HOMEPAGE for this issue: July 27, 2011 // Download PDF Version // Click to install/update Adobe Reader on your computer

Knights to gather in Denver

By John Gleason

After years of anticipation and countless hours of  planning the Knights of Columbus of Colorado are ready to play host to the world as the 129th Supreme Convention convenes in Denver Aug. 2-4. 

The event, which regularly attracts 2,500 Knights and their families—as well as clergy from throughout the world—includes elections, liturgies, discussion of resolutions, recognition and awards for outstanding programs, and service and fraternity. 

It is the first time the Supreme Convention has been held in Colorado since 1984.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, who will be deliver the state of the Knights of Columbus address, told the Denver Catholic Register he’s pleased to be in Denver for the convention, acknowledging the rich tradition and history the organization has here.

“Through the tireless work of men like John Reddin in the early 20th century, Denver was a key city in the westward expansion of the Knights of Columbus in the United States,” Anderson said. “As such, it is an ideal venue for us to review the success of the past year, while charting the course for the future.”

Reddin was the first Grand Knight of Denver Knights of Columbus Council 539.  Established in 1900, it is the oldest council in the western United States.

Many things are being packed into the three-day event according to Andrew Walther, vice president in charge of communications and media.  The convention kicks off the first morning with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., and continues from there.

“That Mass will be concelebrated by 10 cardinals and approximately 70 archbishops and bishops and more than a hundred priests,” Walther said.  “The opening business takes over in the afternoon with the annual report to be delivered by Carl Anderson, which includes ongoing activities, accomplishments of the organization over the past year and future plans.”

The formal States Dinner will be held that first evening and will feature remarks by Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, archbishop of Guadalajara; Archbishop Gérald Lacroix, I.S.P.X., of Québec; and an address by Cardinal Raymond Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome. 

Wednesday begins with Mass celebrated by Cardinal J. Francis Stafford followed by a business meeting and an afternoon session at which the organization’s international service award winners will be recognized. On the last day of the conference, Mass will be celebrated by Supreme Chaplain Bishop William Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., for all deceased Knights of the past year.

The Knights in Colorado have toiled for months to ensure that delegates and their guests enjoy themselves while here.  Hundreds of volunteers helped organize tours, outings and social events that will be held for the visitors in the days leading up to the official opening.

Informal get-togethers included a luncheon hosted by the Ladies of Colorado State Council, a barbecue, and a pizza party for the youngsters.  A variety of day trips around the state are also planned.  Guests will have the opportunity to visit Garden of the Gods, Mother Cabrini Shrine or the Stations of the Cross in the San Luis Valley.  Visitors will also have the chance to cheer on the Colorado Rockies baseball team with a trip to Coors Field.

Event organization and scheduling took place through the efforts of volunteers who want to make sure the convention-goers come away with many fond memories of Colorado, according to Price Hatcher, past State Deputy and steering committee member. 

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest lay Catholic organization, with more than 1.8 million members. Founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney as a fraternal benefit society in New Haven, Conn., the organization gave more than $154 million and 70 million hours of service to charitable causes last year.