Shepherd to Scholars

Blessed Michael McGivney Medal honors longtime chaplain at The Catholic University of America at annual Awards Session

Aug. 7, 2025

Ken and Mary Ann Duppong of Glen Ullin, North Dakota, parents of Servant of God Michelle Duppong, speak during the Supreme Knight’s Awards Session after receiving the 2025 International Family of the Year award on Aug. 4 — the couple’s 52nd wedding anniversary. (Photo by Paul Haring) — Pallottine Father Frank Donio, state chaplain of the District of Columbia and of The Catholic University of America Council 9542, speaks during the Supreme Knight’s Awards Session after receiving the 2025 Blessed Michael McGivney Medal on Aug. 4. (Photo by Paul Haring)

Instituted in 2022 by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors, the Blessed Michael McGivney Medal is annually awarded to a Knights of Columbus chaplain whose priestly zeal and exemplary service are in the finest traditions of the Order’s founder, Blessed Michael McGivney.

The 2025 recipient of the Blessed Michael McGivney Medal is Pallottine Father Frank Donio, state chaplain of the District of Columbia, who received the medal from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly during the annual Supreme Knight’s Awards Session held on Aug. 4, the eve of the 143rd Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C.

While an undergraduate student at CUA, Father Donio helped establish The Catholic University of America Council 9542 on campus in 1987. He has now served as the chaplain of that council for almost two decades, and also serves as faithful friar of James Cardinal Hickey Assembly 2534 in Washington, D.C.

As council chaplain, Father Donio has been a spiritual father to many young adults discerning their vocations, offering advice and encouragement to guide them toward God’s will and hosting a yearly discernment retreat for council members. Since Father Donio became chaplain, at least 20 men have become priests thanks to his influence and encouragement, including former members of Council 9542. Present and former council members testify to his unwavering dedication and profound impact on their understanding of the faith and their relationship with Christ.

Father Donio stands with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, his wife, Vanessa, and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori after receiving the Blessed Michael McGivney Medal. *(Photo by Paul Haring)*

Despite his many obligations, Father Donio finds time to participate in council meetings and exemplifications and provide pastoral guidance to members, even after graduation. On campus, he offers a weekly “Knight Mass” for the entire Catholic community. He also hosts a semiannual “OverKnight” event, where he offers Mass and provides a home-cooked meal for council members.

In addition to his extensive service to the Knights of Columbus, Father Donio is the executive director for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and holds leadership roles in the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines), of which he is a member. He is the founding director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and works with several secretariats of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, national and international Catholic organizations, religious communities and dioceses on projects and initiatives related to evangelization, co-responsibility, collaboration in ministry, Church leadership and pastoral planning. He also teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels in CUA’s School of Theology and Religious Studies.

WATCH: Blessed Michael McGivney Award – Father Frank Donio, Chaplain to Catholic University Knights