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| Father Elijah |
The theme of Father Elijah's talk was the impact that Knights of Columbus members had upon his journey to joining the Catholic Church and ultimately pursuing the priesthood followed by entering the monastic life. He grew up in Mt Airy, North Carolina in a family of the Baptist Faith tradition with a father who was a minister. One of his first memorable encounters was on his first date with a high school student on a Friday evening during lent, when she insisted upon ordering a fish sandwich. Her father was a knight. Another occurred as a freshman in college when his roommate was a Catholic who recited the rosary every morning whom he soon joined in the rosary each morning. The Italian roommate was a knight.
Following his college graduation, Father Elijah worked in the US Foreign Service in several locations, including Tunisia where one of his co-workers, a U S Marine, was a knight who encouraged him to look into becoming a Catholic and a priest. During his years as a seminarian, he was adopted by a small Knights of Columbus Council which supported him with funds, cards, and letters. After sixteen years as a priest in WV, the wife of the grand knight of his home council suggested that he consider the life of a monk. Ironically, as he walked into a bookstore shortly thereafter, the first book he saw was about Subiaco. He checked out Subiaco, and the rest is history. He has been there for over three years.
Based upon his personal experience with knights and their families and how they affected his journey, he challenged all of the knights and their spouses to live the life of a good Catholic and serve as a witness for Christ. Doing so can have a significant impact on others, many times unknown how profound it can be.
The meeting began with the rosary led by Father Elser. Danny Celestin prepared his famous beef stew served over noodles along with salad and rolls. An apple cobbler topped with ice cream was the dessert. Danny was assisted in the kitchen by Lanny Mabus, Terry O'Brien, and Gary Wolfer. The diners were served at the tables by servers Ray Ambrozich, John Bodensteiner, Ron Barta, Tony Cifelli, John Froning, Ed Harringon, Bob Honzik, Fred Jungers, Dave Salmen, and Jack Widlowski. The donation center was staffed by Steve Schramer and Terry Theisen.
Grand Knight Dick Breckon announced and awarded certificates to the March Knight and Family of the Month. Jim Dyar was the knight, and Dan and Kathy Murphy along with Scott and Jean Krantz were the families. Scott Krantz encouraged golfers to participate in the 4th Annual Knights of Columbus Cup at Morrilton Country Club on May 24. Jim Goodson spoke about the April 7 prayers at the Abortion Clinic in Little Rock, and Tom Yerina invited knights to consider the Montserrat Silent Retreat in Lake Dallas. Deacon John Froning also gave a brief description of the three-day conference for clergy and deacons hosted and led by Bishop Taylor. The 50/50 awards of $65 each were won by Roy Anderle and Terry Thiesen both of whom gave their proceeds to Fr Elijah for the monks' health center at Subiaco.
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| Fr. Elijah selfie with Ann Krawczynski |
April 6 note and photo to Gerald Krawczynski from Father Elijah:
I just wanted to drop a small note to extend my thanks for the invitation to the Knights of Columbus gathering, as well as the stipend that was provided for our monastic community. It was such a great pleasure to be around such committed knights who are trying to live out the goals of Blessed Father McGivney. I have attached the picture that I took with your wife. I will probably post it to our Facebook site at some point. In any case, have a blessed conclusion to Lent, and give my best to your wife and your brother Knights.