October 14, 2012
12 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Washington, D.C.

 

Knights of Columbus and their family members are encouraged to attend the Oct. 14 Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception led by Archbishop Lori, Supreme Chaplain, to pray for the protection of human life and religious freedom.

Pope Benedict XVI singled out the Order’s support for religious freedom in his greeting to Supreme Council officers and delegates at this year’s Supreme Convention in Anaheim:

“The theme of this year’s Supreme Convention — Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land — evokes not only the great biblical ideals of freedom and justice which shaped the founding of the United States of America, but also the responsibility of each new generation to preserve, defend and advance those great ideals in its own day. At a time when concerted efforts are being made to redefine and restrict the exercise of the right to religious freedom, the Knights of Columbus have worked tirelessly to help the Catholic community recognize and respond to the unprecedented gravity of these new threats to the Church’s liberty and public moral witness. By defending the right of all religious believers, as individual citizens and in their institutions, to work responsibly in shaping a democratic society inspired by their deepest beliefs, values and aspirations, your Order has proudly lived up to the high religious and patriotic principles which inspired its founding.”

By attending the event, Knights will give witness to the importance of religious freedom as a God-given right. In addition to attending, below are five things Knights can do to promote the Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty: