ROME, OCT. 27, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The leader of the U.S.-based Knights of Columbus will be honored by the city of Rome with its Lupa Capitolina award.
Mayor Gianni Alemanno will be on hand Wednesday to present Supreme Knight Carl Anderson with the civic award, which recognizes nearly 90 years of service by the Knights of Columbus in Rome.
In a press statement published ahead of the ceremony, Anderson said he was honored to receive the award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus: «As both the Eternal City and the center of the Catholic Church, Rome has a special place in the hearts of the Knights of Columbus, and we look forward to another 90 years of service in this great city.»
In 1920, Pope Benedict XV invited the Knights of Columbus to undertake charitable initiatives in Rome. The Knights began with opening sports facilities for youth, four of which are still running today.
The Knights have undertaken many other projects including restoration projects, paying the cost of satellite uplink for major world satellite telecasts, and sponsoring academic conferences and concerts.
