Council News
Pope Leo commends work of Knights of Columbus in message to Supreme Convention
Courtesy the Catholic News Agency ( link )
By Tyler Arnold
Washington D.C., Aug 5, 2025 / 19:37 pm
Pope Leo XIV extolled the work of the Knights of Columbus in a prerecorded message for the Catholic fraternal organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention, which is being held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5–7.
“I commend your efforts to bring together the men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local councils throughout the world … which brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder,” Leo said in his message.
The Holy Father specifically commended the Knights of Columbus for their “generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war.”
Leo tied his message to the convention’s theme “Heralds of Hope,” which was chosen to reflect the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which was promulgated by Pope Francis.
The pontiff said that the Jubilee Year of Hope “encourages the universal Church and indeed the entire world to reflect on this essential virtue, which Pope Francis described as the desire and expectation of good things to come despite or not knowing what the future may bring.”
“As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ, and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving paschal mystery to the entire world,” the Holy Father said. “The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions.”
Leo added that during the holy year, Catholics “are called to be tangible signs of hope to those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noting that the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney, “understood this well.”
“He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance … which continues on to this day,” the pontiff said.
Leo said the convention theme is an invitation to members of the Knights of Columbus “to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families.”
Standing ovation
Leo’s message was received with a standing ovation from the attendees, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called the pontiff’s remarks “deeply encouraging.”
“The Knights of Columbus, each of us, is proud to stand with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Kelly said.
“In his first homily, he called Catholics to missionary outreach and at his Mass of inauguration, it felt like he was speaking directly to the Knights of Columbus,” Kelly continued. “He centered his message on love and unity and he urged us to build fraternity — charity, unity, fraternity, these are the principles that define us, and the Holy Father has told us to take them to everyone we encounter.”
During his speech and report to the convention, Kelly spoke about the charitable work of the Knights of Columbus, including efforts in war-torn countries like Ukraine and relief provided to people suffering from natural disasters. He also spoke about the growth of the Knights, the organization’s support for clergy formation, and its outspoken support for the unborn.
At the conclusion of the report, attendees recited a prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking God to “preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the Earth” and that “the Lord not hand him over to the powers of his enemies.” “Look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Leo, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting.”
Habemus Papam!
Pope Leo XIV
With the entire Mother Church, we pray for God to protect and guide our new shepherd, Pope Leo XIV.
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of St. Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, courage to fulfill it, and charity to shepherd Your people with the heart of Christ. In this time of transition, bring peace to troubled hearts, joy to those who suffer, and hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to St. Peter, a humble servant of Your Word, and a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, that he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer courtesy of mycatholic.life)
As the entire Church mourns the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, we pray to the Father for the repose of his soul.
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. Almighty and merciful God, eternal Shepherd of your people, listen to our prayers that you grant your servant, Francis, our pope, to whom you entrusted the care of your Church, may he enter the joy of his eternal Master, there to receive the rich reward of his labors. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
( Prayer courtesy of Ascension Press )
And in our mourning, we also pray that the College of Cardinals, the successors to the apostles, be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the work they will undertake during the upcoming conclave.
Father Most Holy, Our God and King, protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them wisdom, courage, hope, charity, and the faith they need to discern Your Holy Will. Creator of all that was, is and is to come, you alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the next successor of Saint Peter. Reveal your Will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May Your Holy Will be done, now and forever, Amen.
( Prayer Courtesy mycatholic.life )
Carlo Acutis to be first millennial saint: Pope Francis recognizes miracle for canonization
Pope Francis has recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, paving the way for him to become the first millennial saint.
Mater Christi Council is proud to support The International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World, designed and created by Bl. Carlo Acutis.
Read more [ here ] about Bl. Carlo’s path to canonization (courtesy Catholic News Agency).
St. Ferdinand Parish SPRED –
The David S. Rizzo, PGK Center
The Knights of Columbus, Mater Christi Council #14284, is pleased to announce the opening of the David S. Rizzo, PGK Center which will be St. Ferdinand’s new SPRED (Special Religious Development) classroom.
SPRED a ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities. The goal of this ministry is to make it possible for each parish to welcome persons with developmental disabilities into a SPRED group where they would become prepared to participate in the liturgical life of their parish. A critical part of this program is the parish center. In these centers, catechists build bonds of friendship and deep personal relationships in a community setting enabled to lead others under the action of the Spirit to discover for themselves in the presence of God. SPRED is available to both children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
St. Ferdinand will dedicate its SPRED parish center, the David S. Rizzo, PGK Center, on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Following the 11:30am mass, St. Ferdinand’s pastor, Fr. Peter Gnoinski, will bless and dedicate the center which is located at the parish convent (5936 W. Barry Avenue).
St. Ferdinand’s SPRED center will be dedicated in memory of David S. Rizzo, who served as Grand Knight of Mater Christi Council from 2013 – 2014.
More details about the SPRED program may be found at the SPRED Chicago website.
Remembering Bishop Kevin Birmingham
Reprinted from the Archdiocese of Chicago website. Bishop Birmingham served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Vicarate IV, the home of Knights of Columbus Mater Christi Council #14284, from 2020 – 2023.
Most Rev. Kevin M. Birmingham, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago and former secretary to Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. He was 51 years old, a few days shy of his 52nd birthday.
Birmingham was born on Oct. 7, 1971 in Oak Lawn to Jeanette Ann Larsen and Joseph James Birmingham. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, Niles College Seminary in Niles and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.
Birmingham was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1997, by Archbishop Francis George, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 25 of the same year at Our Lady of the Ridge Parish in Chicago Ridge.
As Birmingham stated in a Chicago Catholic interview in 2020, the Oblate Sisters of Jesus the Priest from Mexico City, who ministered at Niles College and Mundelein Seminary, arranged for his second Mass as a priest to be celebrated from the main altar at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. He made the trip to Mexico after his ordination to give thanks to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to whom he developed a devotion while he was in seminary, especially when he spent time in Morelia, Mexico, learning Spanish.
After ordination to the priesthood, Birmingham served as associate pastor at St. Peter Claver Mission in Robbins, St. Benedict Parish in Blue Island and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Orland Park. He was pastor at St. Anne Parish in Hazel Crest (2005 – 2011) and Maternity BVM Parish on North Avenue in Chicago (2011 – 2014). Birmingham served as administrative secretary to Cardinal Cupich from 2014 to 2020.
“The Church has lost a wonderful priest and bishop today and I lost a dear friend and valued colleague,” said Cardinal Cupich. “From the start of his ministry, Bishop Kevin Birmingham was a devoted and joyful priest. He felt called to serve Latino Catholics especially, and he learned Spanish in order to do so. He served in my office for six years as priest-secretary, always with dedication and attention to every detail, a role in which his reputation for kindness only grew. May we honor his memory by continuing to do as he did, and model the love God has for his children in all we do.”
Most. Rev. Jeffrey Grob was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop of Chicago alongside Birmingham. He had known him his whole priesthood and worked together when Grob was in the chancery. “He was genuine, personable, funny and pastoral. He had a pastor’s heart. Even after he became a bishop he did not put on airs, you saw the true man. His laughter was contagious, but in the moment, he could be genuinely concerned about an issue. Sincere and genuine: That is what drew people to him.”
Birmingham was appointed director of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission in July 2020 for a year. On Sept. 11, 2020, Birmingham was appointed auxiliary bishop of Chicago and Titular Bishop of Dolia. He was ordained a bishop on Nov. 13, 2020 by Cardinal Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago and became Episcopal Vicar of Vicariate IV. Last month, after the retirement of Bishop Joseph Perry, Birmingham was assigned to oversee Vicariate VI.
Most Rev. Robert J. Lombardo shared that he always found “Bishop Kevin” a joy to be with. “He was dedicated to God and the Church and always had a very joyful spirit. He will be greatly missed.”
Sarah Machaj, senior administrative assistant in the Archbishop’s Office, had worked with Birmingham from 2015 until 2020. “Bishop Kevin lit up every room he walked into and brought with him his dry wit and just a little bit of mischief,” Machaj said affectionately. “He was an incredibly hard worker, but never asked for recognition. He was humble, truly kind and had a laugh that was contagious. He was the most genuine person I’ve ever known, and he will be greatly missed.”
Remembering Pope Benedict XVI
Reprinted from the KnightLine Newsletter
As Knights mourn the recent death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI we also celebrate his life and give thanks for his many contributions to the Church. With prayer, example and words of encouragement, Pope Benedict was a faithful friend to Knights on earth. Now, in the communion of saints, we pray that he is a friend in heaven as well.
Remembering Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The Knights of Columbus remembers Pope Benedict XVI with gratitude. The Order was privileged to support his pontificate in numerous ways, and he played an important role in the canonization cause of the Knights’ founder, Father Michael McGivney, whom he declared Venerable in 2008. Here we look back on his papacy and highlight some important moments in his relationship with the Knights of Columbus. WATCH NOW | READ MORE
Saying Goodbye to a Man of the Church
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, joined by other Supreme Officers, traveled to Rome last week to honor and pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose requiem Mass was celebrated at the Vatican on Jan. 5. READ MORE
Sincerely yours in Christ, Benedictus XVI
Pope Benedict XVI addressed the Knights of Columbus both directly and indirectly over the years, at different points expressing his gratitude for the Order’s support of the Church, encouraging Knights in their work and prayer, and reflecting on the legacy of Father Michael McGivney. READ MORE
A Papal Tribute
Visitors to New Haven, Connecticut, can leave a memorial remembrance to Pope Benedict XVI at the Order’s Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. The center has also mounted a small display of items related to Benedict’s papacy, including a white cassock and zucchetto (skull cap) he wore while pope and a collection of papal medallions issued during his pontificate. To learn more about the pilgrimage center, visit michaelmcgivneycenter.org.
God Rest Pope Benedict XVI
Reprinted from the Pillar Catholic news bulletin.
If you haven’t already done this, take a minute right now to pray for the repose of Benedict’s soul, and to pray in thanksgiving for both his life and the saving mystery of Jesus Christ, to which Benedict gave himself intellectually, pastorally, and spiritually.
May perpetual light shine upon him. May he enter the eternal glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
For many Catholics today, Benedict’s own words, preached at the funeral of Pope St. John Paul II, ring true:
“Our hearts are full of sadness, yet at the same time of joyful hope and profound gratitude.”
If you haven’t read it, The Pillar’s obituary of Benedict XVI aims to give you a thorough picture of the man’s life, his ministry, and his place in the life of the Church, in which he has been a singularly influential figure for decades, spanning back to the influence of his theological work on the texts of the Second Vatican Council itself.
If you don’t know much about Benedict XVI’s life, or you want to learn a few things that might surprise you, this biographical sketch is a very good place to start.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly’s statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
My Brother Knights:
After nearly 50 years, the wrong decision that was made in Roe v. Wade has been set right. The Supreme Court’s historic decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’ Health Organization overturning both Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, is a watershed moment in the movement that generations of Knights of Columbus have worked and prayed for. Indeed, it is one of the most significant advancements in human rights in our nation’s history.
We are grateful and encouraged by the Court’s finding that abortion is not a “constitutional right.” But we must not think that today is a day to declare victory. Instead, I call upon every member of the Knights of Columbus to redouble their personal efforts to build up the Culture of Life that St. John Paul II described in his prophetic encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae.
With Roe reversed, federal advocacy to protect unborn life is still necessary, but the decision opens wide the doors for states to consider their own abortion laws as well. Many states have laws that immediately protect unborn human life. Others have taken regrettable steps to make themselves “sanctuaries” for abortion-on-demand. Pregnancy resources centers will become even more vital as they reach out to serve pregnant women, new mothers and their children.
In the months and years ahead, Knights should work to support — or start — marches for life in every state. Another critical action we can all take is to increase our support for pregnancy resource centers in our communities. To that end, the Supreme Council has announced a $5 million campaign to support new mothers and their children through a new program: ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy). These pregnancy centers and maternity homes are now the front lines of the pro-life movement, and Knights should continue to stand and serve with them. You can support this effort by making a donation today.
Even before the Dobbs decision was officially released, we saw numerous instances of violence and vandalism targeted at pregnancy resource centers and Catholic churches across the country. Let us find our response in the words Pope Francis addressed to the 2021 Supreme Convention, which called on us to be men “committed to building up rather than tearing down, promoting healing and reconciliation in place of hatred and recrimination, and inviting all to undertake the ‘journey of fraternity’ that can lead to a world ever more in accord with God’s saving plan for our human family.”
Finally, we must continue to pray and fast for the end of abortion. How fitting it is that the Dobbs decision arrived on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us pray in thanksgiving for this decision, and continue to implore the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe as we work to build a Culture of Life in which every human life, made in the image and likeness of God, is welcomed in life and protected in law.
Fraternally,
Patrick E. Kelly
Supreme Knight
International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World
June 11 – 12, 2022 After all Masses
St. Ferdinand Parish Activity Center
5900 W Barry Ave, Chicago IL, 60634
Knights of Columbus, Mater Christi Council is proud to bring the International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World to St. Ferdinand Parish. The exhibition, designed and created by Blessed Carlo Acutis, will be at the parish activity center after all masses the weekend of June 11th & 12th, 2022.
With an extensive assortment of photographs and historical descriptions, the exhibition presents some of the principal Eucharistic Miracles that took place throughout the ages in various countries of the world and which have been recognized by the Church. By means of the panels, one can “virtually visit” the places where the miracles took place. The current exhibition includes 153 panels that are used to explain 152 Eucharistic Miracles with an additional 22 country and historical panel maps (60×80 cm)
The exhibition has already visited well over 3000 parishes in Italy, the USA, Canada and in many other countries as well and has been translated into numerous languages. At this event, the faithful will be able to read about the miracles in both English and Polish.
The exhibition is available for viewing after each of the masses the weekend of June 11th & 12th. Please join us for this faith affirming event.