In its proclamation, the Foundation's Board of Directors recognized Supreme Knight Kelly and the Knights of Columbus for their dedication of time, talent, and treasure in supporting the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS), USA, throughout the 40 years since the archdiocese was established in 1985.

"I gratefully accept this award — for myself, yes — but also on behalf of the over 2 million members of the Knights who are so committed to Charity, Unity, Fraternity, but also to Patriotism," the Supreme Knight said.

Personal connection

Supreme Knight Kelly served in the JAG Corps as a Navy lawyer in both active duty and the Navy Reserve for 24 years.

"One thing I saw when I was on active duty is the great value that our chaplains bring," Supreme Knight Kelly said. "I really had a unique perspective, because I worked very closely with chaplains, and that's kind of an interesting aspect of being a JAG, working with chaplains, particularly when you're deployed.

"When I was deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Guam (LPH 9), the flagship of an amphibious ready group we were very fortunate to have a chaplain, and he and I became very good friends, and so often we really worked as a tag team.

"I would have sailors who were in legal trouble. I was dealing with that, but often I would send them to the chaplain. I knew that they needed the sympathetic ear of the chaplain. But vice versa was also true. Often the chaplain was dealing with issues with some of the sailors, and he would send them to me, so I could help them straighten out some issues that they had."

Recognition of sustained support

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, JCD, is Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, and President of the Saint John XXIII Foundation.

"It is only fitting that Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and the Knights of Columbus be honored with this award," Archbishop Broglio said. "Historically, the Knights of Columbus have always been present, going back to the First World War and they have continued to be supportive of our military and the Archdiocese including catechesis, vocations programs and so many other ways."

Key programs & partnerships

According to Archbishop William E. Lori, Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, the Co-Sponsored Seminary Program (CSP) has partnered with dioceses and religious orders throughout the United States and has brought men by the dozens to seminaries to become priests and military chaplains over the past 18 years. Seminary expenses are shared equally between home dioceses or religious orders and the AMS, with the Knights of Columbus contributing greatly to the program.

The Knights also co-sponsor the annual "Warriors to Lourdes" pilgrimage for wounded, ill, and injured military personnel and Veterans. This program is part of the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which has served as a place for hope, prayer, spiritual healing and reconciliation for military members since the end of World War II.

The Knights also partner with organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation to build smart homes for severely wounded Veterans and provide wheelchairs to Veterans through their partnership with the Global Wheelchair Mission.

The "Armed with the Faith" prayer book features waterproof, tear-resistant pages specially designed for Catholics in the military, especially those in harsh environments. It contains over 70 prayers for various occasions, a guide to the sacraments with special emphasis on Penance and the Rosary, and Catholic teachings on topics such as just war theory, virtues and works of mercy.

Auxiliary Bishop for AMS Most Reverend Richard Spencer was an Army Military Police officer before entering the seminary and becoming an Army chaplain. He was on duty at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks and subsequently deployed to Iraq on several tours of duty.

"It is a beautiful prayer book, very practical, easy to engage and offers many meditations along with prayers to God for His glory," Bishop Spencer said.

Ongoing commitment

Brother Knights of Columbus volunteer nearly 100,000 hours annually to Veterans Administration medical centers through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Voluntary Services program.

In addition to Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies in communities and local parishes, there are 67 military councils in the United States and around the world in countries where the United States has a long-standing military presence, including Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Belgium and Spain.

For more information:

• Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA: www.milarch.org
• Saint John XXIII Foundation: www.stjohnxxiiifoundation.org