March 2026 | VOLUME 19, NUMBER 3 | KOFC.ORG/CHAPLAINS

By Fr. Jonathan D. Kalisch, O.P.

Director of Chaplains and Spiritual Development

In this holy season of Lent, Pope Leo XIV invites us to enter into a time of conversion through a special emphasis on listening and fasting. In his 2026 message for Lent, Holy Father writes: “Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.”

Pope Leo emphasizes that putting God in the center of our lives involves a process of conversion that begins with listening to the Word of God and the truth of reality in our lives. He reminds us that God himself hears the cry of the poor, as seen in the encounter with Moses at the burning bush (Ex 3:7). The pope encourages us to fast this Lent so as to align our desires with God’s: “In order to foster this inner openness to listening, we must allow God to teach us how to listen as he does.” Fasting can free us from complacency, increase our desire to be in relationship with God and help us to do the good before us.

In his message, Pope Leo invites the faithful to especially abstain this Lent from giving voice to words that offend and hurt others: “Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.” This cultivation of kindness and respect in our language should also apply to our interactions on social media, in the workplace, and in political debates. The pope reminds ecclesial movements — like the Knights of Columbus — of our shared responsibility to journey together this Lent, remaining attentive to the word of God, responding to the cry of the poor and fasting for the sake of sincere conversion.

Knights of Columbus chaplains play a key role in encouraging brother Knights to respond to this Lenten invitation. By sharing the local and ecclesial dimensions of the need for justice and reconciliation, you can raise their awareness and invite them to respond to the real needs of their community. In this way, councils may become more attentive to the least among us and thereby hear the Word of God crying out. May we, along with our brother Knights, respond to the call of Pope Leo: “Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths toward liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.” May you have a blessed Lenten journey.

Vivat Jesus! 

This month, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori challenges Knights to pray the Stations of the Cross each week — in their parish communities, with their families or individually — with the intention of receiving the courage to suffer for Christ. A good resource is the Catholic Information Service booklet The Way of the Cross: Traditional and Modern Meditations (kofc.org/shopcis).

March 19 — Feast of St. Joseph

As we prepare to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph this month, an excellent resource for council and Cor meetings is the new five-episode Into the Breach series.

Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work examines modern misconceptions about work, explores its relationship to holiness and reveals the value we bring to work as Catholic men. These videos, which are about 12-14 minutes in length, can be viewed by individuals or in group settings. Resources include a study guide for small-group discussion, a St. Joseph the Worker prayer card and a promotional poster. All episodes and resources are available at kofc.org/intothebreach.

You can learn more about the new series in this recent article in the March 2026 issue of Columbia, which includes reflections on the dignity of work from several Knights featured in the videos. 

March 29 — Founder's Day

On March 29, 1882, the Knights of Columbus was formally chartered by the State of Connecticut. Now, more than 2 million Knights throughout the world continue to live out Blessed Michael McGivney’s vision of charity, unity and fraternity. This Founder’s Day, Knights are encouraged to pray for one another and the Order through the intercession of Father McGivney. As you prepare to observe this day with your councils, there are several resources — including the votive Mass of Blessed Michael McGivney, prayers, news articles and more — available here.

This month’s issue of Columbia features an article on Blessed Michael McGivney and his talent for using theater and music to strengthen parish life, engage young people and support charity. Through his successful productions at the Thomaston Opera House, he drew together parish and social life. Today, local Knights carry on the founder’s legacy by supporting the historic opera house, which is undergoing significant restoration.

Lenten Resources

The Order’s Catholic Information Service offers a variety of print resources that you, your council and your parish can benefit from this Lent. Here are a few highlights:

• A Guide to Confession
• Born of Fire: Daily Lenten Devotional for Men
• The Way of the Cross

All CIS Lenten resources can be found here.

Stations of the Cross for a Nation at War

This Lent, Knights are encouraged to pray a special Way of the Cross that connects each of the 14 stations with the sufferings of the Ukrainian people. Written by young adult Ukrainians who assist the Knights in distributing humanitarian aid, each meditation allows participants to reflect on the great sorrows inflicted by war and unite them with the pain experienced by Christ during his passion and death. The reflections aim to strengthen the people of Ukraine and place their pain, sacrifices and hopes in Christ’s hands.

Built for Sacrifice — 2026 Lenten Reflections

Join Dominican Father Jonathan Kalisch and members of the Knights of Columbus staff as they reflect on the meaning of sacrifice for Knights during the season of Lent. Watch the weekly videos and encourage your council members to join in as well. All videos can be found at kofc.org/lent or shared across the official K of C social media channels.

Brothers Around the World

Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Knights of Columbus remain resolute in their commitment to Ukrainian Knights and their loved ones, continuing to express support and fraternity. To understand the full scope of this help, read the Order’s Impact Report. You can also watch our Year in Review video to see the difference the Order made in 2025.

Local councils across the United States continue their efforts to raise awareness of the tragedy of the ongoing war, and their commitment to humanitarian aid remains steadfast. In this article, you will read more about the solidarity of the American Knights with their Ukrainian brothers. Most Reverend Archbishop Borys Gudziak has expressed his deep gratitude for the Knights’ prayers, advocacy and generosity. Watch his full address here.

You can now support Ukrainian priests by requesting Mass intentions, helping them continue their ministry and bring hope to their communities. To learn more about the Order’s work in Ukraine, visit kofc.org/ukraine.

Divine Mercy Novena

On April 30, 2000, during the canonization of Sister Faustina Kowalska, St. John Paul II established Divine Mercy Sunday for the entire Church. Observed on the Sunday after Easter, the feast fulfills a request that Jesus entrusted to St. Faustina. In her diary (699), she wrote that he desired this day to be a source of refuge and hope for all, especially sinners, promising abundant graces to those who approach the fountain of his mercy.

As part of the preparation for this celebration, the Divine Mercy novena begins on Good Friday, April 3. For nine consecutive days, the faithful pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, trusting in the promises Jesus conveyed through St. Faustina to those who take part in this devotion.

To explore this message more deeply, you can listen to a reflection by Sister Gaudia Skass of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. You may also watch the documentary The Face of Mercy, produced by the Knights of Columbus, or view shorter excerpts available here.

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

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