One of the world's largest fraternal organizations, the Knights of Columbus, has formally installed its new supreme knight, Patrick Kelly, and state deputies in its first in-person meeting since the start of the pandemic.
'By the authority invested in me, I am proud to install you as Supreme Knight of the order of the Knights of Columbus'.
He took the opportunity to address the leadership team for the first time in-person since his election. He says this year of St. Joseph is a crucial time for the future of the organization.
'This year is providential for the Knights of Columbus, because there are few things the world needs more right now than men in the mold of St. Joseph'.
In an interview with Rome Reports, Kelly said he hopes they will increase their outreach to families under his tenure as supreme knight.
PATRICK KELLY
Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus
“I think one of the issues we need to focus on is strengthening the faith of Catholic men and the faith of families. I think that is a critical juncture that we're at in this culture. I think families are really struggling.”
During the past year, the Knights of Columbus donated over 77 million service hours to benefit local communities, a number Kelly says is rooted in the organization's Christian identity.
PATRICK KELLY
Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus
“We do good work, but we don't just do good work for its own sake. We do it because we are Christian men and we see the face of Christ in those that we serve, and this is how Christ taught us to live.”
During the ceremony the organization's first Native American supreme secretary was installed. Now the new leaders of Knights of Columbus will seek to build upon their over 138 years of living out the Catholic faith in the world.
JM
