Meet This Moment

November 1, 2026

As a growing number of men embrace the Catholic faith, the Knights can help them better serve their families and the Church

By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

November 1, 2026

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

As Catholics, we are experiencing a unique moment — a moment of promise and hope, but also a moment of challenge that will require hard work. This came into focus during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France, Sept. 25-28.

Bill McGurn offered an excellent analysis of the pope’s journey in his Wall Street Journal column “Pope Leo’s French Resistance.” He mentioned the enormous crowds at the pope’s Mass in Paris — 800,000 people, all told — and he described what he called a “Christian resurgence.” He noted that over 13,000 adults were baptized in France at Easter this year — more than three times the number in 2019. And it’s not only adults turning to our faith. Teenage baptisms are also on the rise.

This outpouring of faith led many people to wonder: What’s going on? What has changed in this famously secular country? A 24-year-old French student told Vatican News that his conversion was “part of a broader sociological trend.” He explained, “The Church in France is experiencing something very unique: It is transitioning from a Christianity that was once inherited to a Christianity that is chosen.”

Now is not the time to be complacent or to rest on our laurels. Now is not the time for business as usual. ... The Church needs our very best — just as it did in generations past.

Think about that — transitioning from an inherited faith to a chosen faith. It’s not only happening in France. It’s also happening in the United States, Canada and many other countries the Knights of Columbus calls home.

It’s happening within the Order, too. Last year, we welcomed over 105,000 new Knights. That is the largest number in over a century — since the years following World War I. Young men, in particular, are choosing the Knights. I think it’s fair to say that, for many men, the days of simply following their fathers and grandfathers into the Knights are largely over.

What’s happening in the Church and the Order is exciting, but it’s also a challenge — and it’s a call to action for us as members of the world’s largest lay Catholic fraternal organization. We have a responsibility to meet this moment. Now is not the time to be complacent or to rest on our laurels. Now is not the time for business as usual. Our duty is to do all we can to inspire more men to join the Knights — and to help them put their faith into action for the sake of their families and the Church. The Church needs our very best — just as it did in generations past.

In September, I had the privilege of attending the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a brother Knight. It was deeply moving, as it brought back memories of his visit to my family’s parish — as well as our home — when I was 9 years old.

It also brought to mind his addresses to the Knights of Columbus. At the 88th Supreme Convention in Houston in 1970, Sheen challenged the Knights to read the “signs of the times” and respond to the social upheaval of the day. He urged us to embrace a “theology of the laity” grounded in Christ-centered action. We have carried that mission forward for more than half a century — defending human life, caring for those in need, and bearing witness to the Gospel in our communities.

Blessed Michael McGivney called us to this same mission. He founded the Order at a time of great upheaval. He motivated Catholic men and families to rise to the occasion. He showed us how to strengthen our faith and protect our families. And his vision has stood the test of time.

Much has changed over the past 144 years. But the most important things remain the same: our Catholic faith, our commitment to one another, and our determination to meet the moment we are in with faith and courage.

Blessed Michael McGivney and Blessed Fulton Sheen, pray for us.

Vivat Jesus!

Meet This Moment

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