Patrick Kelly Begins Tenure as Supreme Knight

He is the 14th Supreme Knight to lead the Order in its mission of charity, unity and fraternity.

Patrick Kelly has assumed office as the 14th Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus on March 1. He now serves as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, with more than 2 million members.

Mr. Kelly’s has had a distinguished career in the Knights of Columbus, the military and public service. For more than 25 years, he has a demonstrated track record of service to Church and country, which serves him well in advancing the Knights’ mission of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

Past Supreme Knight Carl Anderson retired February 28, after more than 20 years of service as Supreme Knight and upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. He leaves a legacy of Christian witness and service to the Catholic Church, to the Knights of Columbus and to communities throughout the world.

Upon his election to the office of supreme knight, Mr. Kelly in his acceptance statement said:

“I am honored, thankful and blessed. I am honored to be called to serve as Supreme Knight. I am thankful to my wife and family, and to my brother Knights for affording me this honor and privilege. I am blessed to have worked beside Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, who has done so much to strengthen the Knights of Columbus and fulfill our mission through acts of love, kindness, compassion and prayer that have helped countless people here at home and around the world. Carl has long been a friend to me, and while I count myself among our many colleagues who will miss his daily collaboration, I know that he will continue to contribute much to the good of the Order as Past Supreme Knight and a member of the board of directors. I wish Carl, his wife Dorian, and the entire Anderson family the very best and thank them for everything they have done in service to the Knights and the Church.”

“I look forward to continuing Carl’s great work and will strive to guide the Knights of Columbus by the principles of charity, unity and fraternity according to the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney. These principles are as important today as they were almost 140 years ago at our founding. They are a proven path to deepen our Catholic faith, and build strong families, strong parishes, and strong communities that work together for the common good and recognize the dignity and worth of every human being. I ask for prayers as I endeavor to advance the great history and traditions of the Knights of Columbus in service to the Lord, his Church, our brother Knights and their families, our parishes and our communities.”

Read Mr. Kelly’s full bio.