Review of the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus held August 4th thru 6th

 

By living for ‘God’s purposes,’ Knights care for his people, archbishop tells convention

written by André Escaleira, Jr. 

Denver Archbishop James R. Golka concelebrates Mass Aug. 4, 2026, at the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver. (OSV News photo/André Escaleira Jr., Denver Catholic)

DENVER (OSV News) — In a moving display of the Catholic Church’s unity, thousands of Knights of Columbus from around the world gathered in Denver for their 144th Supreme Convention Aug. 4-6.

With some members and their families traveling from as far as the Philippines, South Korea, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Spain to attend, the convention sought to focus on Pope Leo XIV’s unifying episcopal motto: “In the One, we are one.”

Coming together in the order’s principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, the gathering represented the Knights’ commitment to spreading the Gospel and building up Christ’s Church, even to the ends of the earth.

The convention opened Aug. 4 with a special Mass celebrated by Denver Archbishop James R. Golka, along with dozens of bishops and hundreds of priests concelebrating and deacons assisting.

Archbishop Golka a fourth-degree Knight

For the archbishop, the liturgy was personal: He is a fourth-degree Knight; his six brothers are Knights; and his late father, Robert, was a Knight, too. In fact, in 2021, the year Archbishop Golka was named bishop of Colorado Springs, his family was named Family of the Year by the Knights of Columbus Nebraska State Council.

“The Knights of Columbus exists to help our men grow in their faith, and they sure did for my dad,” Archbishop Golka said in his homily.

Recounting his own journey of faith and vocation, the archbishop highlighted God’s providence in each of our lives and in the Knights of Columbus’s work.

Facing a $252 car repair while in seminary, a young Jim Golka didn’t know where to turn except to God. After a quick, simple prayer, he checked his seminary mailbox to find a letter from the Knights of Columbus in Ogallala, Nebraska — a council he’d never visited. They had hosted a pancake breakfast and decided to split the proceeds between him and another seminarian. Archbishop Golka’s share? $253.

‘Listen to God’s will for you’

“If you listen to God’s will for you and say yes, God will absolutely take care of you, amen? And he’ll even give you an extra dollar for a cup of coffee,” he said with a chuckle. “And God wants the Knights of Columbus to help him care for his children. God wants the Knights of Columbus to help carry out God’s purposes. God wants the Knights of Columbus to live for God and God’s purposes, not ours. And when we do that, we care for the people of God.”

Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the papal nuncio to the United States, opened an afternoon session with words of reflection on the Knights of Columbus’ mission in this apostolic age.

He also introduced a special video message from Pope Leo, who urged the Knights to be living witnesses of unity and charity in a world often marked by division. Reflecting on the convention theme, he said Christian unity must be actively nurtured through humble dialogue and bridge-building in families, parishes and communities.

Pope Leo also praised the order’s longstanding charitable work, highlighting its support for unborn children, expectant mothers, persecuted Christians, trafficking victims and others in need. The pope thanked the Knights for their service and imparted his apostolic blessing to members and their families.

Supreme Knight’s annual report

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly of the Knights of Columbus then took to the dais to deliver his annual report, a comprehensive summary of the worldwide activity of the Knights of Columbus over the past year.

Amid a lengthy litany of the Knights’ good works was a profound commitment to charity, service and love of neighbor — with over 48 million hours of volunteer service and more than $200 million given to charity worldwide, a new record for the organization. That charity was made possible, in part, due to a near record-high number of new Knights, with 105,000 men being welcomed into the order worldwide — many of them men under 35.

The number of new Knights, Kelly said, is rivaled only by the post-World War II boom of new membership.

“Just as Christ came to serve, we devote our lives to serving others, especially the vulnerable,” Kelly said. “All of our charity reflects the love of God. It’s a charity that evangelizes.”

Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly delivers his annual report Aug. 4, 2026, at the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver. (OSV News photo/André Escaleira Jr., Denver Catholic)

Knights’ charity takes many forms

That charity took many forms: wheelchairs and warm coats to those in need; emergency response to the horrific shooting during a school Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis and the natural disasters in Venezuela and Hawaii; support for persecuted and war-torn communities in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Benin and Nigeria; religious liberty advocacy; aid for wounded warriors; and partnerships with the Special Olympics and pro-life clinics.

“We are not just another charitable organization. We are not a social club,” Kelly emphasized. “We are a global brotherhood of Catholic leaders — and we are united in Jesus Christ. He is the source of our strength. And as we reflect on the past year, we give all the glory to God.”

That charity, both Archbishop Golka and Kelly emphasized, flows from communion with God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Apart from him, all charitable works come to nothing.

“We could be busy about many, many good activities, but if they have not been planted by God, they’re going to fail,” the archbishop said in his homily. “We can have good intentions, but if it’s not God’s plan, it’s going to fail, so what must we do before we do anything? Listen to God, beg God for clarity on what is his plan.”

Calling all to become experts in listening to God

Emphasizing that God already has a plan for the Knights of Columbus, for individuals, families and marriages, Archbishop Golka exhorted those gathered to become experts in listening to God.

“My brothers and sisters, whenever I look at Jesus to find out his plan, he is never anxious. He is never afraid. He’s excited to show us who he is,” the archbishop said. “So let us open our ears and our hearts and our eyes so we can know better his plan for you, for our life, for the Knights of Columbus, for the entire world, so that God can get his world back through our humble service.”

To bolster Knights’ faith and help them better hear the voice of God, the Knights of Columbus launched Cor, a small-group program meant “to give young men exactly what they are looking for — a community centered in Jesus Christ.”

In addition, Kelly announced a new video retreat in partnership with ACTS XXIX and a new video series in partnership with Denver-based Christ in the City, with reflection and practical tips to serve the homeless.

‘Rising to meet the moment’

In these ways, Kelly said, the Knights of Columbus “are rising to meet this moment,” in which interest in the Catholic Church has grown sharply, with some parishes and dioceses seeing record-high numbers of converts.

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, speaks Aug. 4, 2026, at the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver. (OSV News photo/André Escaleira Jr., Denver Catholic)

“These converts are searching for compelling answers. They are fleeing the isolation and incoherence that define our time,” Kelly explained. “They need real friendship and real connection — and they are finding it in the Catholic Church.”

Kelly concluded his report by lifting up Kendrick Castillo as a perfect exemplar of this youthful zeal for faith and service. Castillo, 18, jumped in front of a gunman at the Highlands Ranch STEM School in suburban Denver, giving his life to save the lives of his classmates when he was fatally shot May 7, 2019.

Known for his service to the community through the Knights of Columbus, Castillo had always desired to join the order but had only just become old enough at the time of his death. So, in 2019, the Knights of Columbus posthumously welcomed him.  The Diocese of Colorado Springs continues to review his life for a potential cause of canonization.

“We will always look up to your son, our brother Knight, Kendrick Castillo!” Kelly promised, turning to John and Maria Castillo, Kendrick’s parents, who were present in the audience.

Pope Leo XIV appoints new Archbishop of Denver

 

Pope Leo appoints new Archbishop of Denver, Colorado, United States 

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• United States
• bishops
• Appointments

Pope appoints James Golka as new Archbishop of Denver, Colorado

Pope Leo XIV accepts the resignation of Bishop Samuel Joseph Aquila and appoints James R. Golka as the new Archbishop of Denver, Colorado in the United States.

Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office has announced that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the U.S. Archbishop of Denver, Colorado, Samuel Joseph Aquila.

As his successor, Pope Leo appointed Bishop James R. Golka of Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.

Brief biography

Born in Grand Island, Nebraska in the United States on September 22, 1966, Golka earned a degree in Philosophy from the Creighton University. After completing his time at Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota with a Master of Divinity, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1994.

He has held the following offices: Parish Vicar of Saint James in Kearney (1994-2000) and Holy Rosary in Alliance (2000-2001), Parish Priest of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Scottsbluff (2001-2006) and Saint Patrick in North Platte (2006-2016); Vicar General (2018-2021) and Rector of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2016-2021).

He was appointed Bishop of Colorado Springs on April 30, 2021, and received episcopal consecration on June 29, 2021.

Pope Leo XIV sends video message to the SEEK youth conference in U.S.

 

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• young people
• video message
• vocations
• Conference

Pope to US youth: Be open to what God has in store for you!

In a video-message to participants in the SEEK youth conference in the United States, Pope Leo invites young people to spend time with Jesus, whether they are meeting Him for the first time or deepening their relationship with him, and to always be open “to what the Lord has in store”.

By Christopher Wells

“What do you seek?”

Jesus’ question to the first disciples shows that he knew what was in their hearts, that they were “restless, but in a good way.” They were open to God and longing to find meaning in their lives.

In a video-message for young people participating in the annual “SEEK” Youth Conference in the United States, Pope Leo says Jesus is asking each of us that same question today.

“The answer,” the Pope said, “is found in a person: The Lord Jesus alone brings us true peace and joy and fulfils every one of our deepest desires.”

Getting to know Jesus

Continuing to reflect on the experience of the first disciples, Pope Leo recalled that they asked where Jesus was staying. “It was not enough for someone else to tell them that Jesus is the Lamb of God,” he said. “They wanted to get to know him personally by spending time with him.

The Holy Father told young people that they, too, would have the opportunity “to spend time with Lord” during the Conference — some for the first time, while others would have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus.

Pope Leo encouraged participants to “be open to what the Lord has in store for you,” reminding them that though the disciples first encounter with Jesus lasted only a few days, it changed their lives forever.

Missionary zeal

Getting to know Jesus, the Pope continued, inspires “missionary zeal,” as it did for St Andrew, who immediately went to tell his brother, St Peter, that he had found the Messiah.

Pope Leo prayed that young people at conference would “be moved by this same missionary zeal to share with those around you the joy that you have received from a genuine encounter with the Lord.”

And he encourages them to not be afraid to ask God what He is calling them to: whether to priesthood, religious life, or marriage and family life. If you feel the call, he said, “do not be afraid… Let God lead and guide you!”

Pope Leo concluded his message by inviting his listeners to join him in asking Mary “to lead us to know Jesus Christ, her Son, so that we may truly come to know Him, to know His love for us, and the marvelous plan He has for each of our lives.”

Celebrating the sending of Christ into the world

Pope Leo's message was introduced by Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, who celebrated the opening Mass in his See city. 

Reflecting on the events of Christmas in his homily, Bishop Fernandes said, "The sending of Christ into the world is worth celebrating." He highlighted not only the octave day of Christmas, but also the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, as well as the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, celebrated by Eastern Christians on January 1.

He noted, too, the observance of the World Day of Peace, emphasizing Pope Leo's call for an "unarmed and disarming peace," the peace that comes from Christ.

Bishop Fernandes concluded his homily by invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, asking that she intercede for us "that we might know this peace now and, in the year, to come" and "that we may deepen our friendship with her Son, who came down from heaven so that we may ascend 'toward the heights.'"

SEEK 2026

"Tothe heights" is the seem of this year's SEEK conference. The annual event, sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), is five-day experience where thousands of Catholics come together to encounter Christ through prayer, Adoration, the sacraments, and inspiring speakers.

More than 25,000 young people are participating in the 26th SEEK Conference, which is taking place this week, January 1-5 in the U.S. cities of Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas. 

The Archbishop of Denver saddened by the Boulder, Co. attack against people of Jewish heritage in the name of Hamas/Palestine

 

People pray near the scene of the attack in Boulder, Colorado, USA.  (2025 Mark Makela)

Church

• violence
• antisemitism
• United States
• bishops
• statement

Denver Archbishop calls for end to violence that ‘only fuels hatred’

Expressing his deep sadness at news of an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, the Archbishop of Denver, Samuel Aquila, calls for prayers for victims, saying, “This type of violence must come to an end, as it only fuels hatred.”

By Christopher Wells

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver says he was “deeply saddened” by news of the attack on a demonstration calling for Hamas to release Israeli hostages, “especially as it seems our Jewish brothers and sisters were targeted."

The attack took place at a “Run for Their Lives” rally aimed at remembering hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. On Sunday, a 45-year-old Egyptian man yelling “Free Palestine” threw makeshift firebombs into a crowd of people who had gathered in downtown Boulder, Colorado.

Twelve people were injured in the attack, including six who had to be hospitalized; four of those were subsequently released.

The suspect had planned the attack for more than a year, specifically targeting what he described as a “Zionist group.”

“When interviewed about the attack, he said he wanted them all to die, he had no regrets, and he would go back and do it again,” Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado said during a news conference Monday.

Authorities filed charges against the suspect, including attempted murder, assault, and a federal hate crime. More charges are expected.

'This type of violence must come to an end'

In his statement on Monday, Archbishop Aquila said, “This type of violence must come to an end, as it only fuels hatred.”

He invited prayers “for everyone affected by this horrific attack,” saying, “We ask the Lord to bring comfort, healing, and peace in the face of such hatred. May we listen to the voice of God who calls us to love one another!”

Archbishop Aquila’s statement follows the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which stated, “In her rejection of every persecution against any man, the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shares with the Jews, and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel’s spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”

Nostra aetate, the Council’s document on the Church and non-Christian religions, adds, “The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, colour, condition of life, or religion.”

In the Archdiocese of Denver the Permanent Diaconate celebrates 50 years of service

 At Deacon Convocation, 50 years of the permanent diaconate honored

ByAaron Lambert

April 13, 2024

As the permanent diaconate marks its 50th Jubilee here in the Archdiocese of Denver this year, over 200 archdiocesan deacons gathered last month for their annual convocation to look back on how deacons have served the people of God over these last 50 years — and ahead to how they’ll continue to serve in the next 50.

The convocation took place March 8-10 and featured several speakers who provided formation, insights and spiritual nourishment for the deacons, including Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Vicar for Clergy Father Angel Perez-Lopez, Dr. Anthony Lilles of St. Patrick’s Seminary, Deacon Ernie Martinez and others. Also honored were the two former Director of Deacons for the archdiocese, Deacon Alfonso Sandoval and Deacon Joe Donohoe.

The deacons gathered together at Masses celebrated by Archbishop Aquila and Bishop Rodriguez and were given ample opportunity to spend time in fellowship with one another. Deacon Martinez gave a presentation looking back at the last 50 years of the diaconate in the archdiocese to recognize the many deacons who came before them and laid the foundation for today’s vibrant diaconate here in the Archdiocese of Denver.

During this 50th Jubilee, the diaconate is calling upon the intercession of St. Euplius, a third century deacon-martyr who Deacon Martinez says is a powerful witness to the deacons of today, who echo the call of the deacons of old to lay down their lives for Christ and his Church. St. Euplius boldly proclaimed the faith in Rome by reading the Bible publicly before being tortured and executed at the hands of the emperor Diocletian. Tradition holds that St. Euplius prayed fervently and gave thanks to God, even as the executioner brought the blade down onto his neck.

The diaconate is often a misunderstood vocation in the Church, but that makes it no less important. Through the ministries of liturgy, word and service, deacons quietly and humbly serve God’s people in numerous ways. The Catechism describe the ministry of the deacon as such:

“Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (‘character’) which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the “deacon” or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity” (CCC 1570).

Here in the Archdiocese of Denver, a Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual lists the hundreds of ministries deacons are involved in. For the 50th Jubilee, Deacon Martinez is working to tell the stories of deacons both present and past to share with the next generation.

“There are so many deacons that have done such great work for the people of God,” Deacon Martinez said. “There are so many apostolates and ministries that have been started by deacons by giving their own money to these different missions. We’ve saved so many people from despair because of what deacons have done. We need to tell those stories.”

Violent vandalism at Catholic Church in Denver

 

Drive-by gunshots target Denver-area Catholic church

By Kevin J. Jones

Denver, Colo., Aug 8, 2022 / 17:30 pm

A gunman shot at a Denver-area Catholic church in separate early morning incidents Saturday and Monday. No one was hurt, but one estimate suggests the gunshots caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Parish staff stressed the need to pray for the perpetrator and emphasized that they are taking the utmost security precautions.

“We are praying for the conversion of whoever did this,” Deacon Derrick Johnson of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church told CNA Aug 8. “If there’s any opportunity to speak to that person, we’d be happy to speak with them and have a dialogue.”

Johnson spoke after two separate rounds of gunshots hit the parish church in unincorporated Adams County just north of Denver. The Adams County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

“In the early morning of Aug. 6 and 8 there were two separate incidents of shootings that hit the front doors at Assumption Parish,” Johnson recounted.

Security footage of the first incident, the deacon said, appears to show “a single motorcyclist shooting what we believe to be a pistol as he drove by.”

“These incidents happened after hours,” Johnson said. “We don’t believe they are targeting people. Just targeting the church for whatever reason.”

Photos of the church sent to CNA show damage to the church exterior, including a bullet hole in a window. Doors and doorframes also were damaged. Photos show a broken outer window above a set of double doors, with shattered glass beneath.

“The first morning we discovered three shots, two into the door and one through the stained glass in the door,” Johnson said. “Two of the bullets were recovered and given to the Adams County sheriff.”

“On Monday morning, another bullet impact was discovered, this time above the doors, impacting the protective layer of the stained glass. The projectile was also given to the sheriff’s office,” the deacon added.

News of the shooting has not yet become widespread among parishioners, Johnson said, though the first incident took place hours before a wedding.

Johnson wanted parishioners to know that parish staff is committed to their safety.

“We are absolutely conscious of security, between our security team and ensuring that we have adequate camera coverage and lighting in front of the parish. We’ll do our best to make sure that whoever did this is prosecuted,” he told CNA.

Though the bullet fractured one outer window, it did not break through a stained-glass window behind it.

The church’s custom-fit doors were recently completed at a cost of $75,000. The deacon described Assumption as a “very, very old parish.” The parish church was first dedicated in 1912, though the structure has gone through several renovations and expansions incorporating the original building.

Johnson estimated the damage at about $75,000.

The parish church is on the same property as Assumption School, which serves about 130 students in pre-K through eighth grade. The shooting has not affected the school, as the school year has not yet begun.

“Hopefully it’s limited to a late-night incident,” Johnson said. “We will be taking the highest security precautions for the school like we always do.”

Though the parish wants the perpetrator brought to justice, the parish is praying for its attacker.

“We’re praying for whatever is going on in the life of the person who did this,” the deacon said. “The parish is here for them.”

CNA contacted the Adams County Sheriff for comment but did not receive a response by publication time Monday.

Denver Archbishop on voting for religious freedom

Religious freedom is on your ballot

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila

September 25, 2020

A troubling trend is appearing as our country grapples with social unrest and the impact of the coronavirus, but it’s not a new trend. Catholics and other people of faith are singled out for derision and sometimes physical violence. For the sake of our Church and our society, we must respond by defending the right to religious freedom, both when we vote and through our own personal witness.

The attacks on Catholics have shifted from the 19th century discrimination and claims that we can’t be loyal citizens, to the recent assertions that Catholics are judgmental and hateful towards women and sexual minorities.

Just as the arguments of the Know Nothing Party in the 1850s and the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s demonstrated a failure to understand what Catholics believe, so too do the modern attacks fail to understand and appreciate what we believe about the human person.

However, the goal of these attacks is the same: to shame and sideline Catholics within society and to increase the influence of those who do not accept God’s design for human nature.

In recent years, the lashing out against the Church in the U.S. has increased in its intensity, turning from criticizing her in the media and online to labeling Catholics as discriminatory in various ministries like adoption services or health care. Within the last several months this has even turned into physical violence against our symbols, church buildings and people, as frequently occurs in places like France, parts of Africa and elsewhere in the world.

The American Founders recognized that our self-government relies on a virtuous people. The increase in intolerance and violence we see today underscores this. John Adams addressed the need for virtue directly in a 1798 letter to Massachusetts militia officers, writing, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” As our country moved closer toward Civil War, Abraham Lincoln emphasized that a self-governing society thrives or dissolves based on its people: “If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide” (Address Before the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, IL, 1838).

We are quickly approaching the national election on November 3, when our country will be asked to determine who is best suited to represent us in our legislature and as president. Among the premier concerns for Catholics when they vote are: Who will protect human life at every stage? Who will protect natural marriage and the family? And finally, who will defend religious freedom, protect consciences and the right of people to live out their faith in every sphere of society?

A society that has no common belief in God, and therefore in each person’s identity as his beloved son or daughter, will become less human and less tolerant. When there is no God, something or someone becomes god to fill the void, leading to tragedy, and eventual societal collapse. Now is the time for us to stand up for the place of full-throated Catholic belief in public life and the valuable contributions of people of faith to society.

Essential for every Catholic to fulfill his or her duty as a citizen is knowing where candidates stand on the issues of life, family and religious freedom. It is not possible to be a Catholic in good standing and support abortion or assisted suicide, to promote unnatural sexuality, or to seek to push people of faith out of the public square. Those who do so – Catholic or not – are helping hollow out our culture and contributing to its demise. The further away we get from a virtuous and moral life the more likely will we look like Greece or Rome when they fell, or like Venezuela today. Every Catholic needs to inform themselves on where each candidate stands on these issues by reading news outlets that cover these topics, such as Catholic News Agency or the National Catholic Register.

In the early 1900s it worked for Catholics to develop our own school system, establish hospitals and run our businesses according to our faith. We served and continue to serve the poor and homeless with the charity of Christ, especially seen in the work of Catholic Charities. This was how we protected and grew our faith over the last 100 years, but the “cancel culture” that seeks to silence the sincerely held beliefs of individuals will also not tolerate the presence of these faith-driven entities if we allow it to gain enough momentum. We cannot adopt the mentality of, “it’s fine for others to act that way, but we won’t.” The morals of society will impact us, and we cannot turn a blind eye to evil.

If we want our country to flourish, then out of charity for our fellow citizens and future generations, Catholics need to strongly advocate for the necessity of religious freedom and vote accordingly.

May God bless each of you and may God bless America! 

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila

September 25, 2020