[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   A TRIBUTE TO THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS--SAINT CABRINI COUNCIL #3472

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2011

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Knights of 
Columbus Saint Cabrini Council #3472 upon its 60th anniversary.
  On October 2, 1881, a group of men called together by their parish 
priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, formed a fraternal society and 
declared their devotion to be defenders of their families, their 
country and their faith. These men were interconnected by the 
principles of Christopher Columbus, who brought the Christian faith to 
the New World. The efforts of this dedicated group came to light with 
the establishment of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882. Thanks 
to the superb leadership of Father McGivney, on that very day, the 
Knights of Columbus was formally approved as a fraternal benefit 
society.
  Since its inception, the Knights of Columbus has devoted an enormous 
amount of energy and time to serve communities on a global scale. The 
goals and infinite accomplishments of the Knights have been guided by 
the four core principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, 
which are reflected in their actions. The Order provides a life 
insurance program to support orphans and widows of deceased members of 
the Order, and has also been a champion in helping members and their 
families benefit from the financial aid provided if they become ill, 
disabled and needy. In addition, intellectual and social fellowship is 
encouraged among members and their families through charitable, 
educational, public relief and war relief works. Members of the Knights 
of Columbus are patriotic citizens and proud of their commitment to God 
and country.
  Last year alone, the Knights of Columbus raised and donated over $154 
million to charitable projects and needs, in addition to volunteering 
over 70 million hours to benefit charitable causes. The Knights' yearly 
Survey of Fraternal Activity revealed that in 2010, the entirety of 
charitable donations reached a remarkable $154,651,852--surpassing the 
previous year's sum by over $3 million. In addition, the survey 
evidenced a remarkable increase in volunteer service hours as well.
  The St. Cabrini Council in Burbank, Council #3472, was founded in 
1951. For six decades, its members have made immense contributions to 
the community by hosting events, a golf outing, community fundraisers 
and Christmas luncheons to provide lunch and Santa With Gifts, to 
support intellectually disabled individuals. Furthermore, they organize 
programs and events geared towards drug treatment, individual and 
family counseling, emancipation services and educational services. 
Also, they donate books, volunteer to read for students and provide 
mentoring programs. Additional contributions to the members and 
community include supporting the Cabrini Sisters and seminarians at the 
Parishes of St. Roberts, St. Finbar and St. Francis, remodeling a 
kitchen for a brother serving in Iraq, remodeling their facilities and 
organizing a free throw competition amongst four parish schools.
  I am proud to recognize the past and present members and supporters 
of the Knights of Columbus Saint Cabrini Council #3472 for their 
selfless dedication to the community, and I ask all Members to join me 
in congratulating this exceptional organization for sixty years of 
dedicated service.

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