Supreme Knight Calls on Knights of Columbus to Stand in Prayerful Solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI

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May 28, 2012, 05:21 ET

Call comes on the 35th anniversary of Pope's consecration as a bishop

ROME, May 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On May 28, 1977 Father Joseph Ratzinger – now Pope Benedict XVI – was consecrated a bishop. Today, on the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Pope's episcopal ordination, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson has asked the 1.8 million members of the Knights of Columbus to remember the Pope in prayer next Sunday.

"I ask that every member of the Knights of Columbus offer an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be before or after Mass on this coming Sunday, June 3, for the Pope's intentions and in honor of his 35 years as a bishop," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. He continued: "At this important moment in the history of the Church and in the life of Pope Benedict XVI, it is important that we commit ourselves in prayer and solidarity to our Holy Father in a special way."

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization. Its more than 1.8 million members worldwide, are based throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. The organization also counts strong membership in the Philippines and most recently in Europe, with its establishment in Poland.

Founded in 1882 on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus has worked closely over the years with the Church – from local parishes to the Vatican. Last year, the Knights donated 70 million hours and nearly $155 million to charitable causes.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus