Bishop Edward Malesic and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost joined more than 500 Knights of Columbus at the 126th annual Ohio State Convention State Deputy Banquet May 24 at the Cleveland Hilton in downtown Cleveland.
Jim Maslach, state treasurer, was chairman for the convention, which took place May 23-25. He said the gathering was delayed a week because of the Cleveland Marathon.
Maslach said knights from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the dioceses of Cleveland, Columbus, Steubenville, Toledo and Youngstown attended the weekend convention.
It included opportunities for prayer, Mass, business meetings and fellowship. The banquet, which took place in the large grand ballroom on the hotel’s fifth floor, was the highlight of the convention.
“I am blessed to gather with my fellow knights, men of service,” Bishop Malesic told the group. He made brief opening remarks and offered a blessing before the banquet. Noting that the convention took place during Memorial Day weekend, the bishop also thanked the veterans and current service members for their service and sacrifice, adding the goal is to achieve world peace.
The Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary Parish in New Haven, Connecticut, along with a group of parishioners. Their intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood.
Over the years, the organization has grown to include its long-established charitable work, insurance, investments, scholarships and more. Its mission is to empower Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Currently, there are knights across the United States and around the world. There are councils on college campuses, military councils, traditional councils, Columbian Circles and Fourth Degree knights.
By forming men spiritually, the knights encourage the Catholic vision of marriage and family life through their acclaimed video series and discussion. They also have a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Maslach said there are more than 55,500 knights in Ohio. Locally, there are councils across the eight counties of the diocese.
During the convention, attendees were asked to bring personal hygiene items that were donated to help the homeless population in the Cleveland and Akron areas.
Knights and their guests also could take advantage of several excursions during convention downtime, including touring the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Old Stone Church, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and the Diocese of Cleveland Archives in downtown Cleveland, as well as Lakeview Cemetery and a tour of historic churches in Cleveland. Some visitors also went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Science Center, USS Cod Memorial, the West Side Market and Public Square. The convention included a golf tournament, a euchre tournament and welcome party.
Maslach said there were business meetings conducted throughout the weekend as well as elections for some state officer positions. Speakers addressed both the knights and their guests, as well.
