The novel coronavirus has turned the world upside down, left unprecedented numbers of people jobless, and brought on the new norm of social-distancing. At the same time, we are all becoming more aware of a deeply-rooted desire for community and ways to help those in need. Perhaps that explains why the Knights of Columbus have seen a sort of mini-boom in membership requests.
Over 2,000 men joined the Catholic fraternal organization on 16 April in its first-ever online “Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity”. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson spoke to Vatican Radio about why Catholic men are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Anderson identifies two main reasons. “One, they see the need for added charity during the coronavirus pandemic, and so they want to get active.” The Knights have 10,000 local councils, and “they are active in charity.” “Plus,” Mr. Anderson adds, “They want the fellowship of Catholic men who will be more than friends but will be fraternal brothers and work together.”
The Knights of Columbus were founded by Venerable Fr Michael J. McGivney in 1882 in the US state of Connecticut. According to their website, the Knights’ aim is to “bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy members and their families.” Vatican News
