RESOLUTION HONORING FATHER JOHN P. GRACE, O.S.A.
WHEREAS, Father John P. Grace, O.S.A., has served at the Supreme Council as Director of Chaplain Programs and Development since March 2009, and in that capacity has worked tirelessly to enhance the role of state and council chaplains for the spiritual benefit and enrichment of all Knights and their families; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace has been a faithful and dedicated promoter of the Order for many years, serving as California State Chaplain, as Faithful Friar for the Fourth Degree, as State Prior and Father Prior for the Columbian Squires, and as a Council Chaplain in California; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace is deeply devoted to our founder, the Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney, never missing an opportunity to promote Father McGivney’s cause for canonization by prayerfully imploring his intercession; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace has served as a spiritual mentor for employees at the Supreme Council headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut, reverently offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Holy Family Chapel whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace has traveled widely to participate in state conventions and chaplains meetings around the world, from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Manila, Philippines, always taking time to inspire and thank chaplains for their vital ministry to Knights; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace coordinated the Pilgrimage to Rome for State Chaplains held during the Year for Priests, which was an occasion of grace, fraternal enrichment and encouragement for state chaplains; and
WHEREAS, for more than 50 years, Father Grace has been restless in search for God, for his love and for his truth, and has given himself in total service to the Church and God’s people through his religious congregation, the Order of St. Augustine, including missionary work in Nigeria and Ecuador, and parish assignments in Ireland and California; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ on February 18, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Father Grace will be retiring from the Supreme Council in September 2013 after more than four years of devoted service to the Order, its chaplains and members; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors assembled in San Antonio, Texas, on August 3-5, 2013, extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Father Grace as he approaches his well-deserved retirement; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Order expresses profound appreciation for his groundbreaking efforts with chaplains that will have far-reaching and long-lasting benefits for the spirituality of Knights and their families everywhere; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be referred to the Supreme Council for consideration by the delegates to the 131st Supreme Convention, that a copy be included in the proceedings of this meeting and that a bound copy be prepared for presentation to Father Grace as a tangible memento of the Order’s high esteem.