June 21, 2010. The Knights of Columbus is perhaps the leading Catholic fraternal service organization, worldwide. Its members are known for helping the needy, supporting the Church and for their civic participation programs.
The organization was founded in the United States in 1882 and first came to Italy in 1920. The Capitoline Museums in Rome are putting on an exposition about the group's history to commemorate its 90 year relationship with the Eternal City.
Umberto Broccoli
Roman Cultural Heritage
“The objective of this exposition is to show the history of the Knights of Columbus through everyday objects.”
The title of the exposition is “Everyone Welcome, Everything Free,” an important motto for the Knights of Columbus.
Carl Anderson
Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus
“That was our theme in the First World War when we were providing facilities for the service men who were fighting. And our slogan was 'everyone welcome, everything free.' It was not only for Catholics, but for everyone that was participating in that great struggle.”
The exposition includes original documents such as a letter from Pius XII to President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II. In the letter, the Pope asks the American president to stop the bombings of Rome.
The Knights of Columbus acted as a bridge between the U.S. and Italy during the war. They maintain a link with Italy through the namesake of Christopher Columbus, the Genovese discoverer of the New World.
Umberto Broccoli
Roman Cultural Heritage
“Here in Rome, the Knights of Columbus promoted the archaeological digs in the Vatican for St. Peter. They are responsible for the discovery of the tomb of St. Peter.”
The exhibition also includes the organization's current projects in Rome: from the sporting fields for youth to repairs of the facade of St. Peter's Basilicia—the Knights of Columbus have provided nearly a century of achievements for the Catholic Church.
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