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| Archbishop Mansell, center, celebrates the 125th anniversary Mass with Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori and former Supreme Chaplain Bishop Thomas V. Daily, right. |
Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford celebrated the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven with bishops and priests from throughout Connecticut. Dozens of seminarians were also in attendance.
In his homily, Archbishop Mansell paid tribute to Father McGivney, comparing him to an artist who saw life “not as it is, but as it should be.”
He said Father McGivney had the qualities of an outstanding parish priest. In his face, the archbishop said, one can see “courage, determination, bravery and focus.”
The founder’s vision for the Knights, was about “meeting real needs.” Archbishop Mansell praised Father McGivney for being “far ahead of his time in his collaboration with the laity” in the founding of the Order.
“Father McGivney provided the Knights a way to identify as good Catholic men. He provided a way to help people in trouble,” Archbishop Mansell said.
Archbishop Mansell also complimented the Knights for its efforts to promote the culture of life and to defend religious freedom and tolerance. Father McGivney, he said, founded the Knights “to protect life in all its phases.”
The real story of the Order’s success, the archbishop continued, is found at the parish level, where Knights are most active. “There are so many priets here who can tell the tales of the Knights in their parish.
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