Activities

The generosity of the Knights of Columbus can be seen in the numerous activities supported by the Rome office, which represents the link between the headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut, and the Holy See. Since its opening, the Rome office’s main activity is to manage its sports centers. Maintenance, administration of personnel, management of events and the selection of participants constitute the daily routine which allows a foreign association to realize its beneficial intentions in full compliance with Italian laws.

All these different aspects harmonize and peak in two events. One occasion is Holy Christmas, when a Mass, usually officiated by a United States prelate, is celebrated, where anyone, for one reason or another, who has collaborated with the employees or the administration of the Foundation is invited. At the end of spring, a tournament, the “Conte Enrico Pietro Galeazzi” Tournament, is organized where all the “Pulcini” teams which attended the sports facilities throughout the year participate.

In addition to Sport Centers we have many other activities. Over the years we have added more functions. They are always in homage to the Holy Father but of a cultural, religious character and, at the same, time worldly.

The close collaboration between the Rome office and the Fabbrica di San Pietro makes it possible to realize important restoration works carried out in the Vatican and financed by the Knights of Columbus so that it is possible through similar collaboration to organize important exhibits of a religious character which are held in the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, Connecticut.

Every five years the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus meets in Rome. An important occasion both from a secular and non-secular point of view; the culminating point is most certainly represented by a private audience with the Holy Father. And the worldly aspect is the Gala dinner offered in his name, where you may meet ecclesiastic hierarchy in Rome. Both of these events demand great organizational skills and energy.

The devotion of the Knights of Columbus to the clergy is also manifested through the opportunity by which American and Canadian Cardinals may avail their sojourns in Rome.