|
This month we remember in a special way the late Pope John Paul II by recalling the many times His Holiness addressed the Knights of Columbus. Each one of those occasions was a great gift to our Order — strengthening our resolve, clarifying our mission and encouraging our efforts.
When John Paul II promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, he stated that the Second Vatican Council “has always been, and especially during these years of my pontificate, the constant reference point of my every pastoral action.”
As we know, one of Vatican II’s great initiatives was to recognize and encourage a greater role for the laity in the renewal of both our Church and our society. John Paul implemented this in many ways, but especially in his defense of the dignity of marriage, in his recognition of the Christian family as a “domestic church” and in his promotion of a culture of life.
We also cannot forget his constant efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, social justice, and support for the poor and the suffering through building what he described as a “civilization of love.”
It is truly remarkable how closely our work as Knights of Columbus is aligned with the pastoral mission of Pope John Paul II, of his successor Pope Benedict XVI, and indeed of the Second Vatican Council. In this regard, we must recognize the mysterious — yet real — hand of providence guiding the life of our Order. And we must recognize one more thing — the spiritual genius of our founder, the Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney.
Nearly a century before the Second Vatican Council issued its great pastoral constitution, Gaudium et Spes, Father McGivney fashioned a fraternal association of Catholic men dedicated to defending and promoting our Church, to fostering Catholic family life, and to performing works of justice and charity for the benefit of society. In short, Father McGivney was able to anticipate one of the achievements of Vatican II by calling forth a great solidarity of Catholic men around our founding principles of charity and unity.
For this reason John Paul II would tell us that “Father McGivney’s vision remains as relevant as ever” and that “the spiritual legacy” of Father McGivney “has borne abundant fruit.”
As we recall the many ways our Order has been blessed by Pope John Paul II, we can take great pride in what he once said to us: “Your loyalty to the successor of St. Peter has been a part of your rich heritage from the beginning.” On many occasions throughout his historic pontificate, John Paul II was able to rely on the loyalty and support of the Knights of Columbus, and we are continuing that proud legacy of solidarity now with Pope Benedict XVI.
As we continue to celebrate our 125th anniversary, let each of us resolve to continue our work in leading a renewal of the Church and society in fidelity to the vision of our founder and in unity with the successors of St. Peter and the Apostles.
|
