The President of the Governorate participates in the 143rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus
Heralds of Hope
“In a particular way during this Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.” This was the message of Pope Leo XIV to the Knights of Columbus, gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 143rd Supreme Convention, held from August 4 to 7.
In a video message released on Wednesday, August 6, the Pope emphasized that the founder of the Knights, Blessed Michael McGivney, clearly understood the call to be a sign of hope. “He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments and through fraternal assistance, fraternal assistance which continues on to this day.”
Also present, listening to the Pope’s message, was Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate, who participated in the 143rd Supreme Convention at the invitation of Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV pointed out that this year’s Convention theme, Heralds of Hope, “reminds all of you, Knights of Columbus, of the invitation to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families.”
He went on to express his appreciation for their efforts “to bring together men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local Councils throughout the world.” In particular, he added “your generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war, brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder.”
For his part, Patrick Kelly stated: “On behalf of over 2.1 million Knights of Columbus worldwide, we are honored to receive this historic video message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV—his second message addressed to the American public.” He added, “This year’s Supreme Convention theme, Heralds of Hope, calls our members and all Catholic men to listen to the Holy Father’s message and bring hope to others through service and sacrifice. Together, we pledge to Pope Leo XIV our prayers and fidelity, and we will always remain united with him.”
During the Convention, Ann Mary Glendon, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See during the presidency of George W. Bush, was awarded the Gaudium et Spes Award. She was recognized for her service to the Catholic Church, in which “she held high-level roles in various Vatican bodies, notably as President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and as the first woman to serve as Head of Delegation of the Holy See at a United Nations international conference.” In that role, “she firmly opposed abortion and population control initiatives at the historic 1995 UN World Conference on Women in Beijing. She has defended religious freedom both at home and abroad, and has advised the last three Popes on a range of issues, from the role of women in the Church to the reform of the Institute for the Works of Religion.”
The President of the Governorate participated in the opening Mass of the Convention, held on the morning of Tuesday, August 5, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. She then took part in the Opening Session, where the Supreme Knight presented the Annual Report. On the morning of Wednesday, August 6, after attending the morning Mass, she was special guest at the “Ladies Luncheon.”
The Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus is their most important annual assembly—a kind of international congress that brings together the leaders and members of the Knights of Columbus from around the world.
