MESSAGE
OF OUR STATE DEPUTY
JEAN RICHARD
« United... to give the taste of Knighthood!
Welcome to the Knights of Columbus Quebec State Council's Web site! - As Quebec's State Deputy, I am pleased to be able to “talk” with you through the magic of Internet.
The Knights of Columbus Order arose from the dream of a humble parish priest of Irish origin, who had given himself the mission of gathering around the Catholic Church the young men then largely solicited by sects and secret societies which proliferated at the time. With this in mind, he determined four basic principles: - Unity, Charity, Fraternity and Patriotism - to guide the new Order in assisting members of young families which too often lost their breadwinner and support at an early stage in life.
Thattook
occurred in 1882, thus 125 years ago. Today, the Order numbers in
excess of 1.720.000 members. As can be seen, dreams, however small
and humble, can lead to great realizations. Faith is all it takes.
Believing in the support of the Holy Spirit, in the kindness and capacity
of men of goodwill, in the power of Unity. Single-handedly, it may
be difficult to achieve broad objectives, but in uniting our strengths
with those who share our dreams, everything becomes possible.
The Order of the Knights of Columbus has become the largest gathering of Catholic men in the world. For the past 125 years, they have supported their parish, their dioceses, their communities, families, the poor and the weak. For 125 years, the Knights have never deviated from the principles and rules established by their founder. For 125 years, they kept growing and making progress. For 125 years, the Knights have collaborated with their fellow citizens to improve the living standards of the needy.
To attain
this level of success, it is necessary for all members of the Order
to share the same taste for accomplishing charitable and fraternal
deeds. It is also necessary for all Columbian Order members to fully
adhere and consistently apply the four remarkable principles inherited
from Father Michael J. McGivney.
If the Order is as vibrant in 2007 as in 1882, it is certainly because
its members adore what they do; but also because they have learned
to join forces. Our members love Columbian action, because they find
it promotes FRATERNITY. They work together, because they are aware
of the power of UNITY. They are proud of their achievements, because
they are motivated by CHARITY. Finally, they promote their values
and traditions, because they are constantly stimulated by their PATRIOTISM.
Friends who read me, if you are a Knight be proud of our achievements and unite with your brothers to give others the “Taste for Knighthood”. If you are not a Knight, contact the Council nearest you (your parish priest or parish office should be aware of the council nearest you), and attend with your spouse the information session given by the local council Grand knight.
In closing, I wish all brother Knights an excellent Columbian Year. To friends of the Knights, I wish they will, like me and my brother Knights, catch the “Taste for Knighthood”.
Fraternally,
Jean Richard
State Deputy