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Archbishop Chaput urges clergy, Knights to heed God’s call to humility, service
By John Gleason
More than 2,500 delegates, family and friends attended the Aug. 2 Mass, which was concelebrated by 11 cardinals – including former Denver archbishop, Cardinal J. Francis Stafford—75 archbishops and bishops, and more than 125 priests from around the world.
Fourth Degree Knights provided the honor guard. Music was provided by the choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception from Washington, D.C., and members of the Denver Brass. During the Mass, the General Intercessions were proclaimed in English, Tagalog, French, Spanish and Polish. Gift bearers included past state deputies from the United States and Canada, Luzon (the Philippines) and the Dominican Republic.
In his homily, Archbishop Chaput spoke of conflicts in the modern Church, saying that bishops, priests and deacons are too often weak and sinful and must be held to high standards.
“The clergy’s leadership in the Church should always be marked by humility and service,” the prelate said, “and never by a sense of entitlement.”
The archbishop went on to say that men and women didn’t found the Church; they don’t own her and have no license to reinvent her.
“The Church belongs to Jesus Christ,” he said, “and the different roles within the community—clergy, laity and religious life—have equal dignity but different purposes.”
The Gospel reading from Matthew told the story of Jesus walking on water toward a boat in which the apostles were. Peter stepped out and began walking toward Christ, only to be shaken by the storm surrounding him. As he began to sink, he cried out for Jesus to save him. Archbishop Chaput said the reading represents the need for steadfast faith.
“As long as Peter keeps his yes and heart fixed on Jesus, he can do the impossible,” he said. “The moment he gives in to doubt and fear he begins to sink.”
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Photo provided courtesy Knights of Columbus |
Archbishop Chaput said it was fitting that the Mass commemorated the French priest St. Peter Julian Eymand, known as the “Apostle of the Eucharist.” The saint was begged to delay his decision to leave the diocesan clergy of Grenoble in order to become a religious priest. His response was: “God calls me now. Tomorrow will be too late.”
“God is calling each of us today,” the archbishop said, “to love him with all our hearts and renew the life of his Church. Tomorrow will be too late. So let’s pray and support each other—and begin.”
Maryland resident and convention attendee Kathleen Adamzyik told the Denver Catholic Register this call of God is what the Knights of Columbus is all about and events like the Supreme Convention are just one of the places where people can gather to discuss new ideas of how else they can be of service.
“We’re called every minute—God has an expectation of what we’re supposed to do for others,” she said, “and it’s something we should remind ourselves of everyday. There are many times when we fail, but God, being God, gives us many second chances.”
John Park is a member of Knights Council 9586 from St. Edward’s Parish in Nashville, Tenn. He said God’s call is the main reason he joined the Knights of Columbus 24 years ago.
“Both my father and grandfather were Knights,” he told the Register, “and the work they did as part of this organization was a tremendous influence on my decision to become one.”
Park said Knights form lifelong friendships that transcend great distances but the idea of service to others in the name of God makes those distances unimportant.
“We’re like-minded people who simply want to know how we can best serve others,” he said. “That’s what makes it great—(we’re) all working for the same thing no matter where we live or what language we speak.”
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