The Knights among us

​Every girl has, at least once, dreamed of being rescued by a knight in shining armour, riding a white horse and battling dragons. Childish at first, this dream gradually matures: we want to be surrounded by men who are sincere, honest, decent, selfless, and willing to sacrifice for their beliefs.

​Is such a figure attainable today? Can we still find knights? The answer is yes. Many Catholic men aim to become true men of God, following the example of St. Joseph and their patron saints. Some interpret this more literally by donning “the armour” and becoming knights, like the Knights of Columbus.

The Knights’ mission is to support the Church’s ministries, including caring for religious sisters, the brides of the Lord whom they serve. They assist sisters worldwide by sponsoring candidates, organizing vocation events, and supporting buildings and furnishings. I recently learned that when the Missionaries of Charity open a new convent, the Knights of Columbus provide the chapel’s tabernacle. They also support sisters facing challenges in defending human life, offering legal advocacy to the Sisters of Life and the Little Sisters of the Poor, who encounter religious freedom issues. They help print religious publications and host films that promote religious life. They provide financial support for the formation and education of religious sisters and brothers. 

I have seen the Knights of Columbus's kindness in every diocese where I have served. When I arrived in Calgary, I was glad to discover a council at our parish. They may choose to drive pickup trucks instead of riding white horses, but their spirit of chivalry, dedication, and helpfulness remains unchanged. Their support for the Church always includes caring for the sisters and offering quick, reliable, selfless assistance. They treat us like family. They arrive at our door with fresh fruit, salted fish, or meat. They remember things we sometimes forget, like maintaining boilers, chimneys, and gutters. They are the first people we contact for advice on buying equipment for our convent, garden, or daycare. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, replacing flooring, or providing a better winter coat for a child at the daycare, we know whom to call. They also help our sisters transition between the U.S. and Canada.

The Knights of Columbus at the council located at St. Luke’s Parish in Calgary have a special tradition of supporting religious sisters through their Annual Sisters Night. This event shows appreciation for the sisters' significant contributions to society. Organized by the Knights and their wives, and traditionally presided over by the bishop, this gathering joyfully celebrates the lives and ministries of religious women in the diocese. We are grateful for Evan Strong's annual contribution in offering each sister a long-stemmed rose.

​The evening also honours the jubilarians among the sisters. This year, they are:

• Sr. June Ayotte SCSL, 75th anniversary
• Sr. Ita Connery FCJ, 65th anniversary
• Sr. Terry Smith FCJ, 60th anniversary
• Sr. Mary Kelly FCJ, 60th anniversary
• Sr. Ger Curran FCJ, 50th anniversary

While the dinner happens once a year, we know it expresses the recognition and friendship the Knights offer the sisters every day of the year!​

This year’s dinner coincided with the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kevin Dick, acting as the MC, highlighted the efforts of sisters who supported the victims by volunteering at medical facilities and on-site, offering care and counselling, donating blood, and providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support. He emphasized that the sisters simply did what they always do: show up and stay present to care for others. We, as sisters, see the Knights in the same way.

​I want to take this opportunity to thank the Knights of Columbus for their ongoing support as contributors, sponsors, and often, friends of our homes and ministries. 

While it’s true that God cares for those who serve Him and supplies our needs, His help often comes through ordinary means—most often, through the support of others. With this in mind, we encourage men in the diocese to prayerfully consider joining the Knights. It’s a special opportunity to enter a brotherhood that puts faith into action and actively supports the local Church. As for the ladies, if you find in your husbands the qualities that would make them great knights, do encourage and endorse that call that will also beautifully benefit your family and community! 

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Written by Sr. Simon Grosicka, OP | Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio.