To the Editor:
Harsh rain and bitter cold, gusts of wind that nearly knocked people down, and even one day of the series that was canceled because of such harsh weather.
No, this is not a reference to the World Series last October, but rather one to the recent Fish Fry hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Council #4561. Like a World Series team, the Knights worked together like a veteran club to achieve their goal.
While there were no rings handed out or trophies to be won, the Knights were working for a cause they felt passionate about. That cause can be summed up in one word: charity. For members of the KofC, charity is one of the four essential principles they pledge themselves to. It is the first principle, and an important lesson to learn. The Knights of Columbus, whom Pope John Paul II once named “the strong right arm of the Church,” are guided by an ancient belief held by the Church that charity is a loving kindness that glorifies God because it reflects the nature of God. In 2005, the Knights of Columbus, as a whole, in the U.S. alone donated $139,711,619 and 64,039,706 volunteer service hours.
Compared to $139 million, $1300 may seem a paltry sum. That is the total raised-after deducting operating costs-by the Fish Fry this year, a new all time high for the Council here at SLU. All of this $1300 is going to charity, and those who are receiving the benefits are grateful to have it.
Of the $1300, about 800 is being donated to Fr. Joseph Kamiza, S.J., a priest from Uganda who runs a missionary school and church there. The exchange rate is very favorable to them, and the money will help to buy school supplies and other necessities. Fr. Kamiza was here at SLU last Fall. He shared with students pictures and videos of his mission and the surrounding country-a country that has been wracked by suffering of every sorts, from AIDS to revolutions. A unique feature of all of the media Fr. Kamiza shared with us was that no one appeared sad or ill-everyone was smiling.
“I would never show you pictures of the suffering,” Fr. Joseph said, “because it is not right that I use their suffering in any way.”
Giving to others because you feel sorry for them, or you feel guilty, or because you would want others to give to you in the same circumstances is not true charity. Real charity is giving to others in need for no other reason than because they are in need, and because you have the ability to help.
The remainder of the money raised will be donated to Catholic Charities. The KofC raised over $2000 total this year, including the proceeds from the Tootsie Roll Drive last Fall, the bulk of which was donated to the Special Olympics.
The Knights of Columbus would like to thank everyone-especially those who dared the weather on the nastier days-who came out and made the Fish Fry such a huge success. The Council looks forward to continuing this annual tradition.
Of great assistance in the Fish Fry were the Daughters of Isabella, the counterpart to the KofC. Both organizations extend a welcome to any potential new members. Any inquiries may be sent to [email protected].
Tim Wright
Year 1, Saint Louis University School of Law
