WASHINGTON, D.C.– Joseph Starshak, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saint John XXIII Foundation, is honored to announce that Patrick E. Kelly (Captain, United States Navy, Retired), Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, has been named an Honorary Patron of the Saint John XXIII Foundation. Supreme Knight Kelly will be recognized formally during the Foundation’s upcoming 2025 Annual Patrons Reception to be held in Charleston, SC, on Oct. 23, 2025.
The distinction recognizes Supreme Knight Kelly’s exceptional leadership, generosity, and long-standing partnership between the Knights of Columbus and the Saint John XXIII Foundation. Under his guidance, the Knights of Columbus has continued to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to supporting the education and formation of seminarians who will become future Military Chaplains. Through the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Endowed Scholarships that are supported by the Knights of Columbus, the Foundation is able to annually make a grant to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to help underwrite their education and formation.
Mr. Kelly’s appointment as an Honorary Patron was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors during the Foundation’s 2024 Annual Meeting. During the Patrons Reception, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services and President of the Foundation, and Mr. Starshak, will recognize formally Mr. Kelly and the Knights of Columbus, by presenting him with the Resolution of the Board of Directors along with the Decoration and Patrons Medal.
Reflecting on the appointment, Mr. Starshak said, “The support of the Knights and the friendship that exists between its membership and those who serve our Nation is unwavering. When discussing the 2025 Honorary Patron, it was clear to the entire Board of Directors that the Foundation would not be able to support the education and formation of future Military Chaplains were it not for the generous support of the Knights. This honor is a heartfelt token of the Foundation’s eternal gratitude for the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and the incredible leadership and service of Supreme Knight Kelly.”
Registration for the 2025 Patrons Reception will open in the summer. For more information about the Saint John XXIII Foundation and the work of the Patrons, please visit www.stjohnxxiiifoundation.org.
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