A Fruitful Partnership

June 10, 2026

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly receives the John Cardinal O’Connor Award, citing the longstanding friendship between the Knights and the Sisters of Life

By Columbia staff

June 10, 2026

Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly accepts the John Cardinal O’Connor Award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus from Mother Mary Concepta, superior general of the Sisters of Life. — Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly accepts the John Cardinal O’Connor Award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus from Mother Mary Concepta, superior general of the Sisters of Life, during the community’s annual gala in Rye, N.Y., on June 5. The award recognized the Order’s longstanding commitment to building a culture of life and supporting vulnerable mothers and children. (Photo by Tamino Petelinšek)

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly received the John Cardinal O’Connor Award from the Sisters of Life at the annual Sisters of Life Gala in Rye, New York, on June 5. The award recognizes individuals who embody the vision of Cardinal John O’Connor, who founded the Sisters of Life in 1991 while serving as archbishop of New York.

“It is a great honor this evening to receive this award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus. It is doubly meaningful because of who it comes from, and in whose memory it’s named,” Supreme Knight Kelly said.

The supreme knight praised Cardinal O’Connor as a leading figure in the pro-life movement whose influence continues to be felt decades after his death.

“His Eminence John Cardinal O’Connor was a towering pillar of the pro-life movement,” he said. “With an unshakable resolve, he dedicated so much of his ministry as bishop to proclaiming the sanctity of every human life, made in the image and likeness of God. From the pulpit of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and from the platform that is the Archdiocese of New York, he truly was a great prophet of the culture of life.”

The award was presented by Mother Mary Concepta, superior general of the Sisters of Life.

“We are proud to honor Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly with the John Cardinal O’Connor Award for his tireless commitment to building the culture of life,” Mother Mary Concepta said. “Under your leadership, the Knights of Columbus continue to be leaders in the pro-life movement in word and in action.”

She added: “Your unwavering commitment to the cause of human life, marriage and the family is an inspiration to us. Through your support for women and children in need, you live up to your name as a Knight and exemplify the Knights’ motto: ‘In service to One. In service to all.’”

Upon receiving the award, Supreme Knight Kelly reflected on the longstanding friendship between the Order and the Sisters of Life.

“The Knights of Columbus works with all sorts of organizations. But there is no partnership that we cherish more than our close friendship with the Sisters of Life,” he said.

The supreme knight pointed in particular to Villa Maria Guadalupe, purchased by the Knights of Columbus and entrusted to the Sisters in 2004 in fulfillment of Cardinal O’Connor’s vision of a place dedicated to prayer, healing and renewal. The supreme knight noted that the retreat center has helped advance a culture of life through its ministry to pro-life advocates, families, clergy, religious and those seeking healing after abortion.

He also highlighted Life Fest, the annual youth rally cosponsored by the Knights and the Sisters of Life, which for the past several years has brought together thousands of young people for prayer, worship and pro-life witness before the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Concluding his remarks, the supreme knight pledged the Order’s continued support for the Sisters of Life and for vulnerable mothers and children.

“Speaking for the Knights, we will keep doing everything we can to support the Sisters of Life, and to protect vulnerable mothers and their children,” he said. “As we prepare for the work ahead, we take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ will continue to guide us.”

Sister Mercy Marie of the Sisters of Life told gala attendees the story of a husband and wife who found forgiveness and healing through retreats at Villa Maria Guadalupe following an abortion and later brought their entire family to Eucharistic adoration.

“With the generous support of the Knights of Columbus, Villa Maria Guadalupe is a true home where souls can come out of the rain and be restored and renewed and thus go forth to renew and restore our nation and the whole world,” Sister Mercy Marie said.

Past recipients of the John Cardinal O’Connor Award include Past Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson; Father Benedict Groeschel, founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal; Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See and former president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences; Jeanne Mancini, former president of the March for Life; and Dr. Michael Brescia, a medical pioneer at New York’s Calvary Hospital who revolutionized end-of-life care and treated every patient with profound compassion.

Supreme Officers and state deputies gather outside St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn.

A Fruitful Partnership

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