Friday, May 29, 2020

Special Vigil of Pentecost Mass tomorrow Saturday May 30

Brother Knights,

Tomorrow Saturday May 30th is the ancient Vigil of Pentecost. Before 1955, this day had its own special liturgy to prepare the faithful for the great Feast of Pentecost. It is not to be confused with an evening "anticipatory Mass for Sunday".

As some of you may recall, many major feasts in the traditional calendar had vigils the day prior that were also accompanied by its own Masses and abstinence or fasting - this included the Vigil of Ascension, Assumption, Nativity, and even the Vigil of St. Lawrence the Martyr.

The Vigil of Pentecost, it was very much similar to the Easter Vigil Mass, in some sense. According to the Facebook page Restore the '54, the Mass begins with deacon and subdeacon wear folded chasubles, penitential vestments, no altar candles are lit in the beginning, and 6 prophecies from the Old Testament (half of the twelve from the Easter Vigil) among other things.

Fortunately, you have an opportunity to watch this beautiful liturgy. Mater Ecclesiae Latin Mass Chapel in Berlin, NJ will live stream this Traditional Latin Mass:

Vigil of Pentecost Mass - Saturday May 30, 5:00pm Eastern

https://www.facebook.com/MaterEcclesiaeChurch/ 


Restore the '54 Facebook page has an extended summary of the first part of the Mass (you don't need a Facebook account to review)

Link here

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Vatican approves Fr. Michael McGivney's beatification

The Vatican has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Venerable Fr. Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. Please read the official statement from the Knights of Columbus:

https://www.fathermcgivney.org/en/for-the-media/michael-mcgivney-closer-to-sainthood.html

Please also see message from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson from Wednesday May 27, 2020:




Dear Brother Knight,
It is with particular joy that I write to share with you the news that, at Noon today in Rome, the Vatican announced the formal recognition of a miracle attributed to our founder, Venerable Father Michael McGivney.
With this announcement, a Mass of Beatification will soon be scheduled.
This joyful news is the culmination of many years of determined effort, and I ask for your continued and increased prayers as we prepare for the day when our founder will be known as “Blessed Michael McGivney.”
The Vatican announcement can be found below:
Decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
On May 26, 2020, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. During the audience, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the same Congregation to promulgate the Decrees regarding:
[…] the miracle, attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Michael McGivney, Diocesan Priest, Founder of the Order of the Knights of Columbus; born on August 12, 1852 in Waterbury (United States of America) and died in Thomaston (United States of America) on August 14, 1890; Venerable Michael McGivney was the founder of the Knights of Columbus, now the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. After studies in Canada and the United States, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop James Gibbons in Baltimore. He founded the Knights of Columbus as a mutual aid society, geared especially to working men and their families. He was known for his tireless work among his parishioners. He died at the early age of 38 from pneumonia.
I would ask each brother Knight to learn more about our founder at the newly updated Father McGivney Guild website where the Order will also regularly post news and updates related to the beatification.
And if you would like to learn even more about our founder’s heroic life and continuing legacy, please consider reading Father McGivney’s biography, Parish Priest, and the newly-released book The Knights of Columbus: An Illustrated History.
Sincerely,
Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The Cristero War & the Knights of Columbus

Twenty years ago this past week, Pope St. John Paul II canonized 25 martyrs - including 6 Knights of Columbus members - from the Mexican Cristeros war in the 1920s.

The Knights of Columbus has put together a wonderful article detailing the role of the Knights in Mexico during the persecution of the Church by the Marxist government of Mexico led by Plutarco Calles.  To learn more about this heroic effort by Knights and the faithful Catholics of Mexico, please click on the link below.

http://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/articles/cristero-war-and-the-knights.html

¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Prayers for our chaplain today - Wednesday May 13


Brother Knights,

Each month, the Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), a society of Latin Mass priests, designates a day each month to pray for a specific priest within their order, and invites the faithful to pray for this priest as well.
 
Today, Wednesday May 13 (Our Lady of Fatima’s first visit) is assigned to our chaplain, Fr. John Brancich, FSSP and as many of you know, Father has kindly taken time out of his busy schedule to join our calls, provide spiritual guidance, and prays for us Latin Mass Knights. It’s only fitting that we should return the generosity. 

In your charity, would you be able to pray for Fr. Brancich today Wednesday May 13? It could be a simple Hail Mary, or perhaps even a decade of your Rosary.  In times like these, we could all use extra prayers – especially our priests. 

Vivat Jesus! 

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Appeal for the Church to the World - to Catholics and people of goodwill

Brother Knights,

Please see below an important message by prominent members of the Church (Cardinals, Bishops, etc.) regarding the response of governments toward the Church in the COVID-19 crisis. Please share with your brother Knights, and families, friends, etc.


This historic letter by clergy warns Catholics to be vigilant against excessive government instructions. We encourage you to read the entire letter but here are a few pro-life highlights: 

APPEAL FOR THE CHURCH TO THE WORLD - To Catholics and all people of goodwill

Link here:



Abortion/Population Control:
  • In particular, citizens must be given the opportunity to refuse these restrictions on personal freedom, without any penalty whatsoever being imposed on those who do not wish to use vaccines, contact tracking or any other similar tool.
  • Let us also consider the blatant contradiction of those who pursue policies of drastic population control and at the same time present themselves as the savior of humanity, without any political or social legitimacy.
  • Let us also remember, as Pastors, that for Catholics it is morally unacceptable to develop or use vaccines derived from material from aborted fetuses.
Rights of the Catholic Church:
  • Finally, as Pastors responsible for the flock of Christ, let us remember that the Church firmly asserts her autonomy to govern, worship, and teach.
  • For this reason, as Pastors we firmly assert the right to decide autonomously on the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction, such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments.
  • The State has no right to interfere, for any reason whatsoever, in the sovereignty of the Church.

This truly is a historic moment, and though worrisome, let us remember that the 103rd anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima is this Wednesday. As Pope Benedict remarked 10 years ago:

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete," the pope said. From the earliest times, he said, humanity "has succeeded in unleashing a cycle of death and terror, but failed in bringing it to an end." - Pope Benedict XVI, May 13, 2010


Finally, let us also show solidarity with the persecuted Christians in the Middle East, Africa, and China by praying: 

Prayer for Persecuted Christians: https://www.kofc.org/un/en/resources/charities/christian-relief/prayer-christians.pdf 

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! 

Friday, May 1, 2020

A message from the Supreme Knight

Please see the message sent by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson on April 30, 2020:





Dear Brother Knight,
As the world reels from the coronavirus crisis, the Knights of Columbus continues to serve: providing the charitable, spiritual and financial resources relied on by so many.
Early action at the Supreme Council headquarters meant that we began working remotely in mid-March, ensuring the health and safety of our workforce, and the continuity of our business operations with minimal disruption. Our employees are putting the “home” in “home office,” as they continue their work with the utmost commitment and excellence.
The Order’s agency force has also embraced working virtually. Agents continue to meet and advise members about their insurance and financial needs, but now they do so online through secure Skype appointments. The financial services and products we offer are important in normal circumstances; they are vital during this pandemic.
The Knights of Columbus remains financially strong. On April 6, Standard and Poor’s ranked life insurers on their ability to weather the coronavirus storm. Of hundreds of life insurers in North America, the Knights of Columbus was one of only six to earn the top ranking.
Responding to the pandemic, in March we launched a new initiative — “Leave No Neighbor Behind” — and councils worldwide are already implementing it, providing critical support in neighborhoods and parishes, donating blood, and ensuring that no one is forgotten. The Supreme Council has also launched a multimillion-dollar campaign to support food banks in the United States and Canada, and we are providing a financial lifeline for dioceses as well.
These efforts complement the countless ways that brother Knights are helping the sick, the hungry and others in need. Our charitable work in North America is so significant that the White House has asked for regular updates on our relief efforts.
During this pandemic we have also adapted from in-person meetings to having councils conduct essential business remotely. The Supreme Council has also provided a platform to allow every jurisdiction to hold a virtual state convention. The means of connecting has changed, but our proud tradition of faith in action has not.
Our actions have been a powerful witness, and a recent degree ceremony, held online, produced the largest number of new members from a single event in our Order’s history. The Supreme Council is hosting our new Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity online every Thursday. In addition, our eMembership option continues to provide a quick and easy way for men to join our brotherhood.
The Knights of Columbus has risen to meet every challenge we have faced since 1882. In fact, COVID-19 is the third pandemic in our Order’s history. As we have always done before, we will prevail and do immense good during this time. Not only will the Order come through this crisis; we will make a decisive difference in ensuring that our parishes, communities and countries do the same.
May Venerable Father Michael McGivney and Our Lady of Guadalupe guide and guard you in the days ahead. Vivat Jesus!
Fraternally,
Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight