Supreme Knight Carl Anderson - A look back at the 125th Supreme Convention
Yesterday we wrapped up our 125th Supreme Convention. It was truly an historic event, attended by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone, and addressed by letter by Pope Benedict XVI. Looking back on this historic event, I would like to share a few of the special moments of this convention with you.
At the State's Dinner on Tuesday night, we presented Cardinal Bertone with the Gaudium et Spes Award - the Order's highest honor. We also heard moving words from Archbishop Fouad Twal, coadjutor of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, who told us of how he was supported by Knights when he was in the seminary. It is important for all of us to remember that the vocations we support become the priests and the bishops that we work with so closely at every level of the Knights of Columbus.
On Wednesday evening, we had the honor to host Cardinal Bertone and several other members of the hierarchy for a dinner at which the Cardinal gave a very moving speech related closely to our convention's theme of saying "yes" to Jesus Christ. I hope you will all take the time to read his important and inspiring words at http://www.kofc.org/un/eb/en/convention_2007/addressess/index.html
That evening, I asked the assembled bishops, cardinals and priests to stand if they had a brother, uncle, father or grandfather who was a Knight. We had a room filled with standing priests and bishops, all of whom were a testament to the fact that Knights of Columbus families support vocations - not just financially - but in the environment created in their homes as well.
On Thursday, the delegates to the Supreme Convention approved a resolution reaffirming our commitment to defending life and the dignity, which reaffirmed our: "deep commitment to oppose any governmental action or policy that promotes abortion, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, euthanasia, assisted suicide and other offenses against life." As I noted in my report on Tuesday, Winston Churchill said during the darkest days of World War II: "This is the lesson: Never give in, never give in, never, never, never - in nothing great or small." On issues of life and the dignity of the human person, the Knights of Columbus will never give in.
As we look forward to our next 125 years, let us continue to be Knights of charity, of unity with our Church, of fraternity with each other, and of patriotism for our countries. Let us continue to say "yes" to Jesus Christ as those generations of Knights before us have done, and let us give an excellent example to our future generations of Knights of saying "yes" to Jesus Christ.
Vivat Jesus!
Watched with great interest and attention the telecasts by EWTN of the convention. Opening Mass was very inspiring as well as impressive.
As next year (June 28, 2008, to be exact) will be our Council's 100th Anniversary, I would hope we will be able to approximate, on a smaller scale, what the Order's 125th celebration has been.
Vivat Jesus
Charles Cooper, Recorder
San Mateo (in CA) Council #1346
Posted by: Charles Cooper | August 12, 2007 at 01:50 AM
What a wonderful, edifying day this has been. I have watched most of the events of the 125th K of C convention. I enjoyed the segment you had on the vocation of marriage.
Posted by: Kathy Teal | August 11, 2007 at 07:38 PM
I have been privileged to watch most of the K of C events of today (Aug 11) on EWTN. What an edifying experience to see all of these men and clergy come together in service to the Lord, Jesus Christ. I especially enjoyed the segment on marriage. Before my husband passed on we led Marriage Encounter weekends for our diocese and marriage preparation classes for our parish. We loved every minute of it.
Again thank you for a wonderful day.
Posted by: Kathy Teal | August 11, 2007 at 07:34 PM