Address of the Supreme Knight of the Order of The Knights of St. Columbanus

Brothers and Sisters in Faith,

It is with deep gratitude and renewed purpose that we gather as members of the Order of St. Columbanus, bound together by our heritage of service, prayer, and fidelity to Christ. Today, as we stand in continuity with our founder’s missionary zeal, we also look to the horizon of the future, discerning the call of the Holy Spirit for our Order in a changing world.

Our vision is rooted in the timeless example of St. Columbanus himself — a man of courage, discipline, and holiness, who carried the Gospel across lands and generations. Like him, we must be pilgrims of faith, committed to bringing light where there is darkness, hope where there is despair, and fraternity where there is division.

Our Objectives for the Years Ahead

1.     To Strengthen Spiritual Renewal

We pledge to deepen our lives of prayer and sacramental commitment, ensuring that each Knight and Companion of the Order is equipped to be a true witness of Christ in family, parish, and community life.

2.     To Uphold Charity and Service

We will expand our works of mercy, with particular attention to the poor, the marginalized, and those who feel forgotten. Guided by Columbanus’s spirit of generosity, we seek to be instruments of compassion in both word and deed.

3.     To Support the Church’s Mission

Our Order will stand firmly alongside the bishops, priests, and religious, offering loyal service and lay leadership to strengthen the life of the Church. We will form initiatives to nurture vocations, encourage youth, and promote Christian family life.

4.     To Promote Christian Unity

Following St. Columbanus, who forged bonds across borders and cultures, we dedicate ourselves to fostering reconciliation, dialogue, and cooperation among all who profess Christ’s name.

5.     To Be Stewards of Our Heritage

We will preserve the spiritual and cultural legacy entrusted to us, ensuring that the name of St. Columbanus continues to inspire new generations to holiness and service.

Our Vision for the Future

We envision an Order that is both faithful to its traditions and dynamic in responding to the needs of the present age. We see a community of Knights and Companions who live their vocation not in isolation, but in solidarity — a fellowship of believers ready to defend human dignity, to care for creation, and to stand for truth in an era that hungers for authentic witness.

Brothers and Sisters, the challenges before us are great, but greater still is the grace of God which sustains us. As we step forward, may our motto ever remain our strength: “Christ at the Centre — Columbanus our Guide.”

Let us go forth, united in prayer, courage, and charity, so that the Order of St. Columbanus may continue to shine as a beacon of faith for generations to come.

Thank you and may the Lord bless our mission.

John Murphy Supreme Knight The Order of the Knights of St Columbanus