杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

In 2020, the Knights of Columbus 鈥� the world鈥檚 largest Catholic family fraternal organization 鈥� are celebrating one hundred years of charitable activity in the city of Rome.

Charitable work in Rome

In his address to the Board of Directors of the organization, 杏MAP导航 Francis recalled that 杏MAP导航 Benedict XV had invited the Knights to provide humanitarian aid to young people and others in Rome 鈥渇ollowing the terrible conflict of the First World War鈥�. He praised their efforts to establish sports centres for youth 鈥渨hich quickly became places for education, catechesis, and the distribution of food and other essentials so needed at the time鈥�. In this way, he said, the Knights 鈥減roved faithful to the vision of [their] founder, Venerable Michael McGivney, who was inspired by the principles of Christian charity and fraternity to assist those most in need鈥�.

Faithful witness to sacredness of human life

Turning to the works of the order today, 杏MAP导航 Francis highlighted the Knights鈥� 鈥渇aithful witness to the sacredness and dignity of human life鈥�, and their aid to Christian communities in the Middle East. He thanked them 鈥渇or seeing in our persecuted and displaced brothers and sisters of that region our neighbours for whom you are a sign of God鈥檚 infinite love鈥�.

Devotion to the 杏MAP导航

杏MAP导航 Francis also noted the Knights鈥� 鈥渦nswerving devotion to the Successor of Peter鈥�, shown especially in the establishment of the Vicarius Christi Fund (which supports the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 personal charities), and in the Knights鈥� desire 鈥渢o share in the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 solicitude for all the Churches and in his universal mission of charity鈥�. He said, 鈥淚n our world, marked by divisions and inequalities, the generous commitment of your Order to serve all in need offers, especially to young people, an important inspiration to overcome a globalization of indifference and build together a more just and inclusive society鈥�.

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his address by entrusting all the Knights 鈥渢o the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary鈥�, and assuring them of his prayers for them and their families, 鈥渁nd for all the good works accomplished by the local Councils worldwide".