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By Fr. Jonathan D. Kalisch, O.P.
Director of Chaplains and Spiritual Development
Part of the organizational genius and virtuous humility of Blessed Michael McGivney was that, in founding the Knights of Columbus as a lay organization, he refused to be its head. Despite significant opposition from fellow clergy and doubts among members of the hierarchy about how it would work, Blessed Michael understood that laymen needed to be entrusted with leadership responsibilities in the council. This was meant to foster a spirit of co-responsibility between the Knights and their pastor in bringing the message of the Gospel to all areas of life. In this way, the Order became a forerunner of what the Second Vatican Council would later articulate regarding the universal call to holiness and the role of the laity in the Church.
In an address to the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, Pope Leo XIV reminded clergy of the importance of spiritually accompanying the laity in their shared responsibility for the Church. He began by quoting St. Paul: “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel” (1 Cor 4:15).
The Holy Father continued: “It is true that in the Church, at times, the figure of the formator as ‘pedagogue,’ engaged in transmitting instructions and religious competences, has prevailed over that of the ‘father’ capable of generating faith. Our mission, however, is much loftier, and so we cannot stop at transmitting a doctrine, an observance, an ethic, but rather we are called to share what we live, with generosity, sincere love for souls, willingness to suffer for others, and unreserved dedication, like parents who sacrifice themselves for the good of their children.”
Pope Leo also highlighted the importance of spiritual accompaniment in the context of a community, such as a Knights of Columbus council or parish: “Christian life is conveyed through the love of a community,” he said. “It is not the priest by himself, or a catechist, or a charismatic leader who generates faith, but the Church, the united, living Church, made up of families, young people, celibates and consecrated persons, inspired by charity and therefore eager to be fruitful, to transmit to everyone — and above all to the new generations — the joy and fullness of meaning that it lives and experiences.”
As the joys of the summer season take hold, let us rededicate ourselves to the spiritual accompaniment of our brother Knights in the coming year. Amid the frustrations that at times may weigh upon us, let us take to heart the Holy Father’s advice: “The challenges you confront can at times seem beyond your strength and resources. However, you must not be discouraged. Start small, following, in faith, the Gospel logic of the ‘mustard seed’ (cf. Mt 13:31-32), confident that the Lord will never fail to provide you with the necessary energy, people and graces at the right time. Look to Mary: By giving us Christ, she ‘wrought together by charity, that faithful ones should be born in the Church, who are members of that Head’ (Saint Augustine, De sancta virginitate 6, 6). Imitate her faith and always entrust yourselves to her intercession.”
Wishing you a blessed summer. Vivat Jesus!
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