125 Years in Review –1970s

In 1971,the Order marks the achievement of $2 billion of insurance in force; today that figure is more than $61 billion.

In 1975, the Order agrees to fund “uplink” transmissions for major worldwide satellite telecasts from the Vatican; the program continues to this day with audiences estimated in the billions for Midnight Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica.

Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant begins his administration with a 1977 visit to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where he places his work under the Virgin Mary’s protection.

The Order’s Board of Directors holds its April 1978 meeting at the Vatican. Pope Paul VI meets the Knights.

Pope John Paul I receives Supreme Knight Dechant and other representatives of the Knights in the first private audience after his election.

In cooperation with the U.S. bishops, the Order underwrites filming of Pope John Paul II’s first pastoral visit to the United States in 1979.

Pope John Paul II receives the Order’s officers and representatives at the U.S. apostolic delegation’s office in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 7, 1979.