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My fellow brothers, sisters and friends,
Tonight shall mark the fourth anniversary of the foundation of Knights of Columbus council no. 13881 of St. Kevin’s Parish. This is a time for celebration and thanksgiving as well as for reflection on our accomplishments of the past years.
We have achieved much during the four short years of our existence. We have received two Meritas awards at provincial Knights of Columbus conventions, one for family activities in 2007 and another for council activities in 2009. We have also earned two double star awards, one for the 2006-2007 fraternal year and another for the recently completed 2008-2009 fraternal year, as well as McGivney and founder’s awards for the 2005-2006 fraternal year and a founder’s award for the 2007-2008 fraternal year. Finally, we received an RSVP plaque for supporting vocations during the 2008-2009 fraternal year. I am in awe. God is so good!
Looking towards the future, the recent competitive officers’ elections have invigorated me once again. Encouraged by what we have accomplished in such a short time and aware of our vast potential for tomorrow, I am more than ready once again to lead the council in its future endeavours.
Yes, I am indeed inspired. My fellow knights are my motivation and my guide. I am pleased with our progress. We are 86 members strong with 37 first degree brothers, 34 third degree brothers and 15 fourth degree sir knights. We also sponsor the Father Brady Circle of Columbian Squires, recognized by Supreme as circle no. 5204, to encourage our young people to channel their energy in positive directions. Our message is being delivered and reaching our brethren’s ears.
We shall carry on, armed in our minds and our hearts with the virtues handed to us as Columbians: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. We shall continue rendering our services to the parish both timewise and financially: assisting Sunday Eucharistic celebrations, touching base with our parishioners, visiting the sick and the needy, comforting those in pain and suffering, inspiring the youth, and most of all helping motivate our fellow Christians to realize the value of becoming a living testimonial of God’s love to mankind by becoming living Christian witnesses ourselves. God will help us.
Tonight as I look back, my utmost thanks goes to God almighty for his constant help and for showing us the right path. He has made a very challenging calling, but attainable for us. Along with the challenge, he gave us gifts. Gifts of people who would support us and show us the way…
In the name of our Council 13881, we are truly grateful to Father John Lyng, one of God’s gifts to us, who has been our spiritual director and guide from the outset. We also wish to thank Father Jessie Dimafilis, who we honour in a special way this evening, for all his support during his year at St. Kevin’s and we look forward to working in harmony with Father Sunny Padinharedeth in the upcoming pastoral year.
We also convey our thanks to Rene and Agnes Simoneau and to Sister Alma Robinson for their assistance and for giving us the opportunity to get involved in the parish services and activities.
To Sir Knight Guy Masse, our District Deputy, thank you for sharing your knowledge, for teaching us, and for giving us advice that is beneficial to our council. We also thank Sir Knight Kevin Ready, our fraternal counsellor, and Sir Knight Roland Larocque, our agency director, for their enthusiasm, presence and guidance in our council affairs.
My gratitude also goes to the various Filipino associations, our parishioners and friends who always support us in carrying out our mission. From Sunday services, to caroling, to field trips, to fundraising events and a lot more during the year, thank you for your generous hearts.
To all my Brother Knights, sisters and squires, I am personally thankful to each of you for your trust in me and for helping me carry out our mission. Thank you for your friendship and your camaraderie, most of all, thank you for your dedication and commitment.
May tonight be a happy occasion for all of us. Together let us be each other’s strength and inspiration as we look ahead towards the future. Anything that would come our way, for the service of God and the service of the Knights of Columbus, we all know, we shall overcome…
Tonight, please enjoy the rest of the evening and may all of you be forever God blessed.
Irenio S. Nacino
Sir Grand Knight
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Irenio S. Nacino
Sir Grand Knight
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