Oct 26, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Knights of Columbus announced yesterday that it will sponsor a spiritual pilgrimage with Pope Benedict XVI as he travels to Turkey next month.
“Only a few Catholics can physically travel with the Holy Father to Turkey,” Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, “but millions of us can be united with him in prayer during his pilgrimage for peace.”
Knights, their families, and all Catholics are being asked to pray daily for the Pontiff during the trip, which begins Nov. 28 and ends Dec. 1.
Knights will begin offering special prayers for the Pope’s intentions, starting Nov. 26, the Sunday before the Pope’s departure. The Knights are distributing prayer cards, written by the Order’s Supreme Chaplain, Bishop William Lori. They and others joining in the spiritual pilgrimage will say the prayer each day during the Pope’s trip.
The prayer asks that the Pope’s visit bring about “deeper ties of understanding, cooperation, and peace among Roman Catholics, the Orthodox, and those who profess Islam.” It also asks that the Pope be kept safe from all harm.
Anderson said the Knights are also invoking Our Lady of Fatima to intercede for the Pope during this journey. “Mary is regarded with special esteem by people of the Islamic faith,” Anderson explained.
For the prayer, go to www.kofc.org