CBCP head calls Knights to expand mission beyond charity into nation-building

Saturday, May 2, 2026

CBCP head calls Knights to expand mission beyond charity into nation-building

Posted by Herbert Curia - Promoter at Saturday, May 02, 2026 0 comments

From the Website of CBCP
From: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/cbcp-head-calls-knights-to-expand-mission-beyond-charity-into-nation-building/

CBCP head calls Knights to expand mission beyond charity into nation-building

DAVAO City— A ranking churchman on Friday urged the nation’s largest organization of Catholic men to take a greater role in promoting good governance, family renewal and moral leadership.

Speaking at the 13th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus at SMX Center Davao, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa challenged members to move beyond charity into civic and family-centered leadership.

“Faith and good governance are inseparable in the quest for a better Philippines,” Garcera, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said in his message.

He encouraged regional leaders to adopt the “Katipunan for Good Governance” framework promoted by Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan.

Garcera said the initiative could help prepare communities for the 2028 elections by fostering integrity, civic responsibility and active citizenship.

“If we want to change society, it must begin within us. No reform will succeed without a change of heart,” he said.

Founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney in Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus has grown into the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization, with more than 600,000 members in the Philippines today.

The archbishop linked the mission to the Church’s broader push for synodality, urging members to embrace deeper conversion through listening, participation and discernment.

“A synodal Church listens. It does not impose — it accompanies. It does not dominate — it discerns,” said Garcera, who is also the chaplain of the Knights’ Luzon South Jurisdiction.

He urged Knights to shift from directive leadership toward spiritual renewal rooted in prayer, Eucharistic devotion and personal faith.

“The true strength of a Knight does not come from uniform, position, or activity,” Garcera said. “It comes from a deep and personal encounter with Jesus.”

He also called on members to strengthen their presence within families, particularly in confronting mental health struggles, suicide and abortion.

“Your theme calls you to be ‘Heralds of Hope’ not only in councils, but in families,” he told delegates.

Garcera urged councils to engage communities more directly at municipal and village levels rather than simply repeating existing programs. “Go down to the barangays. Be present. Listen,” he said.