06/07/2026
Congratulations Mr. Kelly!
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly received the John Cardinal O’Connor Award from the Sisters of Life at a gala honoring their founder, the late Cardinal John O’Connor, in Rye, New York, on June 5.
“It is a great honor this evening to receive this award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus. It is doubly meaningful because of who it comes from, and in whose memory it’s named,” Supreme Knight Kelly said. “His Eminence John Cardinal O’Connor was a towering pillar of the pro-life movement. With an unshakable resolve, he dedicated so much of his ministry as bishop to proclaiming the sanctity of every human life, made in the image and likeness of God. From the pulpit of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and from the platform that is the Archdiocese of New York, he truly was a great prophet of the culture of life.”
The supreme knight noted the longstanding partnership between the Order and the Sisters of Life, highlighting Villa Maria Guadalupe, a retreat center in Stamford, Connecticut, established by the Knights of Columbus and entrusted to the Sisters in 2004 in fulfilment of Cardinal O’Connor’s vision of a place dedicated to prayer, healing and renewal. He also pointed to Life Fest, the annual youth rally cosponsored by the Order and the Sisters of Life, which for the past several years has brought together thousands of young people for prayer, worship and pro-life witness before the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
“The Knights of Columbus works with all sorts of organizations. But there is no partnership that we cherish more than our close friendship with the Sisters of Life,” Supreme Knight Kelly said.
“Speaking for the Knights, we will keep doing everything we can to support the Sisters of Life, and to protect vulnerable mothers and their children. As we prepare for the work ahead, we take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ will continue to guide us.”
(Photo by Tamino Petelinšek)
