By Roy Lagarde
MANILA, Philippines – The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday encouraged a global organization of Catholic men to continue their works of charity and “be signs of hope” to others.
Speaking during Mass at the Manila archdiocese’s chapel in Intramuros, Cardinal Jose Advincula urged the Knights of Columbus to let their faith manifest in acts of charity, especially for the needy.
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel readings, he urged the 2.1-million strong organization of men to be like Mary who brought Christ to others, “especially those among us who are forlorn, discouraged, and distressed.”
“My dear brothers, even as Knights, you can imitate the motherly love and compassion of Mary by bringing life to one another,” Advincula said.
“Let us accompany one another in charity… May we become agents of unity, bearers of life, and missionaries of assistance for one another,” he said.
Among those present at the Mass were Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, and Supreme Master Michael McCusker.
Elected as head of the organization in 2021, Kelly is making his first visit to the country, where over half a million Filipinos are members in nearly 4,000 councils.
The delegation arrived in Manila last week to visit the various projects of the Filipino Knights.
On Tuesday, they visited a parish in Manila’s Baseco compound, where Knights operate a food distribution program and provide free ultrasound scanning for women.
They also visited several centers of Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation and forged partnership with the non-government organization dedicated to serving the poorest children of Metro Manila.
The Knights of Columbus is known for charitable service, including supporting disaster relief efforts and funding scholarships for Catholic students.
Pope Francis earlier praised the Knights’ charitable work, support for marriage and human dignity, and their mission in developing nations.
He also lauded their outreach in Ukraine, support for Middle Eastern Christians, and care for persecuted Christians. – CBCP News
