KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS RELIEF EFFORTS IN MAUI
KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS RELIEF EFFORTS IN MAUI
It is my
pleasure to serve as chaplain for the Knights of Columbus St. Pius X Council
3858. Their causes are good and just and
they and the Women’s Auxiliary are a great help in many parish events. Recently I was pleased to receive an email
that was sent to all the members by the Supreme Knight. I reproduce it here for your
edification. It was very moving to learn
about what the Knights are doing in Hawaii to help those who have been hurt by
the devastating fires. It makes me proud
to be part of this organization.
The Knights of
Columbus were founded in 1882 under the leadership of a parish priest, Blessed Father
Michael McGivney. The purpose was to
promote men’s loyalty to the Catholic Church at a time when they were being
tempted to join secret fraternal organizations which often promoted
anti-Catholic views. It provided a place
for fellowship, encouraged patriotism, and allowed the men to effectively care
for the needs of hurting families, especially widows and their children. There are many chapters of Knights across the
country today, usually sponsored by a parish, and our chapter is very active.
If you would like to make a donation in
support of the efforts of the Knights of Columbus to help the victims in Maui you
may go to www.kfc.org and type in the search box “Disaster Relief.” Also, let us keep them in our prayers. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus and also
to the Ladies Auxiliary for all the good that they do. They are a great witness to our faith, which
teaches that “Whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold
water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his
reward” (Matthew 10:42). Now, here is
the appeal of the Supreme Knight to all the members:
Dear Brother,
It has been just over a
week since the devastating wildfires in Maui began. The shocking scenes of
destruction are unforgettable, and the loss of life is devastating. In the
midst of this tragedy and its long-term consequences, many still unknown,
Knights of Columbus are already stepping up to help those in the greatest need.
It is often said that
“where there’s a need, there’s a Knight” and our brother Knights in Hawaii are
proving it once again. With financial support from the Supreme Council, Grand
Knight John Fielding and members of Our Lady of Peace Council 5000 in Honolulu
took immediate action. They filled a boat with clothing, sleeping bags, tents,
food items and other aid, and sailed into Lahaina on Monday to deliver aid.
With them were two Catholic priests who provided spiritual support to victims.
Today, they will return to Lahaina with still more relief supplies.
Knights of Columbus are on
the ground in Maui, distributing aid, coordinating temporary housing, serving
meals and assisting with the cleanup. Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu, the
diocese which covers all of Hawaii, told me this week, “The Knights have
definitely stepped up and rolled up their sleeves. We are very grateful!”
Not every Knight can roll
up his sleeves and provide hands-on assistance after a disaster 2,400 miles
away from the mainland. But every one of us can still make a difference. And
today, I invite you to join me in making sure that our work of bringing physical
and spiritual aid to Maui can continue.
Thank you for your generosity!
Fraternally,
Patrick E. Kelly
Supreme Knight
Comments
Post a Comment