Lessons Learned

April 1, 2021

The challenges of the past year have given us a deeper appreciation of fraternity, faith and charity

By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

April 1, 2021

Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly (Photo by Michael Collopy)

I wish you a blessed Easter! It is the high point of the liturgical calendar and a time of new beginnings, when we remember that our resurrected Lord has come to make “all things new.”

This hope is real for us all right now, as we see signs that the pandemic is beginning to recede. As a Church, and as an Order, the past year has been one of great challenge. Just over one year ago, our churches were closing, our councils were canceling events, and our countries and communities were entering lockdown.

I vividly recall Pope Francis’ solitary address in St. Peter’s Square on March 27, 2020. Where thousands of faithful would normally have stood, the Holy Father’s voice echoed in the empty square.

That image of Pope Francis speaks to the lessons of the past year, as the pandemic has shown us the importance of friendship, of faith and of service.

The first lesson is that Christian life is not one of individualism. We are made to live in communion with one another. When we are together, we can draw out the best in each other, as iron sharpens iron. It is excellent to see council meetings and activities picking back up. Though we have adapted to virtual meetings and events, there is no substitute for being together in person.

A second lesson is this: The pandemic has reminded us how much we need the sacraments. Restrictions were undertaken in the interest of physical health, but they often did so at the cost of spiritual health. Our parishes are places where we encounter Christ, and we rejoice to see them reopening and parishioners returning to the sacraments once again.

Finally, the pandemic has powerfully reinforced our call to service, as men and as Knights. In March of last year, the Order launched our pandemic response initiative, Leave No Neighbor Behind. In a matter of days, councils the world over embraced this effort.

‘We have answered the call to serve our neighbors in need. We have set an example of charity, unity and fraternity in the communities and countries where we are present — and beyond.’

We supported our brother Knights and their families, helping each other through economic hardships, the loss of loved ones and the loss of communal life. We supported our parishes, standing beside our priests as they continued to preach the Good News amid pandemic restrictions. We supported our communities and fed the hungry — providing meals to struggling families and supporting food banks worldwide. And we held blood drives to meet urgent needs and protect the health of our neighbors.

As Pope Francis said, while standing alone in St. Peter’s Square: “We have realized that we are on the same boat … all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.”

At every stage, we have answered the call to serve our neighbors in need. We have set an example of charity, unity and fraternity in the communities and countries where we are present — and beyond. Just recently, for example, the Order provided lifesaving oxygen to remote regions of Brazil and Peru that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

We should be proud of what we’ve done over the past year. But challenges remain, and we must draw on the lessons we’ve learned. With a greater appreciation of our need for fraternity, let us redouble our commitment to our councils and each other. With an even deeper love for the sacraments, let us devote our strength to renewing our parishes. With knowledge of how fragile life can be, let us put our charitable work at the service of the most vulnerable, both near and far.

It is my great hope and prayer this Easter that we will emerge from this crisis stronger — as a Church and an Order. May Blessed Michael McGivney and St. Joseph lend us their strength.

Vivat Jesus!

Lessons Learned

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