WIDOWS

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Knights of Council 7445, Richmond, Texas, decided to honor the widows of their Council’s deceased Brothers. Since being founded in 1979, 52 of our Brothers have gone to the Lord.

The first challenge was trying to find the widows and to see if they were still living. The parish secretary fortunately was able to provide many names, addresses and phone numbers. However, not all the data was up to date.

The idea was to have a special intention Mass on the Sunday, invite the widows to it and to a reception afterwards. In order to carry out the inviting, the greeting and the reception, many Knights stepped up to offer the many hands needed.

We designed personalized invitations and printed the envelopes with the KC logo. The number had been narrowed down to 13 widows. After only a few replies, we started phoning around to see who were where and who would be coming. It was interesting to talk to many ‘old’ friends, and especially those who had moved away. They were happy to have a chat and tell us what had been happening. In the end there were only 7 widows who could possibly come.

On the Sunday, a team of ushers, who were Knights, greeted the widows as they arrived at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Richmond and led them to the front row pews with their families. Before Mass started, the complete list of deceased Brothers was read from the pulpit together with the tolling of a bell.

The entrance procession was led by the fourth degree Knights, followed by other brother Knights in their council’s blue shirts and then the many servers and celebrants. Mass ended with ‘God Bless America’.

After Mass, now about 12:30 p.m. we were all ready for the reception, which had been prepared by several Knights and their wives. The hall was decorated in patriotic colors with tablecloths, flowers and flags. All Knights and their families were invited to the reception. On arrival, each widow received a red rose and a name tag. Lunch consisted of home-made chicken pie, salads and desserts. The Grace was said by Fr. Joseph Ho. While eating, a short review was given of what had been gathered about other widows who could not attend, either by distance or ill health.

Towards the end, each widow was given a Knights to-do list asking what odd jobs the Knights could do for them. These were gathered so that a team could be formed at the next council meeting to try to start on this practical way of helping widows and showing appreciation.

It was, in all, a very happy, memorable and inspiring occasion, which fulfilled Blessed Michael McGivney’s wish to remember, look after and help widows.