To Live Under Christ the King | | |
By Fr. Jonathan D. Kalisch, O.P.
Director of Chaplains and Spiritual Development
One hundred years ago, at the end of the Jubilee Holy Year of 1925, Pope Pius XI published Quas Primas, promulgating the liturgical feast of Christ the King. Grappling with the fallout of spiritual and physical destruction wrought by the devastation of World War I and the rise of secularism, the Holy Father sought to remind the world of Christ’s reign along with the power of redemptive suffering. In this document, Pius XI also notes the witness of the new saints canonized in 1925, among whom were St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Jean Marie Vianney and St. John Eudes. The year 1925 also marked the priestly ordination of Blessed Miguel Pro, who in 1927 — after forgiving his executioners — gave his life for Christ during the persecution of the Church in Mexico, holding a rosary in his hands and shouting, “Viva Cristo Rey!”
As we approach the end of the 2025 Jubilee Year, it may be worthwhile to discuss with our brother Knights the graces they have encountered in this year of hope. The feast of Christ the King also marks the annual observance of World Youth Day in dioceses around the world. The witness of our newest young adult saints — Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati — reminds the world of the transforming power of a person fully alive for Christ, regardless of age. Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivet highlighted that Christ is always young, especially in the lives of the saints. May our brother Knights be inspired to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in their homes and consecrate their families under their protection. May the saints, old and new, encourage us on the path of holiness.
Vivat Jesus!
| | November Monthly Challenge | | |
This month, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori challenges Knights to learn more about the lives of the saints by reading about one or more martyrs and reflecting on how they can imitate their perseverance and hope.
| | Blessed Michael McGivney's Corner | | |
Connecticut sites related to the life and ministry of Blessed Michael McGivney — including St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, the birthplace of the Order — have become cherished places of pilgrimage and prayer. Knights from several jurisdictions around the world share how making this pilgrimage has deepened their spirituality as men of faith and action. Read the full article here.
| | Nov. 7 — Veterans Day and Remembrance Day | | |
As we prepare to observe Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada on Nov. 11, we encourage you to begin spreading the word about the 2026 Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage. The annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, which is co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, will take place from May 19-25, 2026, and is open to both active-duty service members and veterans. See the application page for more details and read this Columbia feature about the 2025 Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage.
Ever since the Fourth Degree was established in 1900, its members have witnessed to the fact that faithful Catholics are faithful citizens. In Celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree this year, you can check out this timeline highlighting some of the notable milestones in this illustrious history of Catholic patriotism.
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A recent Columbia story features D-Day veteran Gordon Schottlander, who shares his experience of leading a 30-man unit to storm Juno Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944. Now 100 years old, Schottlander reflects on the faith, duty and brotherhood that sustained him during the war — and the camaraderie he later found as a Knight. “The Knights have been a family to me,” he said. “There’s no better organization in the world.”
| | Assisting Families of Fallen Soldiers | | |
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it is estimated that as many as 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives. While Knights of Columbus are among those who have died on the front lines, members throughout the country have stepped up to serve families left behind by fallen soldiers. “We can hold a widow’s hand, give bread to an orphan, be there for them. These are our spiritual weapons,” said Father Vitalii Martsyniuk, associate state chaplain in Ukraine. Read the full article about the Ukrainian Knights’ efforts here.
During his 2024 visit to Ukraine, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori addressed the Ukrainian people, reminding them that they are not alone in their time of suffering. “I have heard and witnessed for myself the incredible faith and resilience of the Ukrainian people — your unwavering belief in God even in the darkest of times,” the supreme chaplain said. “You are not alone. The Church, the Knights of Columbus and the entire body of Christ stand with you.” Read his full homily here.
| | Pope Leo XIV Expresses Gratitude to the Order | | |
Pope Leo XIV received Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori and the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in a private audience during their pilgrimage to Rome in October for the Jubilee Year of Hope. The Holy Father expressed his gratitude for the Order’s longtime support of the papacy and Vatican initiatives, which he said has allowed him “to express solidarity with the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world.” He also commended the Order’s “efforts to uphold the sanctity of human life in all of its stages, to assist victims of war and natural disasters, and also to support priestly vocations.” Read more about Pope Leo’s meeting with K of C leaders here.
| | Nov. 16 — World Day of the Poor | | |
Pope Francis established the World Day of the Poor in 2017 to continue the graces of the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. The day is celebrated on the Sunday before the feast of Christ the King (Nov. 23), falling on Nov. 16 this year. As Knights, there are many ways we can observe this day — by celebrating special Masses, organizing free meals for the poor, distributing clothing, and other works of charity. It is also a perfect opportunity to support the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program.
In his first exhortation, Dilexi te, Pope Leo XIV calls all Christians to love and serve the poor, and in his message for the World Day of the Poor, he reminds us that “the gravest form of poverty is not to know God.”
| | Jubilee of Consecrated Life | | |
Thousands of consecrated men and women gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life from Oct. 8-9 to celebrate the gift of their vocation and participate in a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. In his homily, the pope reminded them that God is the fullness of life. “For you — for us — the Lord is everything,” said Pope Leo. In an audience the next day, the Holy Father further emphasized that consecrated life, rooted in Christ, can “wake up the world.”
For centuries, men and women religious have been a sign of God’s presence in the world. Through the sacraments, preaching, comforting, healing, bringing aid, praying, and witnessing to the faith, they have served countless people. The Church remains deeply grateful for their courage in following our Lord.
| | Nov. 23 — Solemnity of Christ the King | | |
The Solemnity of Christ the King, celebrated this year on Nov. 23, calls us to spread the Gospel boldly and faithfully in a world where many people challenge religion and moral values, and to renew our commitment to live according to the teachings of Christ. You can prepare for the solemnity with a novena and by studying reflections on the Mass readings.
On the same day, World Youth Day is observed in dioceses around the world, encouraging young people to come together to pray, learn and share their journey as followers of Christ. Many dioceses organize special Masses, times of adoration and group discussions. For more information and resources, see the official WYD website.
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With Advent starting on Nov. 30, your council can begin preparing now to host programs and activities to help families prepare for Christmas. The Keep Christ in Christmas Program offers a variety of suggestions for how to do this, including the K of C booklet Journey to the Inn, which offers ideas for adapting the Hispanic tradition of Las Posadas for your parish or community. Also, follow the Knights of Columbus social media and YouTube channels for weekly reflections during Advent that can be used as conversation starters in Cor.
| | Dec. 12 — Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | | |
The Knights of Columbus has several resources that you can use to help your council and your parish grow closer to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to whom our Order has been consecrated. Explore the following resources or visit kofc.org/guadalupe for more.
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Only two months remain before the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope. There is still time to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. A guide to registering a group for this visit, as well as special prayers for the occasion, can be found on the official Jubilee 2025 website.
In November, the Jubilee will draw our attention to the poor. The month’s 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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