Author: Sergio Miranda
As the fraternal year races toward its close, Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., offers the North Carolina Knights of Columbus a bracing reminder of what truly matters: becoming missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. “A faith that is not shared is dead,” he warns, urging every Knight to rise each morning with the simple words, “Lord Jesus, I am yours. Send me.”
The bishop admits this journey is demanding. He challenges us to push beyond comfort and share the Good News ever more boldly: “Lead me throughout this day to whomever you want. Allow me to serve you in whatever way I can and in any other service within my power.” Our charitable works, he stresses, gain their deepest meaning only when they flow from obedience to Christ: “We serve because Christ compels us, because Jesus calls us—and, as His missionary disciples, we do what He asks.”
When we embrace this mission wholeheartedly—loving the Lord and our neighbor more deeply and opening our hearts more widely—others will see in us something worth following. This is how we lead; this is how we move mountains; this is how we keep the flame of our faith strong!
With only weeks left before the fraternal calendar turns, I ask councils to translate the bishop’s words into concrete action: building beds, serving meals, praying Rosaries, and welcoming new men to the mission. A strong finish will leave the North Carolina Knights not exhausted but transformed, ready to plunge ever deeper into discipleship. The world is waiting, Christ is calling, and the Knights of Columbus stand prepared to respond—united in fraternity and charity.
I extend my gratitude to all who tirelessly planned and ran the convention. Thank you to everyone who trekked across the state, from far and wide, to celebrate. It has been my honor to lead this organization as we have built the City of God and are now being transformed by Christ.
Vivat Jesus!