Image via Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.
Drew Mariani sits down with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly at the 143rd Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C., and you’ll find the conversation to be deeply meaningful, timely, and inspiring.
From sharing about the state of the Church, to what it was like to meet the Pope in person, to how the Knights are helping rebuild Catholic manhood, this episode is full of hope and conviction.
You can hear more of the LIVE broadcast at the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention below:
Hour 1 8/5 Hour 2 8/5 Hour 3 8/5
Hour 1 8/6 Hour 2 8/6 Hour 3 8/6
Meeting Pope Leo on the 4th of July
Patrick Kelly shares the story of his recent meeting with Pope Leo on Independence Day. The date wasn’t chosen by the Knights, but by the Vatican, which feels symbolic in its own way.
During the meeting, the Supreme Knight presented Pope Leo with several gifts:
-Rare writings of St. Augustine from the 1600s and 1700s 📜
-Most notably, a photo of the WWII Navy ship Pope Leo’s father served on during the Normandy landings
The Holy Father was really surprised and touched. He said: “Where did you get this?”
It sparked a meaningful conversation about his father’s military service; Patrick mentioned how rare it was for a Pope to receive a photo of a U.S. warship as a gift.
Although Pope Leo doesn’t yet have Rosaries made under his pontificate, he gifted Patrick and his team Pope Francis Rosaries.
A Pope Focused on Unity and Concerned About Division
Patrick describes Pope Leo as a calm, thoughtful, and engaging leader. He shares that Pope Leo is especially concerned about:
-The rise of artificial intelligence and how it might affect humanity
-The deep social and ecclesial divisions playing out across the world
Pope Leo’s focus on unity definitely resonates deeply with the mission of the Knights of Columbus. What’s amazing is that Patrick notes how quickly the Pope connected the Knights’ principles: charity, unity, fraternity, with the charisms of the Augustinians: truth, unity, and charity.
Patrick believes unity is becoming a central theme of Pope Leo’s leadership, especially within the Church itself.
The Crisis in Masculinity and What the Knights Are Doing About It
Patrick doesn’t shy away from naming a hard truth:
“There’s a crisis of masculinity in our society.”
Many men today feel spiritually adrift, isolated, and unsure of their place in the world. But the Knights are offering a clear path forward: brotherhood rooted in faith.
-Over 96,000 men join the Knights of Columbus last year.
-There’s a steady rise in adult baptisms.
-More and more men are returning to the Church.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly’s message is clear:
“If you’ve looked at the Knights before and thought it wasn’t for you… look again.”
👶 Defending Life, One Ultrasound at a Time
Another major focus of the Knights is protecting unborn life through practical action.
The Knights have now placed 2,000 ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers around the country. Each machine has the potential to save hundreds of lives over time.
Here’s how it works:
-Local Knights councils raise funds.
-The national organization matches the amount.
-Ultrasounds are donated to centers that serve women in crisis pregnancies.
✝️ A Message of Hope
The theme of this year’s convention is “Service, Unity, and Hope”; it’s a fitting focus for these challenging yet grace-filled times.
Patrick reflects on how the year began with the opening of the Holy Door by Pope Francis; just a few months later, we witnessed the Pope’s passing. Now, the Church continues the Jubilee Year under the leadership of a new Pope… a moment that feels both sobering and providential.
📲 Want to Get Involved?
If you’re a Catholic man looking for faith, brotherhood, and mission, Patrick offers a simple invitation: Learn more here!
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS