South Jersey looked a lot different in 1950 – Harry S. Truman was president, a gallon of gas cost 27 cents, grocery stores sold loaves of bread for 14 cents – but even 75 years later, the tenets held most dear by a stalwart group of Catholic men from Our Lady of Peace Parish remain the same.
The four pillars of the Knights of Columbus – charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism – were in full view Sept. 21 as the Williamstown parish celebrated the Knights of Columbus Mater Christi Council #3352 before clergy, parishioners, Knights, neighbors and others.
Father Sanjai Devis, VC, pastor, served as principal celebrant of the Mass in Saint Mary Church to mark the Knights’ 75 years of service to the parish and community. A phalanx of Color Corps in full regalia lined the center aisle, proudly marching forward as they held flags and their council’s banner. Also prominent in the entrance procession was a large, gold-plated statue of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, the Connecticut-based priest who founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882.
Deacon James Hallman served as homilist, urging the Knights to “take courage and be a man by walking in God’s ways.” Knights of Columbus, he continued, “work with fellow brothers, following God’s teaching through sharing their time and gifts; they are committed in finding ways to bring themselves and others closer to our Lord, and as their chaplain, I know they see the eyes of Jesus in the individuals and organizations they help. [Father McGivney’s] legacy is not confined to a statue, but it lives on in the heart of every Knight in every act of compassion inspired by faith.”
Following the Mass, the faithful joined in a procession from the church to the outdoor grove that will house the new Father McGivney statue. Blessed with incense and holy water, the statue took its place to honor the Knights of Columbus.
“We are the second-oldest council in the Camden Diocese,” explained Joseph Sottosanti, Grand Knight. Records reveal that 57 men from Saint Mary Parish, Williamstown, formed the council on Sept. 21, 1950, naming it “Mater Christi” in honor of the Blessed Mother.
By 1966, the council’s members determined the need for their own building and got to work, breaking ground near the church. Five men used their own family houses as collateral to fund the construction, rolled up their sleeves and began to build it themselves. Scores of Knights utilized the building from its inception until its sale earlier this year. (The council now meets in the town library until it selects its new permanent home.)
The more than 200 registered Knights of the council fulfill myriad charitable, secular, faithful and philanthropic responsibilities in the parish and community. In support of parish and school programs, ministries and other charities, the council sells Christmas ornaments, palm crosses, and hoagies after Mass; volunteers at the church carnival, paints the school, cooks at parish picnics, and supports the parish food pantry and annual school supply drive; sponsors graduation awards and essay and poster contests for Saint Mary School, and financially assists seminarians. Knights serve at parish liturgies as ushers, lectors, choir members, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, as well as assisting with First Holy Communion and Confirmation students each year.
James Sweeney, N.J. Knights of Columbus State Deputy, was pleased at the procession and tribute to Blessed Michael McGivney. “This council is very active,” he noted. “From humble beginnings, the Knights are now 2.1 million men worldwide and are a testament to Father McGivney’s spirit.”
Longtime Knights shared their motivation for joining in the fraternal organization.
Joseph DiLolle is a second-generation Knight of Columbus. His father, also named Joseph, was a member for more than 50 years.
“He was one of the original members who actually built the council,” the younger DiLolle said. “He was a jack-of-all-trades machinist and electrician, and it was all hands on deck.” DiLolle recalled he and his brother picked up metal punch-out slugs from the ground as the electric panels were installed.
“I joined the Knights in 1980 because I thought it was a good organization,” DiLolle continued. “I heard a lot about its charity work, and liked how it made me feel helping society. There was camaraderie, and a lot of fathers and sons in our council.”
Deacon Hallman first joined the Knights of Columbus in 1980, but needed to take a hiatus when his schedule became too full. He revived his membership eight years ago, and has been serving as Mater Christi chaplain for the past five years.
“It’s wonderful,” the deacon stated. “I am not only feeding them spiritually, but they are feeding me as well. They spend so much time, talent and treasure, it brings tears to my eyes. It hits my heart to see what they are doing.”
Sottosanti is another second-generation member of the Knights. His father, Salvatore, was a longtime Knight in North Jersey and served as inspiration for his son to join the youth program of the Knights, known as the Columbian Squires.
Following his college graduation and marriage, Sottosanti resettled his parents to South Jersey and prompted his father to transfer to the Williamstown council. “I liked doing charitable things, being in a group that had goals and a mission. I admired their service projects and good deeds,” Sottosanti said.
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