September 2025 | VOLUME 18, NUMBER 9 | KOFC.ORG/CHAPLAINS

More than 4,000 pilgrims from the United States, including several college Knights, flocked to St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, for the U.S. National Jubilee Pilgrim Gathering on July 30 as part of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome (July 28-Aug. 3). The event, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with support from the Knights of Columbus, included prayer, catechesis, Eucharistic adoration, and a solemn procession of the relics of dozens of saints and blesseds, including Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized Sept. 7.

Matthew Salomons, coordinator of college councils and a member of George C. Fields Council 420 in Mansfield, Massachusetts, traveled with other college Knights to the Jubilee gathering and shared the following reflection about his experience:

“When Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah in the Gospel of Luke and proclaims his mission and identity, fulfilling the Scriptures, he calls each of us to take part in that mission of evangelization and liberation through participation in the life of his Church.

“Participating as Knights of Columbus in a Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome, like we did in July, is a profound reminder of our call to active participation in the greater life of the Church. During the U.S. pilgrim gathering, Bishop Robert Barron reminded some 4,000 pilgrims that Christ summons each of us to a higher life, which is a true life of adventure. To come to Rome, especially at this moment in the history and life of our Church, is living out the call to adventure — not simply by going somewhere new and profound, but by answering God’s greater invitation to encounter him in a way that many of us never thought of.

“Bishop Barron also reminded everyone present that seeking the life of adventure that Christ calls us to removes us from our own preoccupations with ourselves and the world. I certainly felt that at various points during our pilgrimage. From taking part in this pilgrim gathering and all that we did in Rome, to simple moments of prayer with our college Knights and spending time in adoration with our Lord, I felt like I could hear God’s call to take the next step in my own spiritual adventure to come to know him better.

“As Knights of Columbus called to serve and to evangelize, let us not only be pilgrims of hope, but leaders of hope for all those we serve so that all can live the life of true spiritual adventure that Christ calls each of us to.”

This month, as we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on Sept. 14, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori challenges Knights to undertake some sacrifice or mortification — such as abstaining from meat one or two days a week — to strengthen their willingness to carry their cross daily.

Blessed Michael McGivney's Corner

In his ministry, Father Michael McGivney recognized the unique needs and challenges faced by young people. He saw their potential and worth, even when the world did not. His service to Chip Smith, a young man convicted of killing a police officer, is a powerful example of that. His spiritual guidance and compassionate heart led young Alida Harwood, the daughter of a Protestant pastor, to full communion with the Church and he delivered last rites just before her death at age 25. You can learn more about Father McGivney’s pastoral ministry in this article and find out more about his seminary formation in this article.

Father McGivney’s life demonstrates that solid formation and wise guidance are essential in nurturing faith and virtue. Use the new Cor session guide — available here — to reflect further on his life.

Pope Leo Addresses the 143rd Supreme Convention

The Order was honored to receive a historic video message from Pope Leo XIV, which was delivered during the televised opening business session of the 143rd Supreme Convention on Aug. 5. Knights of Columbus worldwide watched as Pope Leo commended the work of the Order and urged Knights to reflect on the “essential virtue” of hope, particularly during this Jubilee Year.

“The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions,” Pope Leo said in the message. “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. Your founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, understood this well. 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 as well as through fraternal assistance — fraternal assistance which continues on to this day.”

Watch the full video or read the papal greeting here. Encourage your council and your parish to pray for our Holy Father and request a special prayer card from the Knights of Columbus Catholic Information Service. 

‘A Priest With a Heart’

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori celebrated the annual Memorial Mass for Knights, family members and friends of the Order who died in the past year on the final day of the 143rd Supreme Convention Aug. 7. In his homily, Archbishop Lori echoed the theme of this year’s convention, describing Blessed Michael McGivney as a “herald of hope to his people, by helping them anchor their hope of eternal life in the Heart of Christ.” 

“The priestly heart of Blessed Michael surely embraces our beloved dead who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith,” the supreme chaplain said. “As we ourselves commend them to the Lord, we are acting as heralds of hope. By offering this Mass for our beloved dead, we proclaim our hope of life eternal — the hope that animates how we live, the decisions we make, the relationships we form and maintain, the work we do, our service to the poor and needy.” 

Read the full homily here.

The McGivney Medal is awarded annually at the Supreme Convention to a K of C chaplain who embodies the pastoral dedication and faithful service that defined Father Michael McGivney’s legacy. This year, the McGivney Medal was presented to Pallottine Father Frank Donio. As chaplain of Council 9542 at The Catholic University of America for almost two decades, Father Donio has been a spiritual father to many young adults discerning their vocations, offering advice and encouragement to guide them toward God’s will. “I’m very grateful to the Knights of Columbus for this recognition,” said Father Donio. “I am appreciative of the now over 40 years of being a Knight. I would say to my brother priests: first become a Knight.”

Watch a video profile highlighting Father Donio here and read more in this article. 

Andrey Sheptytsky Council 15804 in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, was awarded the International Family Program of the Year award for organizing the Knights of Columbus Cup athletic competition — a sports tournament for children affected by war. The tournament has not only helped restore joy amid ongoing conflict but has also borne unexpected fruit: 20 men have joined the Order as a result of these efforts.

Read more about the annual event here and watch this video to learn more about the award-winning initiative.

We invite all college council chaplains to register for the 60th College Councils Conference taking place in New Haven, Connecticut, Sept. 26-28. College Knights and their chaplains from across North America will gather for a weekend of fraternity, prayer and fellowship as they learn how to be successful councils and have a strong fraternal year. College Knights and chaplains can register and learn more about the conference here.

On Sept. 7, Pope Leo XIV will canonize Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati — two young men whose deep love for Christ and gift for sharing that love with others left a lasting impact on those around them. The canonization Mass will take place in St. Peter’s Square; you can watch the Mass here.

On Sept. 29, the Church honors the three archangels named in Scripture — Michael, the protector and leader of the heavenly armies; Gabriel, the messenger of God’s saving plan; and Raphael, the companion and healer. May St. Michael guard us in spiritual battles, may St. Gabriel help us to hear God’s voice, and may St. Raphael bring healing to our hearts and homes. The guidebook All About Angels, published by the Order’s Catholic Information Service, is available here. You can also order St. Michael Prayer Cards here.

September will be marked by the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The Church also reminds us that, as Christians, we are called to bear witness to our faith with courage. This month, the Jubilee celebrates the new martyrs and witnesses of the Faith, as well as missionaries and catechists — the apostles of our time.

September Jubilee events include:

• Sept. 12-13: World Meeting on Human Fraternity
• Sept. 12-13: 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
• Sept. 14: Commemoration of the New Martyrs and Witnesses of the Faith
• Sept. 15: Jubilee of Consolation
• Sept. 20: Jubilee of Justice
• Sept. 26-28: Jubilee of Catechists  

To view previous editions of Chaplain's Report, click here.

If you do not receive Chaplain's Report and would like to, please click SUBSCRIBE and complete the form.