Knights of Columbus

                  Annual Knights of Columbus Rosary and Light Procession 

  The 18th annual Knights of Columbus Rosary and Light Procession will be held at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s on Thursday, October 29th starting at 7.30 PM. Archbishop Peter Hundt, Pastor Father Cecil Critch and Father Ray Earle will take part in this wonderful service which takes place just two days before the beatification of the Knights of Columbus founder, Father Michael McGivney.

As you may expect changes had to be made because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. One positive move involves LIVE STREAMING the Rosary and Light Procession which means Knights, their families and others around the province can view the proceedings by going to either of these sites: thebasilica.ca or www.thebaslica.net. It’s hoped many will take advantage of this opportunity.

Now for more of the changes:

1 A limit of 100 people in the Basilica. Anyone wishing to attend must register by calling Anne at the Basilica office at 754-2170.

2. Entrance is by the WEST RAMP door where you will be checked in.

3. The entrance and exit processions will be shorter than in the past to include only the banner of the Blessed Virgin Mary,  the KofC ICON, a photo of Father McGivney, four candle bearers, one reader, one mystery leader and members of the clergy.

4. No Honour Guard, the dress code for the processions is Tuxedo and Social Baldric and unlike past years, the impressive procession around the interior of the Basilica cannot take place.

5. It was also necessary to cancel the reception that usually follows the service.

Father Critch and the organizing committee feel the spiritual impact of the Rosary and Light Procession will remain strong despite these necessary changes. Knights are encouraged to either come to the Basilica or watch the service at home and encourage others to be members of the audience. Again the live stream sites are: www.thebasilica.netor thebasilica.ca

Please use any means available to spread the information about the Rosary and Light Procession. Your support is essential in order for our Brother and Sir Knights to be made aware of when and where this service will be held. In advance, a big thank you is extended to all for your valuable assistance.

Charity - Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.