MOTHER SETON COUNCIL 6724

Recently, I have been blessed to receive a special gift, my great uncle?s sword.  Louie Zangari was a veteran of Pearl Harbor, a devoted husband and father, a hard worker and a staunch patriot.  He was also a fourth degree Knight of Columbus - just like me.  It gives me tremendous pride to carry his sword in his honor and in some way it?s a family connection that men outside of our brotherhood might not be able to relate to.

Being a Knight of Columbus is not like belonging to a civic organization or to any club that I am aware of, it?s deeper than that. It is a cross between a fraternity, a charitable organization, an insurance company and a religious order.  Our order has its origins here in America with over 100 years worth of traditions. Above all, it is firmly anchored in our Catholic Faith. Being a Knight is special, not every man can do it. A prospective candidate MUST be a practicing catholic in full communion with the church. If he is married then his marriage must be recognized by the church or he cannot join.  With these qualifications, we accept any man of good character and reputation who responds to God?s call to serve.

Everyone knows the Knights of Columbus for our good works that support many outstanding charities. Locally we?ve raised thousands of dollars for the Brandon Crisis Pregnancy Center, Pregnancy Plus Medical at Catholic Charities, the Orphanage at Everyday Blessings where we also built a bike path for the orphans and the Lopez School for Exceptional children.  We support the Boy Scouts, Altar Servers, the Food Pantry, the seminarians, the Special Olympics and the list goes on.  Being practical Catholics, our organization is 100% pro-life from top to bottom.

 In addition to our responsibility to serve, being a member does bring with it many spiritual and material benefits that continue even after death.  For example, when a member in good standing dies, his widow receives money that she can use to help with his funeral expenses. When a brother knight is in trouble, we all try to pitch in and help them out in one way or another.     For many years after a brother?s death, his soul will be remembered in the memorial masses said each year for members who have passed away.   If a fourth degree brother dies then the color guard will stand watch at his wake and funeral.  A patent or a chalice with the deceased brother?s name on it will be donated to a priest in his memory.  While a brother is alive he is given the opportunity to acquire additional life insurance for his family from the most highly rated insurance company there is. Our order offers security in life and in death.                

Although I have no sons, I hope that one day one of my male relatives will get to carry Uncle Louie?s (now my) sword as a brother Fourth Degree Knight and remember me in their thoughts and prayers.  

Chris Gladu