Knights of Columbus chaplains listen to presentations on the need to address and enhance the spiritual development of members of the Order.

 Photos

The more than 75 bishops and priests who gathered for the Supreme Convention’s Chaplains Meeting on Monday heard an opening address from Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson about the important role they play in the life of the Order on the state and local levels.

The chaplain must become more of an integral part of the local council meeting and his contribution should be welcomed by all Knights, the supreme knight said. The long-term commitment by the Order to enrich the catechetical and faith formation of members must be led by council chaplains. “This means a greater interaction with our priests,” he explained.

He also stressed the necessity of encouraging greater devotion to the Order’s founder, Venerable Michael McGivney, whose cause for canonization is before the Vatican. Chaplains should take a leadership role in promoting Father McGivney’s cause in their councils and parishes, and in making sure that favors received through his intercession are recorded and submitted to the Supreme Council, Anderson explained.

The meeting was chaired by Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori, who noted the great commitment that the Order has to its chaplains. The first-ever State Chaplains Meeting in New Haven, Conn., was held last March, and a follow-up meeting will be held in November in Nashville, Tenn.

Father John Grace, O.S.A., director of the chaplains program, encouraged the state chaplains attending to pass the word on to the local councils within their jurisdictions. As chaplains become more involved in their councils, the spiritual benefits will multiply for members and their families, Father Grace said, and the charity of the Order will have an even greater foundation in love of God and neighbor.