Knights of Columbus 134th Supreme Convention Opening Prayer

O Father of infinite glory, dwelling “in unapproachable light” (1 Tim. 6:16), we give you thanks and praise for in your goodness you have given us your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who is “the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12) and “the true light that enlightens everyone” (Jn. 1:9-10). In your goodness, pour out the Holy Spirit upon us all as we gather for the 134th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus so that the light of Christ might shine brightly in our midst and in the heart of each member of the family of the Knights of Columbus as we gather to pray, as we reflect on the work of the Order, and renew ties of friendship and fraternity. Help us in these days, and in all the days to come, to discover anew how we are called to bear the light of Christ into the world, to become disciples who are “salt and light” in the world today. We ask, O Father, a special outpouring of your grace that we might live to the fullest our first principle of charity, so that through our works of mercy and service the light and joy of the Gospel might shine forth. Help us, Lord, to imitate our venerable founder, Fr. Michael J. McGivney, by practicing an ardent charity that evangelizes.

Gathered as the family of the Knights of Columbus, we ask your special blessing upon our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. Give us the grace to heed his call to be missionary disciples who radiate God’s love through works of mercy and self-giving love. Bless the cardinals, bishops, and priests who have graced us with their presence. Help us, Lord, to bear witness to the light and beauty of your truth and love. We beg your blessing, Lord, upon the elected officials and leaders of all the countries represented at this Convention – most especially the Prime Minister of Canada. Bestow your choicest blessings our Worthy Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, upon his wife, Dorian, and upon their family and loved ones. Bless our Supreme Knight as he leads guides & serves the Order to the glory of your Name, even as you sustain in your goodness the Officer and Board of Directors of our Order, as well as the State Deputies and all the delegates to this Supreme Convention together with their families and love ones. May our Convention be marked by a growth in charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism – such that we, the family of the Knights of Columbus, will bear clarion witness to Jesus, the light of the world, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Archbishop William E. Lori

Archbishop William E. Lori was installed as the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore May 16, 2012.

Prior to his appointment to Baltimore, Archbishop Lori served as Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., from 2001 to 2012 and as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington from 1995 to 2001.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Archbishop Lori holds a bachelor's degree from the Seminary of St. Pius X in Erlanger, Ky., a master's degree from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg and a doctorate in sacred theology from The Catholic University of America. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1977.

In addition to his responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop Lori serves as Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus and is the former chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.