Designating Sunday, March 26, 2000 as "Knights of Columbus Day" in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The Knights of Columbus have set aside Sunday, March 26, 2000, to host open houses in their Councils in Pennsylvania. An invitation has been extended to their friends and neighbors to visit, to meet the members and become acquainted with the principles, accomplishments and goals of the organization; and

WHEREAS, Since its humble beginnings in 1882, the Knights of Columbus has grown into a world-wide organization which today enjoys a membership of almost two million. Over 11,000 Councils are located in every corner of the globe and include representation on college campuses and military bases; and

WHEREAS, It was in New Haven, Connecticut, over a century ago, that Father Michael McGivney, along with a group of seven men, recognized the overwhelming hardship that a family endured upon the death of its breadwinner. In those days only the affluent were insured. Through their own generosity, Father McGivney and his group financially assisted the widows and children, thereby making life bearable once again; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, a helping hand from this fraternal Catholic organization has been extended to anyone in need. The Knights of Columbus members have consistently maintained their basic principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby designate Sunday, March 26, 2000 as "Knights of Columbus Day" in the City of Philadelphia in recognition of their generosity and dedication to the people of our community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Donald J. Brophy, Grand Knight and Past Fifth District Deputy; and Thomas McDonald, Financial Secretary, Past Grand Knight and Former District Deputy of the Commodore Barry Council No. 578, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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