Deputy Supreme Knight Receives Medal in Recognition of the Order’s Outstanding Works in Canada

Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie received an award and special commemorative medal from the Canadian government, for his charitable work — especially with the Knights of Columbus — on behalf of the community and individuals in need throughout Canada. The medal, presented by Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism of Canada, the Honorable Jason Kenney, commemorates the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne and is presented to recognize the contributions and achievements of Canadians.

Minister Kenney, who is a member of the Order, said that as a Knight, a Canadian and a Catholic, he is well aware of the charitable works performed by Knights of Columbus. “This is a secular organization that has provided an enormous contribution to the life of the Church and our society,” he added. “All in the spirit of the vision of the founder, Father McGivney, who was educated at St. Hyacinthe. This relationship between the founder and Canada is amplified millions of times, by the good deeds of the Knights.

"I do not know anyone who has contributed more to the contribution of the Knights of Columbus and Canadian civil society than Dennis Savoie,” Kenney continued. “Not only in the spiritual life of the Church, but also as a member of international bodies of the Order, he has contributed to the revitalization of the new voices of lay Catholics. In the spirit of Pope John Paul II, that voice has allowed the expression of the values ​​of dignity of the human person and the sanctity of human life. For all these reasons, I would like to thank Mr. Savoie. And, in parliament, we are honored to award you this award, which honors you, as well as your wife, your family and everyone who contributed to your success. Through you, this is the action of all the Knights in Canada.”

A dozen guests attended the ceremony, which took place in the reception room of the Speaker of the House of Commons. Among the attendees were Archbishop Paul-André Durocher, of Gatineau and vice president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), MP Stephen Woodworth (Kitchener Centre), members of the Savoie family, and members of the Knights of Columbus in Ottawa.