The Sacred Heart and Perseverance | | |
By Fr. Jonathan D. Kalisch, O.P.
Director of Chaplains and Spiritual Development
It is fitting that the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — a time to give thanks for God’s mercy. Many of our brother priests celebrate their ordination anniversaries this month. In June we also accompany parishioners graduating from high school or college, witness couples committing themselves sacramentally in marriage, and celebrate the gift of fatherhood — a gift that reflects the heart of God the Father as we lead others to him.
As the universal Church rejoices in the election of Pope Leo XIV, we look to his witness of faith and pastoral example. During a 2023 interview with the Order of St. Augustine, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost was asked how he would respond to people experiencing doubts about their own calling. “‘Do not be afraid,’” the future pontiff replied, echoing Christ’s words from the Gospel. “The Lord calls — and his call is true. Do not be afraid to say ‘yes.’ Do not be afraid to open your heart to the possibility that the Lord is calling.”
He continued, “We must pray for that perseverance because none of us is exempt from difficult moments, whether we are married, single or ... Augustinians. We cannot give up at the first difficulty because otherwise — and this is important — we will never get anywhere in life. Perseverance is a great gift that the Lord is ready to offer us. But we have to learn to embrace it and make it part of our life, to be strong. It is one of those gifts that builds over time — in the small trials at the beginning that help us to be stronger, to be able to carry the Cross when it becomes heavier. It helps us start to move forward, and then keeps us advancing.”
Let us join in praying the novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the intentions of Pope Leo and for the gift of perseverance in his Petrine ministry. May each of us also find the perseverance and rest we need to continue serving our brother Knights and their families. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be a consolation for us as we carry the crosses of the mission entrusted to us.
Vivat Jesus!
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This month, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori challenges Knights to use the Catholic Information Service resource A Guide to Confession, which is organized around the Ten Commandments, to examine their conscience and then go to confession.
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Habemus Papam — Pope Leo XIV
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On May 8, the Knights of Columbus joyfully celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — the first pope from North America and the 266th successor of St. Peter. “I was chosen, through no merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be a servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love,” Pope Leo said during his homily at the Mass of Inauguration on May 18. Read more about our new pope in the June issue of Columbia.
The Knights have long served the Holy Father with fidelity and love, maintaining a close relationship with the Holy See since the pontificate of Pope Benedict XV. “As with his predecessors, the pastoral priorities of Pope Leo XIV will guide and inspire everything we do,” said Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly in a statement following the papal election.
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| In solidarity with Pope Leo XIV, we encourage you to invite Knights, their families, and all people of goodwill to join in a special novena for the pope and his intentions from June 19-27 — beginning on the anniversary of his priestly ordination and concluding on the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visit kofc.org/papalnovena to pledge your participation and submit intentions, which will be delivered to Rome by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly during a Jubilee pilgrimage in October. You may also use the prayer cards included in the June 2025 issue of Columbia. | | Blessed Michael McGivney's Corner | | |
As a parish priest, Blessed Michael McGivney served as a spiritual father to inmates at the New Haven Jail. In 1882, he accompanied James “Chip” Smith — a young man convicted of murder and sentenced to death — to the gallows. Father McGivney visited him in prison and ministered to him, praying with and for him during his final months. Smith went to his death calmly, a badge of the Sacred Heart pinned near his heart. Today, inspired by our founder, hundreds of K of C chaplains and other Knights serve in correctional facilities, offering support, mentorship and the hope of redemption — recognizing Christ in disguise: “I was in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:36).
Read more in Columbia about the Knights who continue this corporal work of mercy, ministering to incarcerated men and women today.
| | Sacred Heart Pilgrim Icon Program | | |
This June marks the 350th anniversary of the “great apparition” received by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. In June 1675, she received Christ’s request for a feast in honor of his Sacred Heart, to be celebrated eight days after Corpus Christi. In 1856, Blessed Pius IX formally established this feast, which this year will be celebrated June 27.
Images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are currently making their way through parishes served by K of C councils worldwide. Established in 1979, the Knights of Columbus Pilgrim Icon Program has featured various images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the Holy Family, the Divine Mercy, St. Joseph and more. The current image is renowned 1767 painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Pompeo Batoni, now venerated in the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Read more about the Pilgrim Icon Program here.
Resources for this program are available at kofc.org/sacredheart. If your parish or council would like to host an icon for a Holy Hour or other event, contact the State Council Pilgrim Icon Chairman.
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June is a month of priestly ordinations and anniversaries — reminding us that to be a priest is to follow Christ’s sacrificial service. Father Ihor Makar, chaplain of Liubomyr Huzar Council 18244 in Zelenivka, Ukraine, exemplifies this self-giving. Earlier this year, while driving through eastern Ukraine to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, a drone strike hit his car, severely injuring his leg. Despite the dangers, Father Makar and brother Knights continue to bring humanitarian and spiritual aid to conflict zones. “It was a desire to serve,” Father Makar said, “that motivated the men to join the Order and work together to benefit the community.” Read more about his story here.
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This Father’s Day, encourage the fathers of your parish to explore the Mission of the Family, a five-part video series that focuses on the Catholic understanding of the family in today’s world. This resource can be used for Cor gatherings, other faith formation settings, or shared through parish or council communications.
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June 22 — Feast of Corpus Christi
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The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) invites us to celebrate in a special way the profound gift entrusted to us as Catholics — the Holy Eucharist, the real and abiding presence of Christ among his people. Through the celebration of the Mass and the traditional Eucharistic procession, we make visible the invisible mystery of God’s love poured out for the world. As the three-year National Eucharistic Revival draws to conclusion, we encourage you and your council to join in prayer during the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
The Order’s Catholic Information Service offers a variety of resources on the Eucharist that can help as you plan your Corpus Christi celebration and local observances. Find more information here.
| | Attend the Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C. | | |
You’re invited to attend the 143rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 5-7. Whether you can attend the entire event or just for a day, your presence is most welcome at this annual fraternal event. A particular highlight is the opening Mass, which will take place the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. To attend, please register online and find more information here. If you plan to concelebrate during a liturgy, kindly submit a Letter of Good Standing to chaplains@kofc.org.
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As we continue the Jubilee Year 2025, this month the Church particularly honors the distinct and sacred ministry of holy orders, with Jubilee Days dedicated to seminarians, bishops and priests. The Knights of Columbus will support a special event during the Jubilee of Young People in Rome on July 30 led by Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester and Bishop Edward Burns of Dallas. For details or to register your group, click here.
Other Jubilee events include:
| | Thank you for your service to the Order. If you have any questions or suggestions during your term, please email chaplains@kofc.org | | |
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