Honoring Blessed John Paul II

Resolution honoring Blessed John Paul II adopted by the 129th Supreme Convention on Aug. 4, 2011.

WHEREAS, the late Pope John Paul II was a great friend to the Knights of Columbus, exhorting us in works of charity and participation in the new evangelization; and

WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus were honored to help Pope John Paul II through our support of a variety of initiatives including the cosponsorship of the papal Mass at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York in 1995, various restoration projects at St. Peter’s Basilica, support for Vatican communications initiatives, and the foundation of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Pope John Paul II was beatified in St. Peter’s Square this year in front of 1.5 million people; and

WHEREAS, Blessed John Paul II renewed the priesthood, drawing thousands of men to accept God’s call to serve the Church and others as priests; and

WHEREAS, Blessed John Paul II encouraged the laity in its role and vocation, encouraging lay people to embrace the universal call to holiness and to become part of the new evangelization, noting in Ecclesia in America that “the renewal of the Church in America will not be possible without the active presence of the laity. Therefore, they are largely responsible for the future of the Church; and WHEREAS, Blessed John Paul II provided a clear and coherent way forward on issues of life, marriage and the family; and

WHEREAS, Blessed John Paul II visited the American hemisphere and the Philippines hemisphere many times, bringing his message of hope to Catholics and Knights of Columbus everywhere; and

WHEREAS, through initiatives such as World Youth Day, Blessed John Paul II constantly looked to the future and emphasized the important role of youth in the Church, present and future.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Knights of Columbus, along with their families, foster a special devotion to Blessed John Paul II and pray for his canonization; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we seek to answer his call for a “new evangelization” through the witness of our lives, through our works of charity, and through our engagement with the culture in a manner that brings the light of Christ to the world; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we affirm the action of the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus to take all necessary steps to establish an Archdiocesan Shrine dedicated to Blessed John Paul II in Washington, D.C., including exhibits on his life and legacy.