believe that an objection to abortion is a religious issue — that the civilly neutral position is to make abortion legal. But it’s not simply a religious issue; it’s primarily an anthropological and philosophical one. Christians, particularly Catholics, traditionally have a non- liberal and non-democratic concept of human nature. The Members of European Parliament Ryszard Czarnecki (left) and Ryszard human being is defined metaphysically, not merely in terms of Legutko hold a press conference at European Parliament headquarters in utility or as a creature that seeks pleasure and avoids suffering. Strasbourg, France, in January 2016. Christianity places one in contact with the breadth of the Western cultural and philosophical traditions. What I call “politically imposed amnesia” is the tendency to get rid of the COLUMBIA: In The Republic, Plato warned that democracy perceived burden of Western culture. can degenerate into “tyranny.” Much later, in Democracy in In all of this, we must depend on the culture of civility. America, Tocqueville talked about the rise of “democratic des- That is, I know what you are and you know what I am, and potism.” More recently, in Centesimus Annus, John Paul II ar- we can somehow come to a political compromise. But do not gued that a democracy without values can become a kind of make the assumption that you can put forward everything “totalitarianism.” Are these different ways of expressing a sim- that you stand for if you do not allow me to do the same. ilar argument? LEGUTKO: Yes and no. These are different thinkers, but for COLUMBIA: In your book The Demon in Democracy, you each of them democracy was problematic. Democracy was not make the bold claim that, despite their great differences, lib- something ultimate that should provide the platform to eval- eral democracy and communism retain important similari- uate everything else. Rather, it’s the other way around — that ties. What are these similarities? is, you should identify some timeless or more reliable criteria LEGUTKO: I try to be more specific in the book and enu- and then try to evaluate every political system, including merate various levels of similarities, but generally I would say democracy. Democracy can give people an excessive sense of that what makes these two systems similar is that both liberal certainty and confidence. If the enlightened majority agrees democrats and the communists politicized the entirety of so- on something, then it must be true. If something is accepted cial, individual and communal life. The communists believed as obvious to everyone around you, then you just believe it the entire social life, even the arts and philosophy, should be and stop questioning things. permeated by the spirit of communism. The liberal democrats Alexis de Tocqueville observed that in American society do exactly the same. That is, they believe that everything in people like general concepts such as “freedom,” “equality” and the liberal democratic society should be liberal democratic. “justice,” but these lose their strength when they are not This aggressive attitude aims to imbue the entire human ex- grounded in tradition. So, we use these concepts very often, istence with one set of ideas. In both cases, it implies that you but we no longer ask what we mean by them as we adapt them must cut off human heritage and everything that came before to changing needs and circumstances. in the realm of ideas. Forget about the philosophers and In Plato’s Dialogues, the initial impulse of Socrates was to thinkers of antiquity; the less you know about them the better, elucidate the meaning of the general concepts that are largely because they contaminate your mind with the incorrect ideas. used in democracy. He analyzed these concepts and tried to During the last decades, deliberate policies of governments find a definition. and institutions have also dismantled and redefined the family For example, everybody talks about freedom. “I stand for in order to create a new type of society — a new man. This, freedom, and you are the enemy of freedom.” The word “free- too, is something that reminds us of the communist regime. dom” has a positive connotation, but we no longer understand To establish a new communist society, the family was the first what we are talking about. Only when we discover what words object of attack. mean will our debates make any sense. Photo by Wiktor Dabkowski/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

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Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, one of the leaders of the Solidarity movement, stands by a map of Poland in 1982. Two years later, he was kidnapped and murdered by officers of the communist secret police.

In this context, we can observe how language has deterio- opinion should be done in the West to aid Christians and rated in recent decades. It’s no longer a tool for communica- other minority groups who are targeted for genocide? tion, but rather a weapon with which you wage war against LEGUTKO: Christians are suffering persecution in the Mid- your adversaries. dle East and elsewhere — such as in North Korea and places in Africa — yet there is also discrimination of Christians in COLUMBIA: Both John Paul II and Pope Benedict spoke Europe, and these two things are somehow correlated. Euro- about the role of Poland in preserving the Christian identity pean politicians are very reluctant to talk about the persecu- of Europe and re-evangelizing the West. Is it true that Chris- tion of Christians. When they do, they use abstract terms like tian identity has been preserved here in a particular way? “freedom of religion.” They evade the issue when they use this LEGUTKO: The more time I spend in the European Union, weak language. They should be defending Christians as Chris- the more truth I see in these statements. Poland is practically tians in the same way as the Israelis defend Jews as Jews, not the only Christian country left in Europe. In places like Spain, because it contradicts the abstract idea of nondiscrimination. for example, there are almost no new vocations and very These same politicians don’t escape into this neutral, ab- strong anti-Christian sentiments. stract language when defending homosexuals, for instance. I don’t know how many Poles are aware of it, but we are nearly Almost every document that comes out of the European Par- the last vestige of Christianity of Europe. In Poland, about half liament contains clauses where the rights of LGBT people are the Christians, mostly Catholics, are still regular churchgoers, stated explicitly. You never find such language in defense of and we are Europe’s main exporter of Catholic priests. Christians. If we Westerners do not defend Christianity, no- But it is in the nature of democracy to become like everyone body will, but we are somehow reluctant or unable to do so. else; if you are an exception, there must be something wrong There are many things that can be done to help ensure that with you. Some think there must be something wrong with the Middle East is not further de-Christianized. There were Polish society if there are so many Polish Catholics and the 1.5 million Christians in Iraq in 2003, and now it’s around churches are full. No, there is something wrong with the 200,000. This is not only about Christianity but about the countries in which the churches are empty. presence of Western civilization in the Middle East. This is also about peace. Christians were the people who stood for COLUMBIA: You’ve spoken on behalf of the persecuted peace there. Now, with them nearly gone, you have what is Christian communities in the Middle East. What in your taking place today.♦ Photo by East News/Getty Images

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CHRISTIANSATRISK ‘Courage to Confront Reality’

As the Order continues to aid genocide victims, U.S. House offers support with bipartisan legislation

n June 6, the U.S. House of Representatives voted at risk in the Middle East. In conjunction with the ad Ounanimously to pass the Iraq and Syria Emergency campaign, the Supreme Council pledged to match up to Relief and Accountability Act (H.R. 390), a bill that will $1 million in donations through July 1 to assist with food allow the U.S. government to assist organizations that are programs for Christian refugees in Iraq. effectively serving these victims of genocide in Iraq and The Christian population in Iraq has fallen from as many Syria. The measure comes more than a year after the State as 1.5 million in 2003 to only about 200,000 today, accord- Department declared that the ing to the Chaldean Catholic persecution of Christians and Archdiocese of Erbil. Erbil is other religious minorities by the home to the largest Christian Islamic State, or ISIS, constitutes population still in Iraq and the genocide. country’s largest community of “H.R. 390 will help to ensure displaced Christians, consisting that U.S. government money of 12,000 families. The archdio- will actually reach these endan- cese now faces a shortfall of gered communities,” said $600,000 a month in food aid. Supreme Knight Carl A. Ander- “As we approach the third an- son at a press conference on niversary of ISIS’ genocide Capitol Hill June 7. “We must against our community in Iraq, have the courage to confront re- Iraqi Christians face a new ality and then we must have the threat,” explained Archbishop courage to change reality. That is Bashar Warda of Erbil. “Even as what the House of Representa- their hometowns are liberated, tives did last night.” our people often cannot move He added, “Last evening’s home because there is not enough Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson speaks on Capitol vote showed this is not a parti- money for reconstruction or se- Hill after the U.S. House of Representatives unan- san issue. It is an issue of sur- curity. What’s worse, at this point imously passed the Iraq and Syria Emergency Relief vival, justice and decency and we face a serious shortfall in the and Accountability Act (H.R. 390) June 7. Also demonstrates that America money needed just to cover the pictured are Chaldean Catholic Bishop Bawai Soro stands united to ensure that the costs of providing food to the dis- of San Diego and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who goals of terrorism will never be placed Christians in our care. sponsored the bill. achieved.” Having to decide between re- Also speaking at the press con- building homes or feeding the ference was Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th District, N.J., who displaced is not a choice,” he said. “It is a potential death sponsored the bill; Rep Anna Eshoo, D-18th District, sentence for our Christian communities.” Calif., a co-sponsor of the bill; and Haider Elias, president Through its Christian Refugee Relief Fund, the Knights of Yazda, a global Yazidi organization. of Columbus has donated more than $12 million since The bill, which has moved to the Senate, also directs the 2014 in support of communities too often ignored by di- United States to provide funding and assistance to organ- rect U.N. or U.S. government assistance. The bulk of the izations that conduct criminal investigations and collect funding has aided Christian communities in Iraq with and preserve evidence for the prosecution of individuals food, clothing, shelter and education, and has also helped and groups who have undertaken these acts. threatened or displaced communities in Syria, Jordan, At the end of May, the Knights of Columbus launched Lebanon and Egypt. Other religious minority groups tar- a digital and television ad campaign across the United geted by ISIS, including Yazidis, have also been recipients States to raise awareness and funds on behalf of Christians of the Knights’ aid.♦

SUPPORTTHEKNIGHTSOFCOLUMBUSCHRISTIANREFUGEERELIEFFUND. VISIT CHRISTIANSATRISK.ORG Photo by Lloyd Wolf

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Brothers in the Faith

State officers of Utah share why they joined the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus

by Marie Mischel

hen he was 6 years old, Andy Airriess, now 61, went when he attended midnight Mass in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, W to church for the first time. On that particular day, with Giselle Lavoie, his future wife. Andy’s mother took him and his three older brothers to be After a long spiritual journey, Airriess became a Catholic baptized in a Lutheran church. The reason? and a Knight of Columbus. Today, he and his wife live outside “My mom told me, one day one of us might want to marry Salt Lake City, and he serves as state deputy of Utah. There, a Catholic,” recalled Airriess. at the center of the Mormon faith (officially known as The He didn’t set foot into a church again until 15 years later, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Airriess shares

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Photo by Derek Israelsen Photography nuns didn’t give Andy Airriess any pause. any Airriess Andy didn’t Catholic give nuns practicing a was and of priests generations Giselle, tree boasted family Canadian whose wife, his that fact The DOORS OPENED PRAYERS, ANSWERED Catholic. is population the of percent 10 only where state a in fraternity and faith of bonds Catholicism. to converts Airriess, like are, Church, the into Keller accepted who Richtsteig, Erik Father Chaplain State even and Council, re- State Kump Utah the and to cruited Airriess whom Keller, Greg Treasurer State officers. state fellow his of several with common in something 31. May City Lake Salt in Madeleine the of Cathedral the at together stand — converts Catholic all — Keller State Greg and Kump Treasurer Rick Secretary State Andy Airriess, Deputy State Richtsteig, Father Erik Chaplain State Utah right: to Left Christmas and Easter. and Christmas at only them joined Andy years, For many mother. their with said. he faith,” same the in kids the up bringing her with OK “I thought, if faith made her the way she is, I’mmade if faith “I thought, 100 percent share now they unique, is stories their of each Though in RCIA, taught Airriess Kump, whom Rick Secretary State The couple’s two daughters grew up going to Sunday Mass Sunday to going up grew daughters two couple’s The shot because I was so desperate,” he said. he desperate,” so was I because shot “Jesus inside.” the from because answer to have you handle and no knocks, had door the that explained had who friend, a of house the his in image that through seen had He flashed mind. door a on knocking Jesus of image An no had I and said. why,” hour, Andy clue an miles million a going mind my ing, spell. sleepless a ing daughter. her telling recalled day,” Giselle some change that. about pray to her told Giselle join didn’tthem, dad her why asked Lauren daughter their When candle. lit a and Mary Virgin the of statue a to next mother In that moment, he prayed for the first time in his life. “I life. his in time first the for prayed he moment, that In a it give to willing was I “But disbelief. in bed in lay Andy sweat. with drenched again, awoke he night February One rac- heart my night, the of middle the in up wake would “I might It Andy,when day in That 1998, came early 42, then was hav- children. little of prayers the to listens “God One of children’sthe their with to was pray routines nightly 7 1 0 2 Y L U J ♦ A I B M U L O C ♦ 23 JUL 17 E 6_16 FINAL REV.qxp_Mar E 12 6/26/17 1:40 PM Page 24

said, ‘Jesus, if this is you talking to me, I’m listening. Tell me he said, that he learned about the Divine Mercy devotion. what to do.’” “The Knights help you with your faith and your conversion, He then fell asleep and awoke refreshed. As it happened to and open doors to serve that other men don’t have,” he said. be a Sunday morning, Andy leaned over and told Giselle he would go to Mass with her. “She said, ‘It’s not Easter, and A GROWING FRATERNITY Christmas was a while ago.’” Utah State Treasurer Greg Keller, 65, recalled growing up in He went to church that Sunday, and the next, and the next. Billings, Mont., where he attended the Pilgrim Congregational Those restless nights never returned. The following year, after Church — an “old German fire-and-brimstone kind of completing the RCIA program, he was confirmed in the church” that was across the street from his grandparents’ house. Catholic Church. Six months later he joined the Knights. An active member of the church through high school, Greg “I’ve been given so much, I wanted to give back,” Andy stopped practicing when he went to college and then joined said. “I cannot imagine not being a Knight.” the U.S. Air Force. It wasn’t long before he met Rick Kump, who was on his In 1982, he began to date Kathy Ridder, a practicing own spiritual journey. Unlike Airriess, Kump had some Catholic, and attended Mass with her. The couple married in grounding in religion as a child. Both of his parents were the Catholic Church, and their two children, Gregory Jr., who Mormon, but he lost them at an early age. He served a two- died at age 13 in 2000, and Kristina, now 27, were baptized year mission in London but was excommunicated in his early in the faith. When they moved to Utah in 1993, Kristina at- 20s when his lifestyle didn’t conform with LDS teaching. tended St. Joseph Catholic School in Ogden. Greg was active Describing himself at the time as a “pure hellion,” he de- in the church choir, sat on the parish building committee and cided that he was done with religion. even served as a lector, but it wasn’t After a marriage and divorce in the until his daughter asked why he never early 1980s, he said, “I was done with received Communion that he investi- women, too.” gated joining the Church. Then, in 1990, he met Julie Hopwood. “I’VE BEEN GIVEN SO He never had a problem with “Julie saved me,” Rick said. “I was MUCH, I WANTED TO Catholic teachings but discerned that just in a bad way, spiritually, mentally. the sticking point for him was the be- I didn’t care about anyone or anything. GIVE BACK. I CANNOT lief in transubstantiation. It was all about me.” “I was raised with the teaching that With patience and unconditional IMAGINE NOT BEING A communion was only a symbol of the love, Julie “changed my thinking, got body and blood of Christ,” Greg me to settle down,” he said. KNIGHT.” explained. The couple married in 1996. Julie He then spoke with the parish had been raised Catholic, and the cou- priest, Father Erik Richtsteig, who was ple’s two children, Derrick and Deanna, surprised to learn someone so involved were baptized in the Catholic Church. with the parish wasn’t already Catholic. However, it was not until the children asked why they didn’t Father Richtsteig suggested key reading material, and after go to church that the family started attending Sunday Mass. further study and accepting the Catholic teaching, Greg went “I thought spending an hour a day with the family on Sun- through RCIA and was confirmed on Easter Sunday 2007. day wouldn’t hurt me,” Rick said. As a new Catholic, Greg promptly accepted an invitation About two years later, Derrick, a teenager at the time, told to join the Knights. his father that their parish was beginning RCIA classes, and “I saw all the good that the Knights were doing,” he said. Rick signed up. One of the teachers was Andy Airriess. “The Knights provide opportunities that I never knew existed That year, sitting at home on Christmas Eve, Rick watched to practice your faith.” the televised midnight Mass at the Vatican and Pope John Father Richtsteig, now 52, is a convert as well. He had Paul II’s homily struck him forcefully. grown up in Utah and can actually trace his family back to “I decided I really wanted to be baptized,” he said. the founding members of the Mormon Church. He always After Rick entered the Church in 2004, he and Julie had considered himself culturally Mormon, although he was nei- their marriage convalidated. He then joined the Knights of ther baptized nor raised in a particular church. Columbus at the urging of Past State Deputy Dick Kane, who His first exposure to the Catholic Church came during his by that time was a friend and mentor. childhood, when he attended Mass with the family of his “It felt right,” said Rick. “I would recommend that anybody aunt, who had converted. When his friends learned he had going through RCIA and joining the Church join the Knights relatives who were Catholic, “They said, ‘You know they’re as well. You get threefold back what you put in.” cannibals, don’t you?’” Father Richtsteig recalled. “You want Rick has found that membership in the Order has helped to get an 8-year-old’s attention, you tell him his relatives are deepen his faith. For example, it was through a brother Knight, cannibals.”

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Joining the state officers at the Cathedral of the Madeleine are family members who were instrumental in three of their respective conversions (left to right, at front): Giselle Airriess, Kathy Keller and Derrick Kump.

As a child, the popular portrayal of Catholic priests in “Basically, I was killing time until I got up enough guts to movies captured his imagination. He was fascinated by The go to the seminary,” he said. While attending Mt. Angel Sem- Exorcist, by priests who fended off Dracula with a crucifix and inary in St. Benedict, Ore., he was invited by fellow seminar- by the common presentation of heroic priests in old films. By ians to join the Knights of Columbus. the time he was 10, he decided he wanted to be a Catholic A priest of the Diocese of Salt Lake City since 1994, Father priest. Richtsteig said that he has learned what “faith in action” A few years later, the death of John Paul I and the election means by seeing the enthusiastic participation of council of John Paul II caught his attention, as did pamphlets of members in projects such as Coats for Kids and Special apologetics published by the Order’s Catholic Information Olympics. Service. The pamphlets were displayed in the vestibule of the “The Knights have always been supportive,” he said. “Every Cathedral of the Madeleine, the mother church of the Diocese place I’ve been assigned has had good councils of Knights that of Salt Lake City. really helped the parishes.” “As I read more, I decided that because I believed in Jesus, Father Richtsteig said he has been particularly impressed by I should belong to the Church that Jesus founded,” Father the Knights’ emphasis on family life — which, for some Utah Richtsteig explained. Knights, carries meaning beyond their role as husbands and At 15, he was received in the Church. fathers. “I was baptized, confirmed and given holy Communion by Giselle Airriess has seen that for her husband. “The Knights the same bishop who would later ordain me — Bishop are like his brothers. He’s lost most of his family, so this whole William Weigand,” he said. brotherhood is his family, and I consider them my in-laws.”♦ After graduating from high school and the University of Utah, Richtsteig went on to a doctoral program in philosophy MARIE MISCHEL is editor of Intermountain Catholic, the at Marquette University. newspaper of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Photo by Derek Israelsen Photography

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REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES KNIGHTSACTIONIN AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES

for charity and raising cery stores contributing $1,000 for the family. The bread and baked goods. father was also invited to More than 1,200 people each join the Order, and along paid $7 to choose from the with his brother-in-law, be- many soup options, bringing came a member shortly after. in $7,500 for the council’s charity fund. Leftover soup VETERANS VISIT was donated to Holy Bishop’s Council 10490 in Ground, a homeless shelter, St. Louis, Mo., recently do- and The Dawn Center, a safe nated an Xbox One with house for abused women. games and accessories for The remaining baked goods the entertainment depart- went to the St. Vincent de ment of the Missouri Veter- Paul Society and Holy Cross ans Home in St. Louis. Church’s food pantry. Members also visited with veterans during lunch the FUND DRIVE DONATION same day, helping to feed Portland (Maine) Council A guest comes to the end of the service line at a dinner hosted them, talking with them 101 donated the $1,324 by Dr. Briggs Council 4597 in Courtenay, British Columbia. The and helping them return to proceeds of a fund drive to council teamed up with L’Arche Comox Valley for a spaghetti their rooms. It was a re- the nonprofit One Warrior dinner supporting its “I Belong” fundraising campaign for a new warding day for the Knights Won, which serves veterans facility. L’Arche Comox Valley is a community of people with and the veterans. suffering from post-trau- and without developmental disabilities sharing their lives to- matic stress disorder and/or gether. Eight Knights of Council 4597 spent around 30 hours SUPER SOUP-A-THON traumatic brain injury. preparing and cooking a spaghetti dinner complete with St. Frances Xavier Cabrini sauces, buns and salad. About 130 people attended the event, Council 13209 in Spring GIVING THE and L’Arche netted just over $2,200. Hill, Fla., hosted its seventh GIFT OF WARMTH annual Soup-A-Thon char- Elmira (N.Y.) Council 229 ity event. Twenty-nine purchased and donated 12 RESOURCE CENTER Adult Faith Enrichment Knights and parishioners sleeping bags and 12 blan- SUPPORT Joint Committee of the provided their favorite kets. The items were given to Our Lady of the Grove Church of the Visitation, St. soups, with 59 restaurants Catholic Charities for its Council 13448 in Buffalo Raymond Church and St. also donating soup and gro- homeless shelter. Grove, Ill., observed Respect Andrews Church to promote Life Month by holding a daily prayer of the Liturgy baby bottle drive at St. Mary of the Hours. The council Parish. Bottles were handed also contributed to solemn out after Masses and to the vespers held on the feast of School and Religious Educa- the Holy Family, with the tion Program, with a request Order’s traveling icon of the to fill the bottles with loose Holy Family on display. change and bring them back Council members took part in three weeks. At the end of in the service and sponsored the drive the council pre- a reception afterward. sented a check for $10,770 to The Women’s Center of THE SEASON TO GIVE Greater Chicagoland. Over After hearing that a family three years the council of six lost their home due to raised more than $33,250 fire, Father Francis A. Ryan Archbishop Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston blesses a for this cause. Council 5025 in Chicago, new ultrasound machine at the Pregnancy Resource Center Ill., put a call out to council East in Baytown, Texas. Two years of fundraising by John Paul PRAY ALWAYS members for help. The Council 7206 and the support of the Galveston-Houston Dioce- Msgr. Francis J. O’Connors council held a Keep Christ san Chapter and the K of C Ultrasound Initiative paid off with a Council 11544 in Norfolk, in Christmas fundraiser, new under-warranty ultrasound machine to replace a series of N.Y., partnered with the highlighting the season’s call aging machines.

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TRAVELING CHALICE Father Abram J. Ryan Assem- bly in Dallas, Texas, donated a chalice for the “Elijah Cup,” a new program at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Talty. Each week, a family takes the chalice home and places it in a prominent loca- tion, so that each day when the family prays together they will also pray for vocations. The assembly provided an honor guard during the pres- entation of the chalice to Fa- ther James Yamauchi.

SHINE A LIGHT Ocean City (N.J.) Council 2560 donated funds to Hand-to-Hand Mission in Haiti for the purchase of solar powered lights. The lights enable students in the Members of Patchogue (N.Y.) Council 725 gather beside a statue of Jesus at St. Francis de Catholic schools and or- Sales Church. Since the statue had suffered from the elements in the years since the council’s phanages to work on their as- orgininal donation, Knights repaired and repainted it, and cleaned up the surrounding area. signments in the safety of their rooms instead of having to go down to the park, the MEETING A NEED Camp Lucero Council 14837 the assembly felt that it was only area reliably lit by elec- With a nearby V.A. hospital in Cotabato Province — time to give back to the tricity in the evening. expecting a steep increase in teamed up to provide five community facility. its number of patients, Holy sacks of rice, a carton of noo- Spirit Council 10389 in dles and a crate of assorted RSVP SUPPORT Denver, N.C., teamed up fruit to Our Lady of Cardinal Francis Spellman with the Blanket & Shawl Guadalupe Seminary in Ki- Council 6107 in Colchester, Ministry of Holy Spirit dapawan City. Council mem- Conn., made a donation of Catholic Church to provide bers attended a Benefactors’ $1,000 to seminarian Nor- red, white and blue lap blan- Mass at the seminary to de- mand LaFlamme as part of kets for incoming patients. liver the donation, after the Order’s Refund Support The council solicited yarn which 20 seminarians re- Vocations Program to defray donations from Coats & ceived their First Degree. the cost of studies toward Clark in Charlotte and cov- the priesthood. ered the remaining costs to TAKE A SEAT supply the committee with St. John XXIII Council FUND THE VAN enough material to make 16090 in Curwensville, Pa., Having received a substan- over 200 afghans. The coun- collected $1,089 in order to tial donation, Sangamon cil members, blanket makers purchase a much-needed lift Valley Council 5754 in Pe- Members of All Saints Council and donors delivered the chair for a local veteran. tersburg, Ill., gave $7,973 to 14475 in Lake Wylie, S.C., in- blankets to veterans at a V.A. Lifetime Pregnancy Help stall engraved pavement Community Living Center. RETURNING A FAVOR Center to help pay for a mo- bricks at the entrance of a Bishop Alexander Mac- bile ultrasound unit. The new Parish Life Center. By TEAMING UP FOR Donell Assembly in Alexan- van enables the Lifetime selling over 160 personalized SEMINARIANS dria, Ontario, donated Pregnancy Help Center to bricks that commemorate Three Philippine councils — $3,500 to Hôpital Glen- bring its complimentary special occasions or departed Santo Nino Matalam (Min- garry Memorial Hospital. medical services to areas of loved ones, the council raised danao) Council 10255, Mt. Over the years, many assem- need. Area councils have almost $25,000 for the con- Carmel Council 9816 in bly members had been well donated more than $25,000 struction of the new center. Carmen North Cotabato and served by the hospital, and toward the mobile unit.

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Galuschik, pastor of All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church.

LET IT SNOW Moosehead Lake (Maine) Council 2368, which re- cently reactivated, received a donation of four nearly new snowmobiles. Within a week, the council sold the vehicles. The council gave $18,000 of the $20,000 proceeds to the Holy Family Parish Building Fund, for the construction of a new church, hall and offices, and also for the renovation of the rectory. The remaining $2,000 went to fund the council’s next projects.

FLYING HIGH St. Mary’s of Korona Council 11961 in Bunnell, Fla., in- Jim Banks (left) and Sam Whitehouse, both past grand knights of St. Teresa of Calcutta stalled a flagpole at the Ko- Council 15456 in Limerick, Pa., work the stove in preparation for an Italian Dinner Night rona Cemetery. The flag, at the St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish Education Center. The event was a chance for families donated and raised by the to enjoy a meal together and grow in fellowship as a parish. council to honor the veterans (including several Knights) laid to rest in the cemetery, is CONTINUED SUPPORT to Hap House, and hosted a FRATERNAL PRAYER illuminated 24 hours a day. Pueblo West (Colo.) Coun- barbecue lunch for the cen- De Luna Assembly in Pen- cil 12020 made its third an- ter’s clients, their families sacola, Fla., gathered to MOUTHS TO FEED nual donation of $2,000 to and the staff. The Hap pray for the peaceful repose Mary Queen of Peace the Southeast Area Col- House serves physically and of the souls of the assem- Council 8134 in Cotabato orado Special Olympics mentally challenged adults bly’s deceased members at a City, Philippines, provided bowling tournament, sup- through employment and divine liturgy celebrated by a meal for 300 children at porting the roughly 375 ath- community integration. Faithful Friar Father Steven Awang Elementary School. letes, partners and coaches participating in the event. PRAYING Council 12020 has also do- WITH THE PARISH nated toward the Special St. Bonaventure Council Olympics basketball tourna- 7432 in Calgary, Alberta, ment. Additionally, over the marked the 134th anniver- past five years, the council sary of the Order’s founding has given $10,000 toward with its first Knights’ Mass. the program’s track and field In addition to being a events and has volunteered prayerful celebration, the and presented the colors at Mass was an occasion for the competitions. parishioners at St. Bonaven- ture Parish to learn more BBQ & GIFT about the Knights and to Holy Family of Barksdale enjoy a barbecue dinner that Members of Christ the Redeemer Council 16234 in Sterling, Council 9085 on Barksdale Council 7432 hosted after Va., set a 550-pound statue of the Virgin Mary onto its pedestal Air Force Base, La., pre- the liturgy. Msgr. John J. outside the church. The council prepared the site and furnished sented the proceeds of its O’Brien Assembly, also of and installed the statue to replace one that had been vandal- annual fund drive for people Calgary, provided an honor ized years ago. The funding of the statue was generously do- with intellectual disabilities guard for the occasion. nated by Good Samaritan Council 6175 in Herndon, Va.

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HOT DOG! Bon Homme Council 4002 in Tyndall, S.D., sponsored a fundraiser conducted by the boys’ youth group of St. Leo Parish. The boys coor- dinated an eating contest during the town’s Hot Dog Night and solicited spon- sorships per hot dog con- sumed. With Council 4002 matching funds up to A member of St. Mark High- $1,000, the boys raised lands Ranch (Colo.) Council $3,000 for the K of C Chris- 1498 works on new flooring in tian Refugee Relief Fund. the parish hall of Sangre de Sotero Ramirez (left), Don Bujnoch and Martin Pratka of St. John’s Council 8190 in Luling, Texas, smile with John Gonza- Cristo Parish in San Luis. The BREAKFAST TRADITION les, for whom they constructed a new access ramp. council took on the project, Father Nouvel Council led by the flooring expertise of 4232 in Saginaw, Mich., a council member, in order to held a breakfast for St. John stretch funds donated for re- Paul II Parish, also in Sagi- MUCH APPRECIATED pairs. Additionally, in the af- naw. The breakfast, one of Barney Gonyea Council termath of a dinner gala nine that the council holds 7109 in Safety Harbor, Fla., fundraiser, the council found every year, raised $839 for hosted 116 altar servers from itself with funds to spare and the parish. Over the past 10 Espiritu Santo Catholic reached out to the Pueblo years, the council’s break- Church at their annual Altar Diocese in southern Colorado fasts have raised more than Server Appreciation Party. to see where the money $100,000 for local parishes The attendees were treated could best be used. Learning and other charities. to pizza and drinks. of aging churches seriously in need of repair, the council do- STEWARDSHIP nated over $21,000 for a new K of C Charities of Ken- roof and windows at St. tucky, and a dozen councils James in Blanca. from Kentucky and Ten- nessee, united in support of Stewards of Appalachia, a PARISH TEAMWORK group that provides for peo- St. Raphael Council 6265 in ple in need in the Ap- Lehigh Acres, Fla., resolved Graham Darling of Holy palachian region of eastern to purchase a high-defini- Cross Council 5423 in Burn- Kentucky. By working with tion ultrasound machine aby, British Columbia, stands mission centers and offering and other medical equip- with a donated bicycle. To- sponsorships, donations and ment for Community Preg- gether with the University of home improvement services, nancy Centers of Fort Myer. British Columbia’s The Bike the councils assisted many When the council began the Kitchen, Key West Ford vol- people suffering in the eco- project, every organized unteers and Our Community nomically depressed region. group in St. Raphael Bikes, the council collected Children at Ron Brent Ele- Catholic Church helped to 46 bicycles to be refurbished KEEPING COOL mentary School survey raise the necessary $20,000. and distributed to local peo- After holding a variety of coats, assisted by Vern Bishop Frank Joseph De- ple in need. In another col- fundraisers, Pasco (Wash.) Buchwald and Ernie Merz of wane of Venice presided laboration with Key West Council 1620 bought a Sacred Heart Council 8927. over the dedication of the Ford volunteers, the council three-door refrigerator, two- Through teamwork, the four ultrasound. Funds above collected 168 pairs of eye- door reach-in freezer and councils of Prince George, and beyond what was glasses from parishioners for commercial-grade coffee British Columbia, managed needed were donated, so the Third World Eye Care Society brewer — collectively val- to provide 300 coats to chil- council voted to create an Canada, which aids poor- ued at $7,370 — for St. dren in seven elementary ongoing fund to support sighted people in developing Patrick Catholic Parish’s re- schools and at two First Na- right to life charities. countries. modeled kitchen. tions reserves.

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total of $57,575 to area churches. The funds, origi- nally slated for the construc- tion of a council hall, instead went to support the ministries of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Gonor; Blessed Virgin Mary the Protectress Ukrain- ian Catholic Church in East Selkirk; and St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church in East Selkirk and its chaplaincy, Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Mission in Narol. The coun- cil will also be using its funds to provide annual grants that assist parishes with building upkeep. Members of Father William W. Finley Council 4374 in St. Paul, Minn., with family members and friends, assist the Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver at their 20th annual plant sale. CHARITY TAKING FLIGHT The sisters donated the proceeds to support the adoption of children from the historically Florida District 85, with the oppressed Dalit caste in India. help of Our Lady of Lour- des Council 10201 in Miami, Council 4998 in Homestead and Rev. G. ONCE IN A LIFETIME shopping lists of needed Church, which is used by Joseph La Jeunesse Assem- St. Ann’s Council 2853 in items to store customers. parishioners and the com- bly in Fort Collins, worked Fair Lawn, N.J., sponsored The council also accepted munity. Funding for these with Delta Air Lines and the pilgrimage of Father cash donations. Between donations was raised through Elite Airline Laundry to re- Bernard Disco, O.S.B., to the two drives, the council a golf tournament that net- distribute used airline blan- the Holy Land. A young collected over 3,200 pounds ted about $7,000. kets to the homeless monk of St. Anselm’s Abbey of food and more than population. More than in Manchester, N.H., Father $1,600 in cash donations. MANY GIFTS 4,000 blankets were given Disco used the opportunity Narol Council 6637 in out to help people cope with to pray for peace among YOUTH PROGRAM Winnipeg, Manitoba, gave a unusually chilly weather. people of all faiths and for Holy Name of Mary Coun- Council 2853’s intentions. cil 4730 in Croton-on-Hud- Upon his return, Father son, N.Y., donated $2,000 Disco said the pilgrimage to the Croton Harmon Spe- brought him closer to Jesus’ cial Education Parent life and teachings. Teacher Association to fund an after-school program de- TWO-PART DRIVE signed for special needs chil- Vicksburg (Miss.) Council dren in kindergarten 898 held a two-phased food through fourth grade at drive at an area superstore, Carrie Tompkins Elemen- helping to stock local food tary School. The program, pantries both before and named Kids Club, will enable after the holiday season. students to develop impor- During both events, tant social and communica- Knights set up collection ta- tion skills in a small, Knights of District 14 in Ontario prepare to transport the fruits bles at the store’s entrances. supportive group setting. of a food drive. Six councils teamed up to collect at three gro- There, they collected non- The council also earmarked cery stores, bringing in a combined total of several tons of food, perishable food items as stu- $3,000 to make improve- including 150 pounds of hamburger and over $1,500 in cash dents from St. Aloysius ments to the gymnasium at and food card donations. The food was given to the Dew Drop High School distributed Holy Name of Mary Inn, which serves over 200 meals every day to people in need.

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LOOKING AHEAD sale of the council’s hall. The Connecticut State The work will provide a Council sponsored its an- space for the council to con- nual vocation poster con- duct meetings and house test for students in Catholic memorabilia accumulated elementary and middle over the past century. schools. The entries re- flected the goal of the proj- MAKING SPACE ect, which was to encourage Shower of Roses Council children to engage with the 4036 in Hopkins, Mich., variety of future paths they offered its council hall for might take in the life of the the local Michigan State Po- Church. The judging com- lice Post annual family din- mittee, which chose win- ner. The event also included ners by age division, was a fundraiser auction for the made up of professed reli- group’s “Shop With a Cop” Members of St. Peter Cuaming Council 16432 in Inabanga, gious sisters and a priest. program, which helps fami- Visayas, Philippines, clean up the vicinity of St. Peter Chapel lies in need. in preparation for a Flores de Mayo celebration honoring the A NEW HOME Blessed Virgin. The council offered flowers for the service and Pensacola (Fla.) Council SOUP FOR SCHOLARS prepared a meal for the 50 attendees. 778 made a donation of MacGahan Council 1065 in $130,000 to St. Paul Parish New Lexington, Ohio, held for the renovation and re- a Soup Saturday at St. and pasta fagioli soups raised walls under the roof, creating pair of its nursery building. Bernard Parish in Corning. $276 to purchase school a new place of worship. The funds came from the The offerings of chili, potato supplies for St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. SUNDAY SERVICE Father M. J. Monahan SUPER SANDWICHES Council 4851 in Holly- Conshohocken (Pa.) Coun- wood, Fla., embarked on a cil 1603 ran a Big Game program in which they serve Hoagie Sale, raising more coffee and donuts after Sun- than $500 to benefit the St. day morning Masses at An- Vincent de Paul Society and nunciation Catholic Church the Colonial Neighborhood in West Park. Council, which both pro- vide food and clothing for FAMILY SUPPORT the poor. Twelve Apostles Council 5001 in Franklin Square, AN OCEAN AWAY N.Y., prepares and serves Bishop Coudert Council meals at the Long Island 6232 in Whitehorse, British Ronald McDonald House. Columbia, made several con- The council also regularly tributions to charitable proj- purchases food supplies and ects in Malawi. First, the requested items for the cen- council donated $1,000 ter, as well as gift cards for (matched by a council mem- families. ber) to purchase and install an electric water pump and to provide well maintenance at the Chisombezi Blind Savanna Frazier, ultrasonographer at the Real Life Preg- Deaf School. The council kofc.org nancy Center in Guntersville, Ala., demonstrates the work- also provided soccer balls and ing of the machine to Brad Corbin of St. William’s Council exclusive donated $1,160 to replace a 12618 in Guntersville. Together with the Pro-Life Commit- See more “Knights in metal roof on an outpost tee of St. William Parish, the council raised $19,449. This Action” reports and Catholic Church in southern and the matching grant from the Order’s Ultrasound Initia- photos at Malawi. Finally, the parish- tive enabled the pregnancy center to purchase its own ul- www.kofc.org/ ioners hand-made thousands trasound machine. knightsinaction of bricks to construct the

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PROMOTIONAL & GIFTITEMS

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Building

a better world Members of the Afghanistan Roundtable — sponsored by Patrick Cardinal O'Boyle one council Council 11302 in Washington, D.C. — at a time and other personnel deliver supplies to Mis- sionaries of Charity sisters for their mission Every day, Knights all over the world are in the area. The roundtable collected given opportunities to make a difference clothes, toys, food, toiletries, backpacks and — whether through community service, school supplies for the sisters’ work. raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.

TO BE FEATURED HERE, SENDYOURCOUNCIL’S “KNIGHTSIN ACTION” PHOTOASWELLASITSDESCRIPTIONTO: COLUMBIA, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326 ORE-MAIL: [email protected].

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

KEEP THE FAITH ALIVE

‘I HAVE HAD THE GRACE TO WALK WITH CHRIST.’

My family taught me that walking with Jesus means having an active faith in God. The Christian Brothers, whose school I at- tended with my brothers in Mexico, taught me the value of community life, friendship, hard work and the beauty of nature. The faith and values I received through them gave me the courage to say “yes” to God’s invitation to become a priest. I resisted this call at times, and had it not been for the faith and support of my family and friends, I would not be where I am today. Jesus has blessed me in this vocation through the support of my family, the Church and, in a special way, my brother Knights. In my ministry as a transitional deacon, I have had the grace to walk side by side with Christ, preaching, baptizing and blessing mar- riages. As a priest, I now also nourish God’s people through the sacraments of the Eucharist and reconciliation. God willing, through your prayers, many more men will receive the grace to follow Jesus on his priestly path.

FATHER GONZALO SILLER Diocese of Fresno, Calif. St. Benedict (Ore.) Council 15595 Photo by Corky Miller