PALM BEACH GARDENS | The local Knights of Columbus, a 6,000-member service organization in the Diocese of Palm Beach, hosted a pilgrimage Oct. 18, 2025, to the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in celebration of the church’s 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
The pilgrimage event came as the worldwide Knights of Columbus prepares to mark the five-year anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the fraternity of Catholic men.
“The Knights of Columbus has always been the premier Catholic fraternal organization in the country,” said Father Martin Dunne III, diocesan Knights of Columbus chaplain and pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Palm City. “To be able to gather all councils and assemblies together as a diocese with their families to avail ourselves of the Jubilee Year of Hope will not only bestow the graces offered by the Holy See but will strengthen the already-strong bond beyond us as brother Knights.”
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Pilgrimage day
The Knight of Columbus pilgrims gathered mid-morning on the cathedral grounds, an official site of special blessings during the jubilee. Designated by the Vatican, the cathedral, along with other cathedrals around the world, is a place where Catholics can visit and receive God’s gift of mercy, a plenary indulgence.
An indulgence is an application of God’s love to remove the effects of past sins. To acquire the precious gift, there are requirements. One must receive the sacrament of reconciliation, receive the Eucharist during Mass and pray for the intentions of the pope.
Father Gavin Badway, cathedral rector and pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, greeted the pilgrims arriving with their families. At one point, he officially opened the holy doors of the cathedral. Everyone formed a line and, led by the Knights’ color guard, pilgrims processed inside and took a seat. Father Dunne began the day by leading Eucharistic adoration.
The exposed Blessed Sacrament was displayed on the altar in a monstrance. Pilgrims sat in silence with the Lord, beginning the day with Jesus at the center.
Mass began next, bringing together men and families representing the entire diocese of 40 councils in five counties from Sebastian in the north to Boca Raton. Their communal worship provided an amazing witness of Christian solidarity.
Tom Corcione, who has been part of his church’s choir over the years, lifted up his voice in praise and glory to God. “It is a tremendous honor to be part of this day with my Knights of Columbus brothers,” said Corcione, a member of St. Jude Parish in Boca Raton and Council 3092. “I became a Knight in 2017. I haven’t been able to go to Rome for the jubilee, but this pilgrimage to the cathedral today makes me feel connected to the pilgrims in Rome celebrating the jubilee.”
At one point, Michael Gizewski, state deputy for the Knights, thanked the men for attending. He encouraged them to invite others to join the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus, reminding them of the group’s significance and mission to build families, parishes and communities centered on Christ.
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“As a member of the Knights of Columbus, we become better husbands, fathers and men,” Gizewski said.
Renewing committed mission
This summer, the Knights of Columbus in Florida began a new fraternal year and new momentum. In a statement, Gizewski said, “This new year is not just a continuation of past efforts — it is a sacred opportunity to renew our commitment to the mission given to us by Blessed Michael McGivney and to recommit our lives and our brotherhood to Jesus Christ, the true source of strength, wisdom and unity.
“Success in the Knights of Columbus is not measured merely by numbers, events or awards. True success is measured by how faithfully we embody the principles of our order: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, all of which are only fully realized when they are rooted in Christ. At the heart of every council, and especially the state council, must be a deep devotion to prayer.
“The most successful fraternal years begin with men on their knees, asking God to guide them, bless them and work through them. Let every meeting, every initiative and every decision be covered in prayer — not just as a formality, but as the true engine of our work. If we do this, we will not only succeed — we will be transformed.”
Worldwide lay group
The Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882. The organization currently has more than 2.1 million members worldwide with reports of surging numbers of new members.
Dedicated members frequently go over and above to represent a true disciple of Jesus. Members give their time and talents to help out where needed, raising money for charitable causes, and assisting pastors and dioceses. Catholic fellowship and walking side by side with men of the brotherhood to deepen faith are significant components of the organization.
“Since childhood, one of the greatest things that has appealed to me about the Knights of Columbus is the opportunity to foster relationships beyond those of one’s home parish,” said Father Dunne, a member of the Knights since he was a young man.
“This pilgrimage is an opportunity to gather as a diocese all as one in Christ. After all, that was Blessed Michael McGivney’s vision when starting the order in 1882: to foster one’s relationship with Christ through a common brotherhood,” he said.
All Catholic men are invited to put faith in action through the Knights of Columbus. To learn more about the Knights, contact your parish or visit the organization’s website at www.kofc.org.
