November 19, 2024

Bishop Byrne celebrates Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Mass

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Nick Morganelli

Springfield- Bishop William D. Byrne celebrated the annual Culture of Life Mass held Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral. The Mass was organized by the Knights of Columbus Massachusetts State Council.

“I’m a proud member of the Knights of Columbus because I’ve participated and witnessed their work, not just here, but globally in defense of the unborn, the elderly, and the poor,” said Bishop Byrne. “This is the front-line work the Knights are doing.  It’s not just a fraternal organization. It is an organization of brothers working to build the kingdom especially here in western Massachusetts.”

This was one of four Culture of Life Masses celebrated throughout the state. The others were held in the Archdiocese of Boston, the Diocese of Worcester and the Diocese of Fall River.

“There are 36,000 men in the Knights of Columbus, all who support the pro-life causes. We believe in that support from conception to natural death and everything in between,” said Knights of Columbus State Deputy Robert S. Schwarz.

“We support faith and charity. That’s the biggest thing the Knights of Columbus are actually doing is trying to help men find their faith, as well as doing charitable works in their communities and for their churches,” he said.

The Knights of Columbus councils support various pro-life causes including donating coats for kids, supporting the disabled with wheelchairs and wheelchair access, and in providing ultrasound machines to qualifying pregnancy resource centers. After a state or local council raises 50% of the cost, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will pick up the rest.

“We’re the largest lay organization in the nation for the Catholic church and one of the big programs we have is ASAP, which is after pregnancy support for mothers and their children. One of my wife’s big concerns is Abundant Hope which is a pregnancy resource center in Attleboro, Mass. The organization actively raises money for ultrasound machines as these are a key component for pregnant women to see their fully formed baby just ten weeks after conception,” said Schwarz.

Elizabeth Tudryn of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown attended the Mass with her husband Deacon Ted Tudryn, also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

“I just love pro-life and I pray a lot at Planned Parenthood and anything the Knights do I try to support totally. I was so thrilled that the bishop really recognized the Knights and all they do for pro-life from wound to tomb. I’m grateful for Father McGivney founding the organization,” said Tudryn.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, fraternal, benefit society founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, a parish priest in New Haven, Conn., in 1882. The now Blessed Michael McGivney is a candidate for sainthood. There are close to 2 million members of the Knights of Columbus worldwide helping those in need, building a culture of life, and sharing Christ’s Good News. Their actions are guided by four principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Men can sign up for a one year free membership to the Knights of Columbus by going to kofc.org/join  Promo Code: BlessedMcGivney

A video version of this story will air on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs on Saturdays on WWLP-22 NEWS at 7 p.m.