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The Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal organization. It was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney at Saint Mary's Church in New Haven Connecticut. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus. It was officially chartered on March 29, 1882 by the Connecticut state legislature.
The Kights of Columbus is based on three principles: charity, unity, and fraternity. Today it is the largest lay Catholic organization in the world with more than 13,000 councils, and more than 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
The Knights are well known for their charirty work. Some of the major casuses that the Knights are known to support are pro-life activities and vocations. Father McGivney's founding vision also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members.
Seven knights have been canonized as Saints. The first six were declared saints of the Catholic Church by Pope John Paul II in 2000. They were all martyred in Mexico during the persecutions of the 1920s and 1930s. Then Bishop Rafael Guizar Valencia (1878–1938) was canonized in Rome on Oct. 15 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. The cause for sainthood of Father McGivney is currently being investigated by the Vatican. On March 15, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI declared Father McGivney as a "Venerable Servant of God". The pope's declaration significantly advanced the cause for sainthood.
If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus locate your nearest council to find out more information.
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The Greatest Man in History
JESUS
had no servants, yet they called Him
MASTER.
Had no degree, yet they called Him
TEACHER.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him
HEALER.
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He commited no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
I feel honoured to serve such a Leader who loves us!
AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!!!!
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