One in Charity and Unity

August 13, 2026

Knights, families, clergy and special guests from around the world gather in Denver for the 144th Supreme Convention

By Columbia staff

August 13, 2026

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivers his annual report during the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention. — Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivers his annual report during the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver on Aug. 4. (Photo by Tamino Petelinsek)

Nearly 2,000 Knights of Columbus leaders, family members and guests convened in Denver from Aug. 4-6 for the 144th Supreme Convention, which took its theme from Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto: “In the One, we are one.”

“This is a fitting time to reflect on our past, as well as our future,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in his annual report, delivered during the opening business session Aug. 4. “The United States — our original home — is commemorating its 250th anniversary. And Colorado is a fitting place to rededicate ourselves to the work ahead. We established our first council west of the Mississippi in this very city in 1900, and Denver Council 539 is still remembered as the ‘mother council of the West.’”

Pope Leo XIV honored the Order with a video message, which premiered during the opening business session. The Holy Father commended the work of the Knights of Columbus while reflecting on unity and charity, two of the Order’s core principles.

“Works of charity … can often be a way to promote unity,” Pope Leo said. “As many of you have likely experienced, when we reach out to help those in need, there frequently develops a certain concord between those who give and those who receive, as well as among those who work together to assist their brothers and sisters. Thus, charity becomes not only a response to human suffering but also a powerful means of fostering fraternity and strengthening the communion that is at the heart of the Christian life.”

Other highlights included the election of new supreme directors, the presentation of international awards at the Supreme Knight’s Awards Session the evening before the convention, the annual States Dinner, daily Masses and other fraternal events.

Read more about the major events of the 144th Supreme Convention below, and look to the October 2026 issue of Columbia for additional coverage and photos. Many convention events can be watched in full at kofc.org/convention.

Archbishop Golka Preaches at Opening Mass.jpg — Archbishop James Golka of Denver, Colorado state chaplain, preaches the homily during the opening Mass of the 144th Supreme Convention in Denver on Aug. 4. (Photo by Matthew Barrick)

Opening Mass | Tuesday, Aug. 4

The 144th Supreme Convention opened Aug. 4 with a Mass for the feast of St. John Vianney at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver. Archbishop James Golka of Denver, who serves as state chaplain of Colorado, was the principal celebrant and homilist, with dozens of bishops and priests concelebrating.

In his homily, Archbishop Golka reminded Knights that the Order exists to care for the people of God, urging them to seek the Lord’s will in every action — big and small.

“We can be busy about many, many good activities, but if they have not been planted by God, they’re going to fail,” Archbishop Golka said. “So what must we do before we do anything? Listen to God. Beg God for clarity on his plan. He already has a plan for the Knights of Columbus. He has a plan for your council. He has a plan for your marriage and your family. We need to be experts in listening to him, so we know what his plan is.”

Ultimately, the archbishop continued, every Knight should direct his life toward heaven and union with God.

“May this convention be a place where Jesus Christ unveils to us his reign, so we can live more for that and less for everything else,” Archbishop Golka said. “May every ... gathering of men to study their faith in Cor, every opportunity to raise money to help others, every ultrasound machine that we buy to support pro-life — may every one of those things be, in our heart, a place where we allow and ask Jesus to unveil for us his way.”

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Opening Business Session and Annual Report of the Supreme Knight | Tuesday, Aug. 4

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly Delivers His Annual Report.jpg — Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivers his annual report during the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention in Denver on Aug. 4. (Photo by Paul Haring)

Following Mass, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivered his annual report during the convention’s opening business session, celebrating the achievements of the past year and outlining the Order’s goals for the year ahead.

The supreme knight reported that more than 105,000 men joined the Knights of Columbus during the past year, bringing membership to more than 2.2 million men in nearly 17,000 councils worldwide. He also announced the Order’s expansion into Spain with the establishment of its first council there.

“The Lord has enabled us to do great things. And he is drawing men into the Knights,” Supreme Knight Kelly said. “Thank you for extending the hand of brotherhood to the next generation. We are flourishing today because of our fidelity to our founder’s vision. Father McGivney built the Knights of Columbus to help men grow in faith and friendship.”

Supreme Knight Kelly also announced that Knights contributed more than 48 million volunteer hours during the past year and donated more than $200 million to those in need.

He highlighted the Order’s continued work to protect Catholic families through its insurance program, recognizing more than 900 brother Knights who serve as insurance agents. He also noted that Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors manages more than $30 billion in assets according to Catholic principles.

“Everything we do, we do out of love for Jesus Christ,” the supreme knight concluded. “And everything we are, we attribute to his grace and guidance. … Today, we turn to the Lord in celebration and thanksgiving. And we pledge anew to serve and to sacrifice — as brothers in Christ and as Knights of Columbus.”

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivers his annual report during the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver.

A video message from Pope Leo XIV to the Knights of Columbus premiers at the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention.

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., speaks before a video message from Pope Leo XIV at the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention.

Borja Barragán (left) and Father Javier Siegrist Ridruejo, charter members of the new Knights of Columbus council in Spain, wave the Spanish flag.

Mary Costello, wife of 9/11 hero Chuck Costello, holds a photograph of her husband and the rosary he was carrying when his body was recovered at Ground Zero.

Maria Castillo, accompanied by her husband, John (right), holds up a photo of her son, Kendrick, who was posthumously welcomed into the Knights of Columbus in 2019.

Maria Castillo, mother of Kendrick Castillo, talks with Sisters of Life before the opening business session of the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver.

South Carolina State Deputy J. Scott Friedman holds a Sacred Heart of Jesus prayer card.

States Dinner | Tuesday, Aug. 4

Nearly 2,000 Knights, clergy and guests celebrated their homelands during the annual States Dinner, which concluded the opening day of the convention.

The evening began with a procession of 28 historic flags of the United States in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary, followed by the colorful flags of some 75 jurisdictions represented at the convention.

Supreme Director Rene Sarmiento at States Dinner.jpg — Supreme Director Rene Sarmiento waves the flag of the Philippines during the procession of flags at the States Dinner in Denver on Aug. 4. (Photo by Matthew Barrick)

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a longtime Knight, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the importance of patriotic virtue during the semiquincentennial year of the United States, where the Order was founded in 1882.

“Patriotism is not an afterthought for the Knights of Columbus; it is written into our very structure,” Archbishop Coakley said. “Patriotism is not, first and foremost, a political virtue. It is a religious one. It flows from the Fourth Commandment, honor your father and mother, and it can rightly be understood as a form of familial love extended outward.”

He added, “If we put God first, our love of country becomes stronger and more durable, because it is no longer resting on the nation’s ability to make us comfortable or proud. It rests instead on gratitude to the God who placed us here.”

Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Coakley said, “Honor your country as you honor your parents: with gratitude, with loyalty, and with honesty that never mistakes flattery for love. Put God first and let your patriotism flow from that priority rather than compete with it. Teach your children that love of country is a debt of gratitude, not a slogan, and gratitude is an attribute of a Christian man.”

Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria, Illinois, gave the invocation, and Archbishop Golka offered welcoming remarks. Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore gave the final blessing and led guests in singing the Salve Regina.

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Deputy Supreme Knight Arthur Peters at States Dinner.jpg

Archbishop Paul Coakley and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly at States Dinner.jpg

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Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | Wednesday, Aug. 5

The second day of the convention began with a votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, was the principal celebrant, and Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis delivered the homily, encouraging Knights to seek intimacy with the Heart of Jesus so they might better share his love with the world.

“We need a spiritual ‘heart transplant’ that enables us to see and love in our brothers and sisters what Jesus sees in us,” Archbishop Hebda said. “It’s only then that they will experience, through us, the love that pours forth from the Sacred Heart, and that we will truly be able to be a conduit of that love for a world that so desperately needs it.”

Reflecting on Blessed Michael McGivney’s personal devotion to the Sacred Heart, Archbishop Hebda said this spirituality gave the young priest the “confidence and zeal that contributed to the founding of the Knights of Columbus.”

“Blessed Michael’s devotion to the Sacred Heart,” he continued, “is one of his legacies to our Order. I’m so grateful that the Knights honor that heritage by continuing to encourage the enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the family home.”

Cardinal Cupich Leads the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass.jpg

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Archbishop Hebda Delivers Homily during a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.jpg

Relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Present at Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart.jpg

Gen. Shin Kyoung-soo Delivers a Petition at Votive Mass.jpg

Michał Bartoszko Read a Petition at Votive Mass.jpg

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Business Session | Wednesday, Aug. 5

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly presided over the Wednesday business session, during which delegates elected four new supreme directors and reelected four incumbent supreme directors to three-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2026.

Newly elected to the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors were Past State Deputy Greg Mahoney of Washington, Past State Deputy Savio Dias of Prince Edward Island, Past State Deputy James Sweeney of New Jersey, and Scot Landry of Massachusetts.

The supreme knight also recognized four retiring supreme directors: Rene Trevino of California, Rene Sarmiento of Luzon North, Colin Jorsch Jr. of North Carolina, and Carmine Musumeci of New York.

Delegations Voice Their Support During Election of Supreme Directors.jpg — Delegates raise their jurisdiction signs in support during the election of new supreme directors at the Wednesday business session of the 144th Supreme Convention on Aug. 5 in Denver. (Photo by Tamino Petelinsek)

Past Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson addressed the delegates, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the United States and the guarantee of religious liberty enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. He emphasized that every person’s duty to worship God freely is the true foundation of religious liberty and that Catholics are called to bear witness to the truth that every person is created in the image and likeness of God.

“As Catholics, we understand that the Most Blessed Trinity revealed through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is the God in whom we trust, and who we trust to guide the destiny of our nations,” the past supreme knight said. “This is where the spiritual genius of Blessed Michael McGivney shines brightly. Our brotherhood gives us countless opportunities to make the love of Christ present through our fraternal work of charity and unity.”

During the session, Supreme Knight Kelly and Past Supreme Knight Anderson presented former Supreme Warden Graydon Nicholas with the Caritas Award, one of the Order’s highest honors. The award recognizes individuals who have exemplified extraordinary charity, service and sacrifice on behalf of others.

Nicholas played an integral role in the development of the Order’s Native American Solidarity Initiative, launched in 2019, and has served as consultant to the supreme knight for Canadian and Indigenous affairs. He also promoted devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Order, and represented the Knights of Columbus on several committees of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Supreme Knight Kelly read the award citation, which highlighted Nicholas’ distinguished career before joining the Supreme Council, including his service as lieutenant governor of New Brunswick from 2009 to 2014 — the first Indigenous person to hold that office.

“Throughout his career as a lawyer, judge, government official and college professor, he has worked for the Indigenous peoples of Canada,” Supreme Knight Kelly said, “promoting their causes and protecting their rights.”

Board of Directors Including Elects at 2026 Supreme Convention.jpg

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly Presides Over Business Session.jpg

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Colin Jorsch Jr. Gives Retirement Remarks.jpg

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Ladies Program | Wednesday, Aug. 5

Several hundred wives, family members and special guests attended the annual Ladies Program hosted by Vanessa Kelly, wife of Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, together with the wives of the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors. The program featured a keynote address by Carmelite Father Justin Cinnante and a musical performance by Catholic singer-songwriter Marie Miller.

Introducing the program, Kelly reflected on her family’s recent pilgrimage to France, where they visited La Sainte-Baume — the site where St. Mary Magdalene is traditionally believed to have spent the last 33 years of her life praying and evangelizing.

“The Lord chose Mary Magdalene to be a witness to the apostles, and the Lord has chosen you to fill the same role with your husbands,” she said. “The work you do is good and beautiful — and it deserves acknowledgment and praise. And so, today, I thank you for building up the Knights of Columbus through the vocation of marriage and family.”

Vanessa Kelly addresses attendees during the Ladies Program.

Marie Miller Performs at Ladies Program.jpg

Danielle Bean Serves as Emcee for Ladies Program.jpg

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Memorial Mass | Thursday, Aug. 6

The final day of the convention began with the annual Memorial Mass, celebrated by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori and offered for Knights, family members and friends of the Order who died during the past year.

In his homily for the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Archbishop Lori emphasized that the revelation of God’s glory through Christ was meant not only for the apostles who witnessed the Transfiguration but for every person.

Archbishop Lori Celebrates Memorial Mass.jpg — Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore leads the Eucharistic Prayer with concelebrating bishops and priests during the Memorial Mass on Aug. 6, the final day of the 144th Supreme Convention. (Photo by Paul Haring)

“As we commend our beloved dead to the Father of Mercies, aren’t we praying with all our heart and soul that they have attained, or soon will attain, that full participation in the glory of God shining on the face of Christ?” Archbishop Lori said. “We miss them and remember them with the affection of friends. Yet no act of charity is greater than to pray for their salvation, to pray that their souls are purified by the glory of God.”

Following the homily, Deputy Supreme Knight Arthur Peters read the necrology, listing Knights of Columbus leaders who died during the past year.

The Memorial Mass began with a procession of relics, including relics of Blessed Michael McGivney, the Order’s founder, and other K of C saints and blesseds; St. John Paul II; Blessed Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their children; St. Margaret Mary Alacoque; and St. John Vianney. Following Mass, Knights and their families had the opportunity to venerate the relics.

Mother Teresa Relic and Image are Processed at Memorial Mass.jpg

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Deacon Price Hatcher Proclaims the Gospel.jpg

Supreme Chaplain William E. Lori Delivers Homily During Memorial Mass.jpg

Arthur Peters Reads the Necrology During Memorial Mass.jpg

Supreme Chaplain William E. Lori Elevates Eucharist at Memorial Mass.jpg

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Closing Business Session | Thursday, Aug. 6

The convention concluded with a final business session Aug. 6, during which delegates considered and approved several resolutions, including resolutions expressing solidarity with Pope Leo XIV; celebrating the semiquincentennial of the United States and its consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; supporting an equitable migration policy; celebrating the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen; and honoring Columbia magazine.

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly adjourns the final business session on Aug. 6,. — Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly adjourns the final business session on Aug. 6, concluding the 144th Supreme Convention. (Photo by Matthew Barrick)

In his closing remarks, Supreme Knight Kelly affirmed the Knights in their efforts to grow the Order and challenged them to confront the “crisis of meaning” affecting young men.

“Men are searching for something, anything, that will give them meaning,” the supreme knight said. “This … is one of the greatest challenges of our time. And it’s a challenge that the Knights are meeting — and that we must continue to meet, in new and courageous ways. Our growth as an Order depends on this.”

He continued, “To quote Pope Leo again, he recently posed the question: What can liberate people ‘from being trapped in meaninglessness, boredom, and mediocrity?’ The answer, of course, is Jesus Christ. And in the Knights of Columbus, we help men conform their lives to Christ. He is the source of our unity, and as our theme this week underscores: ‘In the One, we are one.’”

READ THE RESOLUTIONS

Deepak Devaraj speaks during the Conference on Mensuram Bonam at the Vatican.

One in Charity and Unity

Opening Mass | Tuesday, Aug. 4

Opening Business Session and Annual Report of the Supreme Knight | Tuesday, Aug. 4

States Dinner | Tuesday, Aug. 4

Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | Wednesday, Aug. 5

Business Session | Wednesday, Aug. 5

Ladies Program | Wednesday, Aug. 5

Memorial Mass | Thursday, Aug. 6

Closing Business Session | Thursday, Aug. 6

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