St. Alexander Parish   •    Palos Heights, Illinois   •    (708) 448-4861 Ext. 400 FR. CRONIN APPRECIATION DINNER May 12, 2010 Click to enlarge Remarks by Grand Knight Mike O'Neil: Today, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family, fraternal organization with more than 1.7 million members worldwide. Yet, the Knights of Columbus would not even exist today if it hadn't been for the vision and action of a parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1881, Fr. Michael J. McGivney called together a group of the men of his parish who formed the very first Knights of Columbus council. Without the vision of that parish priest, there would be no Knights of Columbus today. In the same way, just a few years ago, a parish priest in Palos Heights, Illinois, called together a group of the men of his parish to form this Knights of Columbus council. It was the determination of Fr. Edward Cronin to bring the Knights of Columbus to St. Alexander parish. And, it was his vision to place the new council under the patronage of St. Mother Theodore Guerin. Without the vision and action of our parish priest, the Knights of Columbus would not be established at St. Alexander parish today. Fr. Cronin has been chaplain of our council from the beginning. As pastor and chaplain, he has been a guiding force in the spiritual life of the parish and the council. In his attendance of our Knights of Columbus meetings he has encouraged us in the Faith, taught us, and led us in prayer. St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, said "What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door? The priest holds the key to the treasures of Heaven: it is he who opens the door." Thank you, Fr. Cronin, for all you do to open the door. Previous       1       2       3       4       Next Return to Photo page © Copyright 2010 Knights of Columbus. All Rights Reserved. Send comments or questions to the web page editor, kofc14057@gmail.com.