POPE THANKS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, OCT 9, 2003 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received members of the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus and expressed his gratitude for their prayers for the 25th anniversary of his pontificate.

The Pope also thanked them for the support that the Order has given to the Church's mission that is "shown in a special way in the Vicarius Christi Fund, which is a sign of the solidarity of the Knights of Columbus with the Successor of Peter in his concern for the universal Church, but it is also seen in the daily prayers, sacrifices and apostolic works of so many Knights in their local councils, their parishes and their communities."

"In fidelity to the vision of (founder) Father Michael McGivney, may you continue to seek new ways of being a leaven of the Gospel in the world and a spiritual force for the renewal of the Church in holiness, unity and truth."

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