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Pope to Knights of Columbus: Be prophets of harmony in an age of division
Pope Leo urges the Knights of Columbus to be “prophets of harmony” by fostering unity through dialogue, and serving those most in need through works of charity.
By Vatican News
Pope Leo has encouraged the Knights of Columbus to become “prophets of harmony” by building bridges and promoting reconciliation in a world increasingly marked by division.
The Pope made the appeal in a video message addressed to participants in the Order’s 144th Supreme Convention, taking place in Denver, Colorado, on 4 August.
Greeting those attending in person and virtually, Pope Leo reflected on the gathering’s theme “In The One, We Are One,” and on the virtues of unity and charity, two foundational principles of the Knights of Columbus.
Unity must be cultivated
Recalling Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper that his disciples “might all be one,” the Pope stressed that unity is a gift entrusted to every generation of believers.
“The preservation of unity is often not easy, and it cannot be taken for granted,” he said. “It must be actively cultivated through honest and humble dialogue.”
Pope Leo therefore encouraged the Knights to bear witness to the concord desired by Christ, beginning within their families and parishes and extending to the wider communities in which they live and serve.
“In an age all too often marked by division and pointed rhetoric, there is a great need for prophets of harmony who seek to build bridges and strive to reconcile opposing positions wherever possible,” he said.
Charity strengthens communion
Turning to charity, the Holy Father noted that works carried out on behalf of those in need can themselves become a path towards unity.
“When we reach out to help those in need, there frequently develops a certain concord between those who give and those who receive, as well as among those who work together to assist their brothers and sisters,” he said.
“Thus, charity becomes not only a response to human suffering but also a powerful means of fostering fraternity and strengthening the communion that is at the heart of the Christian life.”
Serving those on the margins
Pope Leo praised the Knights of Columbus for continuing the mission begun by their founder, Blessed Michael McGivney.
For well over a century, he noted, the Order has worked to show Christ’s love “to the unborn, expectant mothers, persecuted Christians, victims of war and human trafficking, the poor and vulnerable, and those who live on the margins of society.”
Through initiatives undertaken by local councils and at national and international levels, he added, “countless people have benefitted” from the Order’s generosity.
“For my part, I express deep gratitude for your Order’s continued generosity to the less fortunate, and trust that your endeavors will continue to bear fruit for many years to come,” the Pope said.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo entrusted the work of the Supreme Convention to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Blessed Michael McGivney, before imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon all members of the Knights of Columbus and their families.
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