Wheelchair Sunday

Knights of Columbus, Council #13704, Shrine of St. Padre Pio of Petrelcina (SPP), San Antonio, TX conducted a “Wheelchair Sunday” on October 22-23, 2022. Over $30,000.00 was donated that weekend to purchase 200+ Wheelchairs for those in desperate need of mobility!

It was a Saturday afternoon in late February 2022; SK Nick Monje and his wife, Dianne “accidently met” SK Chris Lewis, President of the American Wheelchair Mission while he was preparing for a “Wheelchair Sunday” event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, San Antonio, TX.Only a few months prior to this “meeting,” Nick had undergone 10 hours of complex spine surgery. His recovery began in a wheelchair and then graduated to a standup walker. Nick’s Filipino family were well aware of the benefits of having a wheelchair.Nick’s dad had back surgery - he spent the last 7 years of his life in a wheelchair. Having a wheelchair made a huge difference in the quality of life for Nick’s dad and the entire family – we wereno longer held hostage to his bedside and our home. Our prayers were answered… Meeting Chris Lewis that day with wheelchairs and the beautiful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was not “accidental”. Our Lady seemed to reach out with a smile to say, “Nick, you are standing and walking again – now, help me answer prayers.” Nick and Dianne clearly understood Our Lady and the Holy Spirit.“It’s time to give back - the gift of mobility and hope for those in most need.At that very moment, SK Chris Lewis was invited – Bring “Wheelchair Sunday” to our parish, St. Padre Pio. He agreed!

With Monsignor Pat Ragsdale’s approval, full support and encouragement, Nick and his Brother Knights of Council #13704 came together with the St. Padre Pio parish staff/community to plan, organize and advertise, to any and all who would listen (i.e., Chapter Meetings; District Deputies; KofC Assembly #3018 meetings, our Gaudalupanos; TMIY men’s ministry; American Legion, etc.).We were not competing with other councils or parish ministries – Fundraising for Knights is a Team Sport!The weekend before Wheelchair Sunday – SK Nick and Dianne showed Wheelchair videos before/after every mass; had Parish Bulletins with Wheelchair Flyers (English/Spanish) and Invited everyone to come enjoy “Taco Sunday” (donations only) with their families and hear an amazing presentation by SK Chris Lewis.concluded his talk with, “This is what Knights do”. Wow!

Indeed, KofC Council # 13704 was called to help answer prayers of those in desperate need of mobility and hope for a better quality of life. Knights gave our parish family a special opportunity to make a difference – and they did, raising over $30,000.00 for 200+ Wheelchairs! Prayers answered, that would make this coming Christmas Holiday special!

Pictured on the left is our District Deputy, SK Denny Archibek;SK Chris Lewis, President, American Wheelchair Mission; and SK Brian Nelson, Program Coordinator of the San Antonio Archdiocese Wheel Chair Campaign.SK Archibek and Field Agent, Roger Schmidt, were on hand to assist with recruiting and providing benefits information. What a great Trifecta event – wheelchairs for those in need; tacos for the hungry; and recruiting men for KOC #13704!

Brother Jesus Perez (Vietnam and Desert Shield/Storm Veteran); SK John Cirlos (Guadalupanos); The Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Brother Rafael Lara (Taco Sunday) and SK Burt Quintanilla III (current Grand Knight, #13704). Center Photo: SK Brian Nelson; Brother Jesus Perez; PGK, SK Chuck Munoz; SK John Cirlos; Fr. Chris Munoz; SK Chris Lewis; Brother Rafael Lara; SK Tom Anderson (PGK) and Fr. Gregorio.

SK Brian Nelson; Fr. Hector Kalaluka, OMI, SK Chris Lewis and Brother Deacon Richard Armendariz.