A Catholic bishop on Monday called on members of a Church-based fraternal organization to live their mission in faith, action, and mercy — ‘not only in name.’
Speaking during a Mass to mark the 48th death anniversary of Jesuit Fr. George Willmann, known as the “Father of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines,” Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo said the Church needs Knights who embody their mission with conviction.
“You may be faithful Knights—not only in name, but in soul,” Santos said. “The Church needs Knights who are not only visible—but vibrant. Not only organized—but anointed. Not only generous—but genuinely Christ-like.”
He reminded members that their mission goes beyond organizational functions, calling them “spiritual warriors, defenders of the vulnerable and bearers of Christ’s love in a world that thirsts for compassion.”
Santos pointed to Willmann’s legacy as a missionary who built institutions that uplifted families, protected the vulnerable and strengthened the moral fabric of society.
“He was a builder of men, a father to the Filipino Knights, a servant of the Church,” the bishop said.
The bishop also highlighted three pillars that he said must guide the Knights’ mission: charity, fraternity, and compassion.
He urged them to make their charity “bold and sacrificial,” strengthen brotherhood rooted in faith, and embody Christlike compassion in service to the poor and forgotten.
“Fr. Willmann’s compassion was legendary,” Santos said. “He did not simply organize aid—he entered into the suffering of others.”
“Let our compassion be bold. Let it be inconvenient. Let it be Christlike. Let it be the kind that heals wounds and restores dignity,” he added.
The bishop told members that carrying Willmann’s legacy forward is now their responsibility.
“You are not only defenders of the faith—you are builders of hope,” Santos said. “His mission is now your mission. His compassion must now live in your hands. His vision must now shine through your witness.”
The liturgy also marked the 67th founding anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines (KCFAPI), the largest Catholic mitual benefit insurance in the country since 1958.
The Knights of Columbus is one of the biggest Catholic fraternal organizations in the Philippines, with about six hundred thousand members nationwide.
Although the knights established their presence in the country in as early as 1905, Willmann is credited for strengthening the organization, which he headed after World War II.
In 1971, he established the Knights of Columbus Philippines Foundation Inc., which provides educational benefits to poor but deserving students. Later, he initiated a scholarship fund for seminarians, which has since graduated about 317 priests.
