The 142nd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus is taking place in Quebec City, Canada, on August 6-8. More than 2,000 Catholics from all over the world, including Ukraine, are taking part in the event.
This is reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.
The Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus plans to discuss the organization's activities and provide support to those who need it most.
It is noted that on the occasion of the opening of the forum, a Holy Mass was held, where a prayer for Ukraine and a just peace was heard.
Among the participants of the Convention is the Ukrainian delegation led by the national chaplains of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy (UGCC) and Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki (RCC). Father Oleksandr Bohomaz, who served in occupied Melitopol for 9 months, also took part in the event. The priest shared his testimony about the cruelty of Russian aggression. The stories from Ukraine deeply moved the participants of the Convention.
The delegation also included the national delegate of the Knights of Columbus in Ukraine, Mykola Mostoviak, and his wife, former national delegate Yuriy Maletsky and national secretary Oleksandr Brunevych. In addition, the event was attended by UGCC bishops from the United States and Canada: Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia, Bishop Davyd Motiuk of Edmonton, and Bishop Brian Baida of Toronto and Eastern Canada.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and expressed his admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the organization has allocated more than $17 million for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
"The Knights of Columbus demonstrate that the Catholic community is united in its support for Ukraine. Their contribution to the fight against the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war is invaluable," said Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy.
According to the hierarch, this Convention proves that even in a secularized world, brotherhood, unity, and charity remain relevant values.
"Today, when the world is increasingly moving away from traditional values, the Knights of Columbus remind us of the importance of life, family and service to one's neighbor."
The Convention also became a platform for sharing experiences and establishing new contacts between members of the organization from different countries. The Ukrainian delegation received an award for its active work during the war. The award was presented by the Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to the national delegate Mykola Mostovyak at a ceremony preceding the Convention.