Knights of Peter Claver

Overview

The Knights of Peter Claver is a nonprofit Catholic fraternal service organization founded on November 7, 1909. It is the largest and oldest Black Catholic lay-led organization in existence, dedicated to embodying the virtues of its patron saint, St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit priest known for his ministry to enslaved Africans in Cartagena, Colombia, in the 17th century[1][2].

History

The organization was established by four priests of the St. Joseph's Society of the Sacred Heart—Fathers Conrad F. Rebesher, John H. Dorsey, Samuel J. Kelly, and Joseph P. Van Baast—and three laymen from the Diocese of Mobile: Messrs. Gilbert Faustina, Frank Collins, and Frank Trenier[5]. Initially incorporated on July 12, 1911, in Mobile, Alabama, the Knights have since expanded significantly.

Structure

The Knights of Peter Claver include several divisions:

• Councils: These are the men's units of the organization.
• Courts: These are the women's units, known as the Ladies Auxiliary.
• Junior Councils and Junior Courts: These divisions cater to youth between the ages of 7 and 18.
• Fourth Degree Knights: Also known as the Meritorious Fourth Degree Knights, this division was authorized in 1917.
• Ladies of Grace: Established in 1979, this is the Fourth Degree for the Ladies Auxiliary[1][2].

Activities and Purposes

The organization is committed to several key objectives:

• Community Service: Engaging in church and community service projects.
• Catholicism: Providing opportunities for Catholics to actively practice their faith.
• Education and Development:
  • Offering scholarships.
  • Developing character among youth.
• Social Justice:
  • Supporting national organizations such as the NAACP, Urban League, and Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.
  • Promoting humanitarian causes through the St. Peter Claver Foundation[1][3].

Social and Charitable Efforts

The Knights of Peter Claver are involved in numerous charitable appeals and projects:

• Education Initiatives: Programs like the "Soaring High" tutorial project aim to improve academic achievement among disadvantaged youth[3].
• Disaster Relief: Providing support to communities affected by natural disasters[3].
• Health Initiatives: Addressing health issues such as sickle cell anemia and childhood obesity[3].

International Presence

While primarily based in the United States, the organization has units in South America, including San Andres Island in Colombia[1]. It is also a member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights[2].

Leadership

As of recent reports, Dr. Christopher Pichon serves as the Supreme Knight, and Hilda Wiltz as the Supreme Lady[1]. The organization operates under a hierarchical structure with councils and courts throughout the U.S. and abroad.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Peter_Claver [2] https://kopcolc.com [3] https://www.kofpc.org/donate.php [4] https://mms.knightsofpeterclaver.org/members/newmem/registration.php?orgcode=KOPC&mtc=1859 [5] https://www.kofpc.org/history.php