Knights Continue Charity through Unity

Why unity is a defining principle of the Knights of Columbus

Through a Novena for National Unity & And End to Racism, the Knights of Columbus is calling all people of goodwill to “come together in solidarity to forge a path forward — free of discrimination and hate — for our nation” amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd.

Unified prayer, and unity in general, is a critical response for Catholics during tumultuous times. As one of the four principles of the Knights of Columbus, unity was essential to the vision of soon-to-be-beatified Father Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus’s founder. He stated that by promoting unity “members would gain the strength to bestow charity on each other.”

Father McGivney founded the Knights during a time of widespread anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant sentiment. But because the Knights of Columbus were united by timeless values and faith, the Order was able to offer an opportunity for men to serve their communities — and their countries — in a manner that overcame divisions and built a unified brotherhood through which members could financially and spiritually support each other.

That message still rings true more than one hundred years later. As Supreme Knight Carl Anderson stated at the 137th Supreme Convention — the theme of which was “Knights of Unity” — “Through our unity, we will continue to rise in charity and fraternity … we will continue to transform the world around us.”

Knights around the world are rising to that challenge in 2020, leaving no neighbor behind during a global pandemic. From Poland to the Philippines, from Canada to Mexico, Knights are donating their time, talents and dollars to helping those in need through local food banks and other charitable initiatives.

As Supreme Knight Anderson said, Knights deepen their “commitment to the very principles which define us: charity, unity and fraternity” in times of trial.

“Through our unity, we will continue to rise in charity and fraternity,” he said. “And as we extend the hand of brotherhood, we will continue to transform the world around us.”