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DALLAS — Michael and Karen Splonskowski of Fargo, N.D., have been recognized as the Knights of Columbus international Family of the Year, at the ogranization’s 122nd annual convention being held in Dallas, Texas.
The Splonskowskis are well known in their hometown for the many acts of service they provide to their community. In honoring them, the Knights of Columbus recognized the Catholic witness they provide to both parish and community, through participation in Catholic Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program, the pro-life movement, prayer groups and other ministries at the parish and diocesan levels.
In introducing them, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said "it is clear that this family tries to model itself on the Holy Family" of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. He also noted that the family prays the rosary together daily.
Living up to the ideals of the Knights and to Catholic family life are central to the Splonskowskis' values. As one of their daughters-in-law said: "They are all, without exception, dedicated to offering their service to the Church, to leading a regular sacramental life, to living a life of prayer and to trying to be holy."
In accepting the award on behalf of his family, Michael Splonskowski said God's grace has helped his family the most. "We did not do this by ourselves," he said. He said he was "extremely humbled and grateful to the Knights for the great lessons they have taught us as a married couple and in raising our family."
Joining the Splonskowskis in receiving their award were many of their 13 children and grandchildren.
At the conclusion of the Family of the Year presentation, Supreme Knight Anderson said that choosing one family out of so many deserving ones was difficult. "Thank goodness it is a hard choice we have to make in the Knights of Columbus," he said.
"The Holy Father has said, 'Families, be who you are.' In so many Knights of Columbus families, we have the proof of that teaching," Anderson said.
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