The Knights' namesake, Christopher Columbus, has been the focus of false
criticism for several decades. However, in recent years his statue and likeness
have come
under renewed attack. As both Knights and faithful Catholics, we defend the
Faith, the Church, and her faithful children, as did Columbus and his crew, who
risked their lives for Her mission of saving souls.
As Pope Leo XIII proclaimed in his 1892 Encyclical, Quarto
Abeunte Saeculo, on the occasion of The Columbus
Quadricentennial:
For Columbus is ours; since if a little consideration be given to the particular reason of his design in exploring the mare tenebrosum, and also the manner in which he endeavored to execute the design, it is indubitable that the Catholic faith was the strongest motive for the inception and prosecution of the design; so that for this reason also the whole human race owes not a little to the Church.
Offer a Latin Mass for Columbus Day
Therefore, each Columbus Day we encourage all
traditional councils and individual Knights to mark Columbus’ anniversary
of the discovery of the Americas with prayer – specifically, the greatest
prayer: a Traditional Latin Mass, in thanksgiving for Columbus’ mission. Here
are the guidelines:
- Organize a Traditional Latin Mass – specifically the Mass of the Holy Trinity, which Pope Leo XIII recommended in his encyclical
- Intention: Thanksgiving for Columbus’ discovery of the New World
- Offer the Mass on Monday, October 12 (both actual anniversary and observed date in U.S.) - Oct. 12th is a 4th class Feast Day, so a votive Mass can be offered this day
- After Mass, recite a Rosary for the intention of persecuted Christians.
As the attacks against the Church and the faithful increase (both outside
the Americas and within), let us return to prayer and the invocation of the
Holy Trinity, to intercede for the Church during these times of unrest, while
also giving thanks for the benefits we have been given.
As our founder, the Venerable Michael McGivney, chose the name of
Christopher Columbus, let us pray to God:
"We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor we now present....Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Additional Resources
Papal
Encyclical: Quarto
Abeunte Saeculo - The Columbus Quadricentennial, by Pope Leo XIII, July 16,
1892
