KnightLine MARCH 28, 2008 VOL. 25 • NO. 5

www.kofc.org NEWS FOR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LEADERS Pope Benedict XVI Declares Father Michael McGivney ‘Venerable’ Knights of Columbus founder one step closer to sainthood

n Saturday, March 15, Pope child to help support the family. Benedict XVI approved a From an early age, however, he O decree recognizing the hero- realized a calling to the Catholic ic virtue of Father Michael J. priesthood. After studying in several McGivney, founder of the Knights of seminaries, he was ordained in Columbus. The pope’s declaration Baltimore’s cathedral by Cardinal significantly advances Father James Gibbons Dec. 22, 1877. McGivney’s process toward saint- He took up his first assignment hood and gives the parish priest the as curate at St. Mary’s Church on distinction of “Venerable Servant of Jan. 2, 1878. Father McGivney was God.” If canonized, Father McGiv- named pastor of St. Thomas Church ney would be the first American- in Thomaston, Conn., in 1884. He born priest to be so honored. became seriously ill with pneumo- “All of us who are members of nia in January 1890 and died Aug. the Knights of Columbus are pro- 14, 1890, at age 38. foundly grateful for this recognition The cause, or process, for Father of the holiness of our founder,” said McGivney’s sainthood, was opened Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. by Hartford Archbishop Daniel A. “The strength of the Knights of Cronin in December 1997. The cause Columbus today is a testament to Venerable Servant of God was presented to the Vatican in 2000, his timeless vision, his holiness and Father Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890), where it has been under review by his ideals.” Founder of the Knights of Columbus the Congregation for the Causes of Worried about the religious faith Saints. With the pope’s recent decree, and financial stability of immigrant the Knights of Columbus with the and the authentication of a miracle families, Father McGivney founded help of several men of St. Mary’s through Father McGivney’s interces- Parish in New Haven in 1882 to help sion, the priest could be beatified. strengthen the faith of the men of his A second miracle would be required VENERABLE, the title allowed one parish and to provide financial assis- for canonization. whose cause for beatification has been tance in the event of their death to Since Father McGivney’s cause for officially accepted by the Congregation the widows and orphans they left canonization was opened, the Father for the Causes of Saints and who has behind. He was also known for his Michael J. McGivney Guild has pro- been the subject of a special decree pub- tireless work among his parishioners. vided information and various lished in the name of the pope. This Born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. resources to promote private devotion. decree, issued within the course of the 12, 1852, Michael Joseph McGivney Guild members often submit prayer apostolic, or papal, process (as distin- was the first of Patrick and Mary intentions or report favors attributed guished from the earlier one known as (Lynch) McGivney’s 13 children, six to Father McGivney’s intercession. the ordinary, or diocesan, process) of whom died in infancy or early Special Masses are celebrated for their declares that the servant of God has prac- childhood. His parents, natives of intentions and deceased loved ones. ticed all the virtues in heroic degree. In Ireland, had immigrated to the Although membership is free and open the case of a martyr, it declares his mar- United States during the 19th centu- to anyone, Knights are not automati- tyrdom well proved. No public cult is ry. Patrick was a molder in a cally enrolled. For more information, allowed, though a private cult may exist, Waterbury brass mill, where Michael visit www.fathermcgivney.org. O e.g., praising his virtues, praying to him. himself worked for a brief time as a — Catholic Encyclopedia FROM SUPREME KNIGHT Welcome the Pope, Join the Knights CARL A. ANDERSON Order’s membership incentive program aimed at A Vote of welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United States Confidence

ecently, Catholic Digest hat better way to welcome magazine asked a number of the pope to the United R Catholic leaders, myself W States than by joining the included, to share their thoughts on Knights of Columbus? As the strong Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the right arm of the Church, more than United States. Here is what I wrote: 6,600 new members have joined the “I think the Holy Father’s visit Knights since the Order launched its is a great vote of confidence in the papal membership incentive program. Catholic Church in the United Throughout the 2007-08 fraternal States. Pope Benedict’s visit in April, year, all First Degree exemplifications along with the visit of Vatican and Squires investitures are being Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio held in honor of Pope Benedict XVI. The Order’s limited-edition First Degree Bertone at the Knights of Columbus Members who join during this period certificate depicts Pope Benedict XVI convention in Tennessee last will receive a limited-edition certifi- August, constitute a clear indication cate commemorating the pope’s visit that the ceremonies held in honor of of the Holy Father’s interest in, and to the United States April 15-20. Each Pope Benedict add a something spe- affection for, the Catholic communi- new Knight will also have his name cial to a First Degree. ty here. listed in a special book that Supreme “It certainly increases awareness “The pope’s message throughout Knight Carl A. Anderson will present of the pope’s visit,” White added. his papacy has focused on love, hope to Pope Benedict. “The thing itself adds to the spiritu- and working to create a strong cul- Councils and circles have ality of the event. Having it in honor ture of life. I’m sure he will elabo- responded to this initiative in of the pope, I think, really steps it up rate on those themes throughout his earnest, and new members are excit- a notch.” visit.” ed about the program. Visit www.kofc.org for more Pope Benedict is already educat- Grand Knight Richard M. White information about this membership ing the Knights on these central of St. Matthew Council 10852 in incentive and to download certificate themes of his pontificate and Charlotte, N.C., reported that new templates for your council’s First Church renewal. In his greetings to members “were delighted to get the Degree exemplification. Certificates our 125th Supreme Convention last certificates” during their First are available in English, French, August, he summoned us to greater Degree exemplification. Spanish and Polish. O “discipleship” and “service to soci- At a ceremony held Feb. 16, five ety through acts of charity, care of new members joined the poor and the sick, and assistance Council 10852. to those in need of any kind, in “Pope Benedict XVI’s the spirit of your founder, Father first visit to the United Michael J. McGivney.” States is cause for celebra- At that same convention, tion, and the Knights, like Cardinal Bertone told us: “All of us all Catholics, eagerly must have faith in this Church to anticipate the occasion,” which we belong, and we must be White said. proud to belong to this Church.” In addition to the limit- Historically, membership in our ed-edition certificates, Order has been one of the primary Knights who recruit a new ways a Catholic man could show or lapsed member will also pride in his faith. Let us reflect on receive a specially minted that as we welcome the Holy Father medallion commemorat- to the United States. As we listen to ing the papal visit. St. Matthew’s Council 10852 in Charlotte, N.C., held a his teachings, let us renew our con- White hopes his coun- First Degree exemplification in honor of Pope Benedict fidence in our abilities as Knights of cil can hold at least two XVI. Five new members joined the council and each Columbus to serve the Church, our more exemplifications received a commemorative First Degree certificate. Pictured from left are: Grand Knight Richard M. White, families, young people and the Holy before the incentive ends Charles Muller, District Deputy Ed Switzer, Dwight Father, our bishops and priests. June 30. He also believes Crawford, Aaron Kamenick, Scott Minick, Paul Steward Vivat Jesus! and Deputy Grand Knight Bob Desch. 2 has been donated by Fourth Degree Knights Grow assemblies, though Knights have also received money from individual Support for donors and from K of C councils with Incarnation Dome which the assemblies are affiliated. The drive began at the beginning of the 2007-08 fraternal year, when Fourth Degree assemblies Fourth Degree Supreme Master Joseph P. Schultz sent a letter to new and re- seize ‘unique opportunity’ elected faithful navigators urging their support. In it, Schultz called the project ourth Degree Knights are a “unique opportunity to raising funds to offset the show our support for our Faithful Admiral Mike Welch and Faithful Naviga- F cost of the Knights of National Shrine….” tor Ray Hynson of Archbishop Seghers Assembly in Columbus Incarnation Dome Since then, Sir Knights Fairbanks, Alaska, stand with the assembly’s ice at the Basilica of the National have worked feverishly to sculpture during the “North Pole Christmas in Ice” Shrine of the Immaculate get the program up and festival. Knights served crépes, hot chocolate and Conception in Washington, running. As an incentive cider at their display, and raised $1,000 to support D.C. The Order committed $1 to participate, each assem- the Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome at the million to the dome, which bly that contributes $1,000 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. was dedicated Nov. 17, 2007, and is or more will receive a photo of the fin- challenging Fourth Degree assemblies ished dome on a personalized plaque. “Knights’ Tower.” The Order has also to raise half of this amount. Faithful The Incarnation Dome features in provided funds for a carillon of 56 bells navigators have mobilized their assem- mosaic four biblical passages related to and for various other projects. blies to fulfill this pledge, which is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The For more information on the pro- already off to a good start. Order has supported the National gram, contact the office of the supreme As of mid-February, Knights have Shrine in various ways for nearly a cen- master at 203-752-4437 or e-mail raised more than $65,000 toward their tury. In 1957, it financed construction of [email protected]. O

$500,000 goal. A majority of the funds the shrine’s bell tower, dubbed the DOME: MATTHEW BARRICK PHOTOGRAPHY Supreme Knight’s Book Tour Under Way y calling for a the great dignity and civilization of value of every human “Blove, John person,” Anderson said. Paul II made it possible to A civilization of love transcend the current is one that transcends ‘clash of civilizations,’” “centuries-old cultural Supreme Knight Carl A. and religious differ- Anderson said to stu- ences” and opens the dents at Harvard Univer- possibility for new dia- sity on March 5. Reflect- logue, because it is ing on themes of his new “founded upon the most book, A Civilization of universal of human val- Love: What Every Cath- ues,” the supreme olic Can Do to Trans- knight explained. “At form the World (Harper the same time, it repre- One), Anderson outlined audience, that John sents the most Christian the vision of Pope John Paul II did not call for a of values since the most St. Juan Diego’s postulator Paul II and Pope Benedict new culture that was perfect expression of the visits New Haven XVI for the Church and specifically Christian or vocation to love may be Father Eduardo Chávez Sánchez stands next to world in the 21st century. Catholic, but rather found in the life and a statue of Father Michael J. McGivney during a The lecture, which was “focused on the ques- death of Jesus Christ.” visit to St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, sponsored by Harvard tion of human dignity The supreme knight’s March 9. Father Chávez, postulator of the cause University Council and human love.” book tour includes stops for sainthood of St. Juan Diego, is on a K of C- 14188 and the Harvard While others have in Washington, D.C., sponsored lecture tour commemorating the Catholic Student Center, explained humanity New York and Charlotte, 475th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s anticipated the supreme principally in terms of N.C. He will also be appearances. Father Chávez, a member of Council 14138 at the Basilica of Our Lady of knight’s scheduled book economics, politics and signing books on March Guadalupe in Mexico City, is the author of Our tour following the March psychology, “John Paul 29, Founder’s Day in Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego: The 25 publication. maintained that only New Haven. For more Historical Evidence (Rowman & Littlefield, It is significant, the the vocation of love is information, visit www. 2006). He is also helping the Supreme Council supreme knight told the adequate to do justice to acivilizationoflove.com. O prepare for its first-ever international Marian Congress to be held in Phoenix in 2009. 3 KnightLine

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competitive interest rate, consistent with efits of opening a Knights of Columbus our primary goal of absolute safety of prin- annuity, along with the benefits of our cipal. And with our Vantage Annuity, you top-rated life insurance and long-term can lock in that competitive interest rate care insurance plans. Meanwhile, to help for a full five years. Opening or adding to you better understand and plan for the Knights of Columbus an annuity for these reasons, however, risks you will be exposed to in retire- strikes me as taking a short-term view of ment, we suggest reading the booklet Annuities Provide a product that is designed to provide long- “Retirement Risk Matcher” published by Long-Term Security term security. How much security? How the Life Insurance Market Research does a retirement income that you cannot Association (LIMRA). E-mail me at BY THOMAS P. SMITH JR. outlive — guaranteed — sound to you? [email protected] and I’ll be happy EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT With the Knights of Columbus, you to send you a free copy. (AGENCIES AND MARKETING) can open a retirement annuity for as little As you ponder all the things that may pril 15, tax day in the United as $300. Consistent and disciplined sav- not work out as you proceed toward States, is right around the cor- ings placed into that annuity over time retirement, think about one thing you A ner. It has become popular this can guarantee you an income at retire- can do to help yourself: opening a Knights time of year to encourage people to open ment that you cannot outlive. That guar- of Columbus annuity. It is reasonably an IRA or similar retirement annuity, or antee — along with the fact that no one priced ($300 to start), guaranteed, and deposit additional funds into an existing has ever lost money left in a Knights of controlled by someone you trust — you! account, as a tax-savings vehicle. A sec- Columbus annuity (remember — Call your professional Knights of ondary approach is to tout the rate of absolute safety of principal), really will Columbus agent today to talk about interest that money in one of these provide you with peace of mind. securing a comfortable and worry-free accounts can earn. Let me join the chorus, Your professional Knights of retirement. To identify your profession- encouraging you to open or add funds to Columbus agent will be happy to meet al Knights of Columbus agent, visit an annuity, but for a different reason. with you — at your convenience and in “Find an Agent” at www.kofc.org or call Certainly, contributing money to a your home — to explain in detail the ben- 1-800-345-KOFC. O Knights of Columbus annuity will allow PUBLISHED 18 TIMES A YEAR BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPREME COUNCIL you to save some money on your income 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 tax return. Our annuities do pay a very 203-752-4303 N [email protected]