Petersburg Knights’ national recognition (above, below): For decades, Knights of Columbus Council #694 has hosted a Mass on Memorial Day at Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Petersburg. When the National Park Service (NPS) denied the permit application for the annual Mass in 2023 – categorizing the Mass as a “demonstration” – the Knights fought back.
In 2024, when the permit was denied again for the same reason, the Knights retained First Liberty Institute and worked with law firm McGuireWoods to challenge the NPS. Their efforts were successful. Just in time for the Mass on May 27, the NPS announced their policy would no longer restrict the Mass.
On Aug. 28, the efforts of Council #694 were recognized by the American Legion veterans’ organization during its 105th National Convention in New Orleans. Deacon Bob Young – director of the diocesan Office of Worship, director of the diocesan Office for the Propagation of the Faith, and deacon at St. Joseph, Petersburg – accepted the Philip B. Onderdonk Jr. Religious Freedom Award from the American Legion on behalf of the council.
“This award will be placed in a place of honor in our council home for all to see,” said Deacon Young.
He then quoted the Memorial Day homily of Father Gino Rossi, pastor of St. Joseph, and chaplain of Council #694: “Some adversaries to religious freedom might look at the Knights of Columbus and say, ‘These nice old men aren’t going to cause problems.’ To them, I’d respond: Don’t poke the bear.”
33-day consecration: On Aug. 31, over 30 participants at a retreat organized by the Legion of Mary at Holy Rosary, Richmond, began a 33-day consecration to Mary, a devotional act focused on the Blessed Virgin. The participants are using the book “33 Days to Morning Glory,” a popular guide to Marian consecration written by Father Michael Gaitley, and will meet three times virtually in September and October.
Father Tochi Iwuji, pastor of Holy Rosary and director of the diocesan Office for Black Catholics, led the retreat. He said that those who consecrate themselves to Mary could gain a deeper knowledge of God, as Mary knows the path to Jesus and serves as a guide.
“Consecration is a spiritual promise, and that deeper relationship with Mary leads us to her son for spiritual growth,” said Mary Ann Jones, a Holy Rosary parishioner who attended the retreat.
Serving pancakes to serve kids (below): Knights of Columbus Council #11042, based at Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville, pledged $1,000 to the Child Life Program of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
The funds were raised at a pancake breakfast at Church of the Redeemer after 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 18, led by past Grand Knights Kirk McClure (right) and Tad Stillwell. The $1,000 check was presented Aug. 21 to Leah Downey (left), a representative of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU offers children’s health services including emergency services, pediatric care, specialty and sub-specialty care, burn, trauma, transplant and long-term care.
From Powhatan Knights to BSH Knights: Two students at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan, were awarded scholarships by Knights of Columbus Council #9507, based at St. John Neumann, Powhatan. Paige Decker (center) and Pete Bodman (center right) were awarded the Earnest F. Barham Memorial Scholarship, based on recommendations from teachers, achievements in school, and active participation in the Catholic faith.
