Persecuted Christians Highlighted and Supported by Knights of Columbus

U.S.  Catholics have joined in the world in praying for Persecuted Christians.   The Knights of Columbus “Solidarity in Suffering” initiative is a joint effort with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and other Catholic organizations to increase awareness of persecuted Christians in the Middle East and around the world.

Persecuted Christians have faced genocide and have been forced to flee their homes.  The Knights of Columbus have responded with the Christian Refugee Relief Fund, which directs 100% of all donations to benefit persecuted Christians, and those in their care, especially in the Middle East.

To highlight the issue the K of C helped organized events during the last week of November, including a Memorial Mass for victims of ISIS genocide, an event at the United Nations co-sponsored by the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations, and several roundtable discussions and talks in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. “The Week of Awareness was an opportunity to inform people about the dire situation facing Christians in places like Iraq and Syria where our faith has been present since the time of the Apostles, but could soon disappear,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “It is a time to pray, and to offer help and crucial hope to those who have lost everything but their faith for their faith.”

The Knights of Columbus joined with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other Catholic groups in sponsoring Solidarity in Suffering, a Week of Awareness for Persecuted Christians. To highlight the issue the K of C helped organize a number of events during the last week of November, including a Memorial Mass for victims of ISIS genocide, an event at the United Nations co-sponsored by the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations, and a number of roundtable discussions and talks in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. “The Week of Awareness was an opportunity to inform people about the dire situation facing Christians in places like Iraq and Syria where our faith has been present since the time of the Apostles, but could soon disappear,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “It is a time to pray, and to offer help and crucial hope to those who have lost everything but their faith for their faith.”

Please join the Knights of Columbus in supporting our sisters and brothers who have suffered for their faith, through this prayer composed by K of C Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians

O God of all the nations, the One God who is and was and always will be, in your providence you willed that your Church be united to the suffering of your Son. Look with mercy on your servants who are persecuted for their faith in you. Grant them perseverance and courage to be worthy imitators of Christ. Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations to work for peace among all peoples. May your Spirit open conversation for those who contradict your will, that we live in harmony. Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom, and to always seek your will in our lives. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

The Knights of Columbus has committed more than $17 million to assistance for the persecuted groups and those in their care in the Middle East. The organization has advocated on their behalf, including urging the congressional and state department genocide designations against ISIS in 2016.

The Knights of Columbus has long urged adequate funding for the fragile and too-often- forgotten groups targeted for genocide by ISIS.  It applauded Vice President Mike Pence’s recent announcement that the Trump administration will begin providing aid directly to religious minority groups impacted by ISIS’ genocide. The Knights has also been supportive of H.R. 390, a bill that passed the U.S. House unanimously this summer, and is awaiting approval by the U.S. Senate. The bill would mandate that the government provide financial assistance to religious groups that were targeted for genocide.

For additional information visit www.ChristiansAtRisk.org

photo: Knights of Columbus