Supreme Knight Delivers Annual Report

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Supreme Knight Carl Anderson spoke to fellow members of the Knights of Columbus at the Order’s 137th Supreme Convention. In his speech during the business session, Supreme Knight Anderson highlighted the achievements from the past fraternal year and announced new initiatives for the Order.

The theme of his speech was “Knights of Unity.”

KNIGHTS OF UNITY
“Through our unity, we will continue to rise in charity and fraternity. And as we extend the hand of brotherhood, we will continue to transform the world around us — a world that needs more, not less, of the truth and witness that define all those who call themselves Knights of Columbus.”

KENDRICK CASTILLO POSTHUMOUSLY DECLARED A KNIGHT
“Kendrick wanted to be a Knight of Columbus because he wanted to help not only people, but his community. And in his last moments, Kendrick Castillo did both.”

“This evening we will posthumously present Kendrick with the Knights of Columbus Caritas Award.

I now ask the delegates here assembled to stand. And I now ask: Shall we grant Kendrick Castillo full membership in the Knights of Columbus?”

“My brother Knights, we have made a momentous decision. Kendrick wanted to join the Knights of Columbus to be more like us. By your acclamation, you have told the world that we want to be more like him.”

(READ KENDRICK CASTILLO’S FULL STORY HERE)

HONORING NATIVE AMERICAN AND FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES
“In the United States, as well as in Canada, there are communities that too often are ignored. That is why we are launching a new initiative focused on Native Americans in the United States and First Nations people in Canada.”

The initiative will include:

• A partnership between the Knights, the Diocese of Gallup, and the Southwest Indian Foundation to build a new shrine to St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
• Work with the Black and Indian Mission Office.
• Encouraging local councils to become more engaged with Catholics living on reservations and tribal lands.

BORDER REFUGEE SUPPORT
“We are prepared to commit at least $250,000 immediately in humanitarian aid for refugees to the southern border. We are prepared to expand it, with additional resources, to help those in refugee camps in every border state — including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. ”

“Let me be clear: This is not a political statement. This is a statement of principle. This is about helping people who need our help right now. It is a natural and necessary extension of our support for refugees across the world. It shows our nation and the world that where there is a need, there is a Knight to answer it. And on our southern border, the Knights of Columbus will be there.”

(CHECK OUT LOCAL KNIGHTS DELIVERING SUPPLIES TO MEXICO HERE)

CULTURE OF LIFE
“The Knights of Columbus, through countless acts of charity, affirms the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death. This service is fundamental to our principle of unity. And nowhere is our commitment more obvious — and today more important — than in our stand for the sanctity of unborn life.”

“My brother Knights, the day is coming when Roe v. Wade will be overturned. The day is coming when we will march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the steps of the Supreme Court, not in protest, but in celebration. That day is coming when America will once again embrace life.”

• Knights completed 10-year goal of placing 1,000 ultrasound machines.
• 8 in 10 Americans say abortion should be limited — at most — to the first three months of pregnancy. That includes 65% who describe themselves as “pro-choice.”

KNIGHTS DONATE $2.7 MILLION IN DISASTER RELIEF
“Knights don’t just step up in ordinary times. Our courage comes to the fore in extraordinary moments — especially in times of trial. … It is a powerful reminder that when disaster strikes, the Knights of Columbus strike back with service.”

Stories include:

• Knights saving neighbors from wildfires.
• Knights donating more than half a million dollars to hurricane victims.
• Knights helping first responders in historic Midwest flooding.

FAITH IN ACTION
“St. John Paul II told us, ‘A new state of affairs … calls with a particular urgency for the action of the lay faithful.’ We cannot run away or stand on the sidelines. We must do our part.”

Our part includes programs on:

• Life
• Family
• Community
• Faith

KNIGHTS RESPOND TO CRISIS IN CHURCH WITH THE HEART OF A PRIEST
“As we strive to renew our Church, we must remember that renewal starts within our own hearts. That message was brought across the United States this year through our nationwide relic tour of the incorrupt heart of St. Jean Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests.”

More information on the #HeartofaPriest pilgrimage:

• 300,000 people venerated the relic in 99 dioceses.
• More than 7,500 miles covered.
• The Order is continuing the tour in Canada in the new fraternal year.

(WATCH THE HEART OF A PRIEST TOUR HERE)

KNIGHTS RELEASE IMPORTANT VIDEO TO HELP FAMILIES PROTECT CHILDREN

“The video recounts the story of a Knights of Columbus family whose son was victimized by sexual abuse and how this courageous brother Knight and his wife responded. Their story is shocking, but it is also inspiring and empowering.”

(WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE)

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
“We must always remember the tremendous efforts and courage required to overcome the bigoted contention that Catholic faith made a citizen “unfit” for public office. … In other words, Catholics need not apply.”

“If we cannot participate in public life because of our core beliefs, then surely it will be our nation that is the loser.”

Read more:

• Judicial nominee faces Senate scrutiny over Knights of Columbus membership.
• Others speak out against religious tests for federal office.

PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
“When I met with Pope Francis earlier this year about this crisis, he told me that ‘the Middle East without Christians is not the Middle East’ and he strongly encouraged us to continue our work.”

Our efforts:

• Since 2014, we have committed more than $25 million.
• Knights also played a pivotal role in the unanimous passage of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act.
• The Order entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
• The Supreme Knight addressed the State Department’s Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.

(READ A TIMELINE OF THE ORDER’S EFFORTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST HERE)

OUR INTERNATIONAL REACH
“The Knights of Columbus are champions of charity — not just in the United States, but in every country where we are present.”

• Canadian Knights donated $19 million and 5.7 million hours to charity.
  • (Read more about Niagara Falls’ “Knights of Columbus Week” here)

• Mexican Knights activities include:
  • Feeding and clothing more than 300 needy people.
  • Raising money for the construction of a local seminary and parish church.
  • Hosting a pilgrimage to Christ the King Mountain with an icon of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians that included thousands.

• Knights in South Korea established a Peace Refugee Center to serve people who’ve fled violence across the world.
  • (Read more here)

• Knights in the Philippines held a Triduum for Peace after bomb attack killed three Knights.

• Ukrainian Knights held summer camps for the children of veterans, visited hospitals where the wounded are being treated, and repaired the home of a family who lost their sons in battle.

• Knights in France proudly support the Notre-Dame Cathedral’s reconstruction.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSURANCE
“We always remember that our Catholic difference is key to our success.”

“With more than $109 billion of insurance in force, nearly $9 billion in annual sales, and more than $26 billion of assets under management.”

• The Order ranked on the Fortune 1000 list of America’s largest companies.

KNIGHTS OFFERS NEW CHARITABLE GIVING VEHICLE
“This program sponsors donor-advised funds designed to help Catholic institutions, members of our Order, and other Catholics more effectively direct their charitable giving.”

“The Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund can only be used to benefit groups and causes that are in line with Catholic values.”

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE)

ASSET ADVISORS
“Asset Advisors has grown to more than $750 million in assets under management. Asset Advisors now is used by dozens of dioceses, religious orders and state and local councils.”

KNIGHTS REPORT ROBUST GIVING IN 2018

(READ HOW WE RAISED $185.7 MILLION TO CHARITY AND DONATED 76.7 MILLION HOURS HERE)

*Note: Numbers and efforts reflect the past fraternal year, from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019

To learn more about the Knights, click here.

Share your story with andrew.fowler@kofc.org and rose.wagner@kofc.org