BLACKWOOD – The Knights of Columbus gathered recently to honor the Diocese of Camden’s priests, those shepherds who are “vital cornerstones of the faith.”
“In a world often marked with confusion, conflict and loneliness, the priest stands as a beacon of God’s enduring love and mercy. Their hands bless, their words heal and their presence comforts,” James Sweeney, state deputy of the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus, said during the annual Pride in Our Priests Dinner.
Sweeney, of the Diocese of Paterson, said he hoped the evening would be “a reminder that you are surrounded by a community that values you, cares for you and stands ready to lift you up.”
About 350 people gathered for the annual celebration Oct. 2, which was held at The Forum catering hall. It was the event’s largest attendance since 2019. In addition to South Jersey’s Knights and deacons – and their wives – dozens of priests were in attendance along with Bishop Joseph Williams and Bishop Emeritus Dennis Sullivan.
After thanking the Knights for hosting the evening of appreciation and solidarity for priests, Bishop Williams expressed gratefulness for the fraternal organization’s commitment to human dignity, specifically mentioning their purchase of ultrasound machines for women’s centers.
“Thank you for always battling for the culture of life,” he said, imploring the men to heed the words of Saint John Paul II: “Where the immigrant is disregarded and exploited, there is also participation in the culture of death.”
He called on the men to remember “our Latino brothers and sisters and immigrants [living] in a very difficult time. Never before in the history of this country has simply not having papers been criminalized. What’s happening with our Latino families is frightening.”
“When one of the families comes to profess their faith in Jesus Christ and receive the sacraments, our priests do not ask them for their papers,” Bishop Williams said. “[Similarly], when you are approached and a Latino man wants to be a Knight, you don’t ask that man for his papers.”
He said that in the years of his priesthood, he’s come to know Latino Knights who “love their faith, love this country, love the Church and enrich their communities.”
“These brothers of yours could go to work tomorrow and not return home to their families,” the Bishop said. “I invite you to enter this battle with the Church, to comfort and accompany our families … [to let them know] the Church loves them, will accompany them, will advocate for them and will go to bat for them.”
The Knight’s New Jersey State Council presented Bishop Williams with two checks – totaling $5,000 – for building vocations in South Jersey, as well as VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services.
Father Adam Cichoski, the Diocese’s director of vocations, also thanked the organization for their support, be it through prayers, financial assistance or the annual Knights of Columbus Seminarian Letter Project – in which Catholic school students and parish religious education students write letters of encouragement to seminarians.
Priests of the Diocese said the evening gave them renewed energy and vigor as they return to their communities.
“To know that the Knights think about us, recognize what we do and the sacrifices we make motivates me to continue my ministry,” said Father Franklin Opara, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Galloway. At the same time, “It’s nice to socialize, see old friends and make new ones.”
Father Carlos Lopez, parochial vicar of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Swedesboro, agreed. “The Knights’ prayers give me the grace and strength to continue my mission. Also, it’s good to thank them for the work they do for us.”
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