News for 2011
December 26, 2011 – Knight Bill Cusick passed away after having served faithfully for more than 60 years. Bill was knighted on December 15, 1946, and served in several offices, including Grand Knight. Fellow knights remember him as being upbeat and cheerful, with a great sense of humor. His funeral was held at the Monastery on December 30. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord. (Here is a slideshow on Bill's life, which was put together by his granddaughter, Janice.)- December 18, 2011 – Knights collected $491 in donations in support of the Bethlehem Christmas Program. This program purchases toys from local merchants in Bethlehem and gives them to the children in the schools run by the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land.
- December 11, 2011 – Knights and their ladies attended a Memorial Mass to remember our deceased knights and pray for the health of current knights and their families. We then enjoyed each others' company, and that of the friars, at our annual Christmas luncheon.
- December 9, 2011 – Fr. Xavier Geiser, O.F.M., passed to his eternal reward today. Fr. Xavier was Guardian at the Monastery for a number of years and was Moderator for the Knights in 1998. We will all miss this good man, who was always supportive of the Knights. God go with you, Fr. Xavier!
- November 13, 2011 – Our novice, R. D. Carter, Jr.., has been selected as a new member. His knighting is scheduled for January 29, 2012, at the 10am Mass. Please come and celebrate this day with us!
- October 9, 2011 – Knights held their annual meeting and elected new officers. We also have a new novice: R. D. Carter, Jr.. R.D. is a local resident, a frequent attendee at Mass at the Moanstery, and has helped the knights in the past. Please welcome him!
- October 6, 2011 – Knights featured in article in Monastery fall newsletter.
- October 4, 2011 – Knights assisted at the Solemn Mass and procession on the Feast of St. Francis.
- August 27, 2011 – Knights ushered at a Memorial Mass for deceased Archbishop Pietro Sambi, who passed to his eternal reward on July 27. The Mass was held at the Franciscan Monastery and was attended by numerous members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.
August 25, 2011 – Friar Aloysius (Armando) Florio O.F.M., passed to his eternal reward. Friar Aloysius, a gentle, friendly person, was Vicar at the Monastery and was always a friend to the knights; we will sorely miss him. Evening prayer, wake, and reception of the body were held on Aug 29 at the Monastery; his viewing was held on Aug 30 at 9:00am, followed by funeral Mass and burial. Knights ushered at the funeral Mass. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.- June 19, 2011 – On Father's Day, Knights distributed St. Joseph holy cards and similar items provided by the Monastery to men at each of the Sunday Masses.
- June 12, 2011 – Congratulations to three friars who were honored at the Pentacost Mass today for their commitments to the Order of Friars Minor: Br. Sebastian, who was solemnly professed 25 years and has been a deacon for 20 years; Fr. Manuel, who was professed 25 years ago; and Br. Callistus, who was professed 50 years ago. Our thanks and appreciation to all three, and to all the friars at the Monastery.
- May 8, 2011 – On Mother's Day, Knights distributed flowers provided by the Monastery to ladies at each of the Sunday Masses.
- April 24, 2011 – Ten Knights assisted during Holy Week and Easter.
- April 16, 2011 – KMSS celebrates 95 years of service to the Holy Land Franciscan Friars at the Monastery.
- March 6, 2011 – The Knights spent a weekend on retreat prior to Lent. The retreat was led by Fr. Jacob-Matthews Smith, O.F.M., our Chaplain.
February 14, 2011 – Knight Umberto Crovato passed away after having served faithfully for over 30 years. Affectionately known as "Bat" due to his straight posture, Umberto was knighted on Sep 17, 1975. He held the offices of Warden, Grand Knight, Secretary, Treasurer, and Novice Master. His wife, Virginia, preceded him in 2009. His funeral was on held on Feb 17. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.
February 13, 2011 – Fr.James Brabandt, O.F.M., passed away. Fr. James was the KMSS Chaplain for two years and gave a retreat for the knights. He was very friendly, had a country charm, was wise and always helpful, and is remembered dearly by all the knights. His funeral was held on Feb 18. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.- January 23, 2011 – Right For Life March participants visited the Monastery in large numbers: On Sunday alone, over 600 visited and donated over $900 in support of the Monastery! It was so busy that Knights tried something not done in many years: they opened up the Catacombs to allow visitors to enter freely (instead of in small groups as is the normal case), stationed themselves at each shrine at both levels, and repeated the explanation to each group who came by. At day's end we were tired yet exhilarated, having borne witness of our faith to so many.
News for 2010
- December 25, 2010 – Knights collected $1,080 in donations in support of the Bethlehem Christmas Program.
December 24, 2010 – Knights assisted the friars in the celebration of Christmas Vigil Mass.
Here is a photo of some of our volunteers and their ladies posing with the Guardian; what a guy!
December 4, 2010 – The Knights had their annual Memorial Mass and
Christmas luncheon; a total of 26 knights, their ladies, widows of knights,
and guests attended. Here is a photo of our loyal and supportive ladies.
- September 19, 2010 – Congratulations to Pat, who was knighted 50 years ago, and to Larry and Warren, who were knighted 25 years ago. Their service was recognized at the 10am Mass with a special ceremony. Also, congratulations to Pat and his wife on their 50th anniversary!
September 7, 2010 – John Ounan,
a knight of over 25 years, passed away. He was a former Secretary of KMSS, was a knight in many other orders, and was very active in the life of Church. After an illness he retired to the family home in PA. His funeral was held at his parish in Fairfield, PA. He was preceeded by his wife, Lucille. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.
- May 9, 2010 – Jerry Phillips was knighted at the 10am Mass. His friends and family attended and witnessed this special moment in his life and in the life of our organization.
- April 2, 2010 – The Good Friday service, which required the effort of all our members, went very well. When pictures are available we will post them here.
- March 27, 2010 – Danny Green, a longtime faithful knight, passed away. His funeral was held at the Monastery on April 9 and was attended by family, friends, and his brother knights. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.
- March 26-27, 2010 – The knights had their annual weekend retreat.
For additional information, contact us, visit our frequently asked questions page, send us email, or telephone us at 202-526-6800 x890 on Sundays.