Knights Orderwide Celebrate Anniversary

Theodore “Teddy” Messier Sr. has reason to love Founder’s Day. The 60-year member of Cargill Council 64 in Putnam, Conn., celebrated his 92nd birthday a few weeks before the Order’s 125th anniversary. When Council 64 sponsored a Founder’s Day Mass, members also honored this longtime Knight.

Council 64 was not the only K of C unit to celebrate the Order’s milestone birthday last March 29. Here is a round-up of some of the reports received at the Supreme Council office.

In Michigan, State Reps. John M. Proos and Frank Accavitti Jr. successfully lobbied the state government to issue a proclamation recognizing March 29, 2007, as Knights of Columbus Founder’s Day. Members of the Michigan State Council, including State Deputy Thomas M. Wegener, met with Proos and Accavitti after the bill was passed. Both representatives are Knights: Proos belongs to St. Joseph the Provider Council 13942 in St. Joseph, and Accavitti is a member of Leo XIII Council 3042 in Eastpointe.

Canadian Knights also took part in the celebration. In Longueuil, Que., Knights, their ladies’ auxiliary and Squires from throughout the area met to dedicate a 30-foot anniversary cross.

Some councils used March 29 as an opportunity to introduce more Catholic men to the Order. The Colorado State Council hosted an exemplification weekend to commemorate the Order’s 125th anniversary. Candidates had the opportunity to receive their First through Fourth degrees; more than 200 men became Knights.

In the Philippines, Our Lady of the Assumption Council 11185 in Zamboanga City, Mindanao, kept with the Order’s yearlong theme “In Solidarity with Our Priests.” Members presented Father Reynaldo A. Francisco with a certificate of appreciation following Mass.

Queen’s Row Council 8708 in Cavite, Luzon, set up a museumlike display featuring a copy of the council’s charter, photos, Fourth Degree regalia and descriptions of historical moments.

Knights stationed in Baghdad took a moment out of their duties to note Founder’s Day. Members of the Baghdad International Zone (IZ) Round Table, sponsored by Msgr. Martin C. Murphy Council 6847 in Columbia, S.C., met for a Founder’s Day corporate Communion, celebrated by chaplain, Lt. Col. Joseph Lim. Separated from Father Michael J. McGivney by 125 years and thousands of miles, Father Lim spoke about the impact of the Knights and the charitable works they have performed for the Catholic community in Iraq.

Submit a report about your local unit’s Founder’s Day celebration or other anniversary event.