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My fellow brothers, sisters and friends,
Tonight shall mark the third anniversary of the foundation of our very own 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 achievements of the past year.
Time has passed so fast for Council no. 13881. It seems only yesterday that our council received its recognition from Supreme as an independent entity after having been shepherded by council no. 13585 of Our Lady of the Philippines. I am in awe. God is so good!
Looking towards the future, I feel that I am re-energized 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 76 members strong with 13 fourth degree sir knights. We have spawned a new council no. 14315 at St-Malachy Parish in May 2007 to better serve its parishioners. We have created 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 reachable 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 David Kiyingi for all his support during his time at St. Kevin’s and we look forward to working in harmony with Father Jessie Ventura Dimafilis, mccj, and seminarian Jason Piper 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 Leandro Tolentino, the outgoing District Deputy, and to Sir Knight Guy Masse, our new 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 Brother Kevin Ready, our fraternal counsellor, and Brother 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 cultural activities and a lot more during the year, thank you for your generous hearts.
To all my Brother Knights and sisters, 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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