The Knights of Columbus opened their 143rd Supreme Convention on Aug. 5 in Washington, D.C., with a call to charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, as Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly urged members to be “heralds of hope” in a world searching for meaning.
Delegates from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, Cuba and other nations gathered in the nation’s capital, joined virtually by viewers on EWTN, Salt + Light Television, and CatholicTV. The session began with prayer led by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, the Knights’ Supreme Chaplain, invoking hope rooted in Christ’s love and the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney, the group’s founder.
“Our hope is born of love, and is rooted in the pierced heart of your Son, Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Lori prayed. “Let us, your Knights of Columbus family, be heralds of hope.”
Pope Leo XIV addressed the convention in a video message reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope. He reminded the Knights that “the source of our hope is Jesus Christ,” and praised the Order for being “tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.”
Saying the convention’s theme, Heralds of Hope, is timely, Pope Leo commended the Knights’ charitable outreach, including efforts for “the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war,” which he said “brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder, Blessed Michael McGivney.”
Kelly’s annual report highlighted the Knights’ global impact and alignment with the vision of Pope Leo XIV. He recalled being in Rome at the time of the conclave and pledging the “unfailing unity” of 2.1 million Knights to the new Holy Father. He said Pope Leo’s call for missionary outreach, unity and fraternity “felt like he was speaking directly to the Knights of Columbus,” because those principles reflect the Order’s founding mission.
He also paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as “a pope of charity,” whose example inspired the Knights’ outreach to Indigenous communities, efforts against human trafficking, and humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
“We don’t merely volunteer,” Kelly said. “We see the face of Christ in those we serve, and we sacrifice for them because that’s what Jesus did for us.”
Humanitarian work remains a hallmark of the Knights’ mission. The Global Wheelchair Mission has donated more than 158,000 wheelchairs, including 19,000 last year. Aid continues for Christians in Nigeria, where persecution persists, and for Ukrainians suffering from the ongoing war. Kelly shared the story of Tetiana Sahaidak, a young woman in Ukraine who lost her foot in a missile attack and is now receiving a prosthetic with the Knights’ support.
The Knights of Columbus continue their longstanding support for the Special Olympics through volunteer service and financial contributions. In the United States, Knights also responded to natural disasters including the Texas floods, hurricanes in the Southeast, and the California wildfires. He shared a story about one Knight’s family whose home was destroyed in California and found hope in a statue of the Blessed Mother that survived untouched. Their video singing the “Regina Caeli” went viral, inspiring millions.
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Spiritual renewal is central to the Knights’ work. The Sacred Heart Pilgrim Icon Program has inspired more than 5,000 prayer services, drawing one-half million participants, while the Knights continue to lead Eucharistic processions and support the National Eucharistic Revival.
Vocations support also remains a priority. The Knights’ RSVP program has assisted more than 150,000 men and women discerning the priesthood or religious life and has surpassed $100 million in contributions. Kelly underscored that commitment by presenting the 2025 International Blessed Michael McGivney Medal to Pallottine Frank S. Donio, the Knights’ highest annual honor for priests, which recognizes chaplains whose ministry reflects the spirit of the organization’s founder.
Father Donio, a charter member and longtime chaplain of the Knights of Columbus’ council at The Catholic University of America, also serves as the state chaplain for the District of Columbia. Kelly noted that Donio has spent nearly two decades supporting the spiritual formation and vocational discernment of young men, including several who have entered the priesthood.
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The session concluded with a moving story of hope through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney. Kelly recounted the story of a toddler who fell into a pool and had no pulse for 52 minutes. After the family prayed a novena and placed a first-class relic of Blessed Michael McGivney on the child, he made a full recovery.
“We have come further than Father McGivney ever imagined, but we have only gone where Christ has called us to go,” Kelly said. “Now, let’s put our faith into action once again as heralds of hope in all we do.”
