One Nation, Under God

July 1, 2026

From defending religious freedom to serving local communities, the Order carries forward Father McGivney’s vision of faithful citizenship

By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

July 1, 2026

In May, I traveled to France to attend Warriors to Lourdes — our annual pilgrimage co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. There, wounded, ill and injured veterans seek healing and peace from the physical and psychological effects of war. It was a moving experience to accompany these men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to this nation.

It was also an opportunity to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States and the contributions the Knights of Columbus has made to our nation over the years.

Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights to unite the men of St. Mary’s Parish in faith and service during a time of great division. The Civil War was still fresh in the minds of Father McGivney and the early Knights. The Industrial Revolution had brought dangerous working conditions and little support for workers injured or killed on the job. Catholics faced widespread discrimination and social barriers that limited opportunity and forced many into isolated communities. The dominant Protestant culture often viewed them with suspicion and questioned whether Catholics — most of them immigrants — could be loyal American citizens.

In the decades that followed, the Knights of Columbus proved its worth. We fought and died for our country in times of war and promoted its ideals in times of peace. We championed religious freedom and funded the U.S. Supreme Court case that struck down state laws aimed at banning Catholic education. We worked for racial equality when many others looked the other way.

Because of our history, religious freedom has always been a central concern. In 1954, the Knights played a key role in adding the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. To this day, the United States remains “one nation, under God.”

For the Order, patriotism is more than a sentiment. It means helping to build a just and flourishing society. By strengthening families and serving our communities, we help shape the culture of our nation.

The Order has contributed greatly to the good of our nation. Yet perhaps our most important contributions are those that often go unheralded. I am speaking of the daily work of our local councils and assemblies — bringing men and families together in service to their parishes and communities. This work strengthens social bonds, assists those most in need and supports people living on the margins. It fosters solidarity and civic virtue, helping us become better citizens and contributing to the common good in ways that cannot be measured.

For this reason, it is not a stretch to say that patriotism is in the DNA of the Knights of Columbus — and that to be a Knight is to be a patriot. Some may hesitate to use that word, fearing it implies blind allegiance or political partisanship.

But that is not how the Church — or the Knights — understands patriotism. At its core, patriotism is a rightly ordered gratitude. It is the duty of allegiance we owe our nation in recognition of the blessings we have received — gratitude to God and gratitude for a country that has allowed so many good things to flourish: our families, our Church, our councils and our communities.

For the Order, patriotism is more than a sentiment. It means helping to build a just and flourishing society. Through our principles and service, we help shape the character of our members, which in turn shapes the character of our families — the fundamental cell of society. By strengthening families and serving our communities, we help shape the culture of our nation.

As we celebrate this nation’s 250th anniversary, let us do so with gratitude for the many gifts God has given us. And as an Order, let us renew our commitment to the work before us, helping ensure that our country will always remain one nation, under God.

Vivat Jesus!

The Church of the Gesù in Rome is pictured June 21, 2025.

One Nation, Under God

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