Brothers,
During the month of May we have several special observations and holiday in which Catholic Americans celebrate. May 10 is Mother's Day. May 13 is when the Catholic Church honors the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three children of Fátima, Portugal, in 1917. The last Monday of May is Memorial Day in the United States. This year Memorial Day is on May 25.
The month of May is the "month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady," and it is the occasion for a "moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Catholics, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God's mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance" Supreme Knight Carl Anderson says, “It is our duty to help every mother in need.” May is a month to honor our Mother in Heaven, as well as our Moms and the mother of our children here on earth. Please take special care of your mother and wife to further build our domestic church at home. Also, please remember our Military men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. On Memorial Day, the 4th Degree will have Honor Guards at Masses and ceremonies at many cemeteries across our great state. Please plan to participate or attend one of these in your area to show your respect for these fallen heroes.
We are making great progress with reaching our goals of earning Star Council, Star District, and the Circle of Honor, as we grow and strengthen the Order in Arizona. Know that by earning the Star Council Award, you are growing in strength to serve your Parish, Church, and community, while fostering a spirit of fraternity and love. As I have said before, you should strive to earn Star Council which is the highest honor a council can achieve. The Form SP-7, Application for Columbian Award, is due June 30, 2015 and this due date is firm. Your council can submit this form as early as April 1 and list the activities they plan to do until June 30. Get it in early! At a minimum, every council Arizona should earn the Columbian Award.
The State Convention is in just a few short weeks, on May 15 to 17, 2015. This is the best way to learn about our programs and many of the accomplishments of this fraternal year. Also, we will be presenting awards for the best council programs, membership attainment, and much more. Yes, you are invited to attend the convention. This convention promises to one of the best! I look forward to seeing you there!
Remember that by living our State theme, “I will choose Christ, I will choose love, I choose to serve”, you and your council will exemplify our four principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. With this, your current members and your new members can be an enormous force for good in your council, Church, family, and community.
Vivat Jesus!
Larry Becker
State Deputy
