Armed With the Faith

Knights of Columbus volunteers to deliver 100,000 Copies of Armed with the Faith Catholic Prayer Book to Active-Duty Military Personnel

Knights of Columbus volunteers, including some serving in the military, delivered the first of 100,000 copies of the new 6th edition of the Armed with the Faith Catholic prayer book to the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C., home base for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The prayer books will be sent to active-duty U.S.  Military personnel serving our country around the world. Upon arrival, the handbooks were blessed by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., of  the Archdioceses for the Military Services, USA. Since 2003, more than 600,000 copies of Armed with the Faith, developed in partnership with the AMS, USA, have been given to Catholic U.S. servicemen and women, including those in National Guard and Reserve units.

The Armed with the Faith prayer books are designed to hold up in arduous conditions, with features including waterproof and tear-resistant stock, and plastic binders that enable the turning of pages without a sound. This new 6th edition of Armed with the Faith also features an introduction from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, himself a veteran with an impressive military career.

“Throughout my military career, my fellow soldiers and I were strengthened and comforted by a daily commitment to prayer, as we asked for God’s intercession to protect our nation and help us preserve our freedoms,” said Supreme Knight Kelly. “It’s my hope that today’s active-duty military personnel will find the Armed with the Faith Catholic prayer book their indispensable resource for reflection and prayer.” 

Supreme Knight Kelly served in the United States Navy for 24 years, on land and sea, on active duty and reserve status. As a Judge Advocate General, he specialized in international and operational law and served as the Commanding Officer of the international law unit at the U.S. Naval War College. He served on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations and aboard the USS Guam as the Staff Judge Advocate for Amphibious Squadron Two. His personal awards include three Navy Achievement Medals, five Navy Commendation Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal. He retired from the JAG Corps Reserve in 2016. 

Commenting on the prayer book distribution, Archbishop Broglio added: “Once again, I renew my gratitude to my brother Knights of Columbus who actively contribute to the spiritual growth and welfare of the men and women in uniform and their families. Armed with the Faith is a precious example of their solicitude, which is expressed in so many ways. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly continues a great tradition of patriotic service to our country, both as a retired Naval Officer and now from New Haven.”

The Knights of Columbus Catholic Information Service also publishes a home edition of Armed with the Faith for distribution to non-active-duty personnel, including military families, veterans, members of ROTC units, and students at the U.S. military service academies.