Aug

Recap: Texas Delegation Shines at the 143rd Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention

The 143rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus, held in Washington, D.C., from August 5-7, 2025, was a profound gathering of faith, fraternity, and service. Under the theme of being “heralds of hope,” the event brought together over 2,000 Knights, their families, and clergy from across the globe, including delegations from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Ukraine, and more. The Texas delegation, comprising 10 dedicated delegates led by Texas State Deputy Ron Alonzo, Past Texas State Deputy Terry Frugé, and Supreme Director Alfredo Vela along with their spouses and families, represented the Lone Star State with pride and enthusiasm. Hosted at the Washington Hilton Hotel, the convention offered moments of prayer, fellowship, and inspiration, reinforcing the Order’s pillars of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Pre-Convention Warm-Up: Hospitality and Preparation

The Texas delegation’s journey began early, with the hospitality suite in Presidential Suite #8100 opening on Sunday, August 3. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Knights and their families gathered for casual fellowship, setting a welcoming tone for the week ahead.

On Monday, August 4, the day started with a hearty breakfast of coffee, pastries, and more from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Delegates donned their Texas shirts to prepare for the Texas Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by hosting the traditional Texas Hospitality Suite lunch of chili from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. In a most gracious act of charity, the New Jersey State Council led by State Deputy James Sweeney, surprised us with the presentation of a check towards the catastrophic Texas floods experienced a month ago.

The afternoon featured a lively pin exchange from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., fostering connections with brother Knights from other jurisdictions.

The evening highlighted the Supreme Knight’s Awards Session and Welcome Concert from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Among the honorees was Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., who received the prestigious Blessed Michael McGivney Medal—the highest honor for a Knights of Columbus chaplain. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly presided, joined by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore. The hospitality room reopened from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. after the concert, allowing for continued camaraderie.

Tuesday, August 5: Opening Mass, Supreme Knight’s Report, and States Dinner

The official convention kicked off with breakfast in the hospitality suite from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed later by lunch of sandwiches and chips from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Delegates first attended the opening Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a spectacular Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who served as homilist. The Fourth Degree Honor Guard led the procession, adding solemnity to the liturgy.

After lunch at the opening business session, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivered his annual report, highlighting the Order’s global impact and urging Knights to continue as “heralds of hope” through acts of charity and service. A surprise video message from Pope Leo XIV brought blessings and encouragement to all attendees.

The evening’s main social event was the States Dinner from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with delegates dressed in white dinner jackets, Texas vests, and bowties. At 6:00 p.m., the Texas group proceeded to a photo session before heading to the States Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Prayer was offered by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, and the event featured state songs, flag-waving, and fellowship. A highlight was the presentation of the Gaudium et Spes Award to Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See and Harvard Law professor. The hospitality room reopened from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. post-dinner.

Wednesday, August 6: Transfiguration Mass, Business Sessions, and Texas Delegation Dinner

Breakfast was served from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The morning Mass celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration in the convention ballroom, with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark as celebrant and Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto as homilist.

Business sessions followed for the Knights, while ladies enjoyed a parallel program. The afternoon allowed time for tours, such as the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, and district gatherings.

The hospitality suite hosted a social from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with delegates in Texas shirts. At 5:30 p.m., the group posed for photos before departing for the Texas Delegation Dinner, a short 12-minute walk away at The Grill from Ipanema. The evening concluded with the hospitality room open from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Texas Bishop David Toups of Beaumont was among the bishops present, connecting with fellow 2020 ordinands and adding a local touch to the proceedings.

Thursday, August 7: Memorial Mass and Farewell

The final day began with breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. A Memorial Mass for deceased Knights was held in the convention ballroom, celebrated by Archbishop William E. Lori. The Knights concluded with a final business session.

Throughout the convention, a chapel offered daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance, deepening the spiritual experience. The Texas hospitality suite closed at 2:00 p.m., marking the end until next year’s gathering.

Reflections and Inspiration

We are proud to announce that our Worthy Past State Deputy Alfredo Vela was reelected for another three-year term as a Supreme Director starting in September. The Texas delegation returned home inspired by the convention’s call to action, fortified by encounters with clergy—including 10 cardinals, 40 bishops, and 90 priests—and enriched by global fraternity. As Blessed Michael McGivney’s legacy lives on, the Knights continue their mission of Christian solidarity.

Vivat Jesus!

Supreme Convention Documents

For more details visit the convention website at kofc.org.

P.S.: I am deeply honored to have served as the Dallas Diocese Chapter Texas Delegate for a second time in three years. Fraternally, Jorge Ruiz, DDC VP.