Today’s Faith programs are rooted in K of C history

In 1941, a continental prayer for peace was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The Knights served as the honor guard of the historic event, which brought together representatives from 20 North and South American countries who prayed for Mary’s “maternal protection” for the American continent.

Combining family activity, parish involvement and Marian devotion, the Order launched the Marian Hour of Prayer program in 1979 with an image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe blessed by Pope John Paul II provided to state jurisdictions for use in their prayer hours. Later programs included other images, including Our Lady of Częstochowa.

Building on the Order’s devotion to the Eucharist and its long history of taking part in Eucharistic Congresses, the Order launched its first Knights of Columbus Eucharistic Congress in 2002. Pope John Paul II send a letter of greeting to the attendees of the two-day event that featured Masses, perpetual adoration and talks on the Eucharist.

In 2018 and 2019, the Order sponsored and organized a U.S. tour of a relic — the heart of Saint Jean Marie Vianney, patron saint of parish priests. The tour prayerfully inspired clergy and laity with an example of true priestly holiness.

From The Knights of Columbus: An Illustrated History. Learn more at knightsgear.com/history.

Originally published in Knightline, a monthly resource for K of C leaders and members. To access Knightline archives, click here.