Knights of St Columba Supreme Council 2022

Danny Ó hEarchaí, Deputy Supreme Knight reflects on the Knights of St Columba Supreme Council held in Jersey from 7th-9th October…

The Knights of St Columba hosted their annual conference, known as Supreme Council, for the first time in the Diocese of Portsmouth over the weekend of 7th-9th October. The Radisson Blu Hotel on St Helier Waterfront, Jersey, played host to 100 visiting Brothers and families from across the British Isles for a weekend of debate, discussion, election of Supreme Directors, social activity and fraternity.

We were honoured to have the Supreme Knight, Henry Welsh host the meeting, along with two Past Supreme Knights, Bertie Grogan KSG and Charlie McCluskey KSG with us too. The Supreme Knight of the Knights of St Columbanus (Ireland) Brandan McCann and his Deputy Supreme Knight Adrian King making the journey over too. Our Ecclesiastical Advisor, Bishop Tom Neylon supported us too, offering all his spiritual guidance throughout the conference, which we’re very grateful for.  We of course couldn’t have done any of this with the steadfast support and direction from our own Bishop Philip Egan and Jersey’s Parish Priest and Dean (and Provincial Chaplain to Province 39 Channel Islands KSC) Canon Dominic Golding. We’re thankful and grateful to them.

We were also very blessed to have the Relics of St Columba with us throughout the weekend. The first time he has left Scotland since 597AD. He was bought over by Sancta Familia Media who wonderfully captured the whole weekend for us. The highlights of this are on YouTube for all to enjoy.

The weekend culminated at St Thomas Church with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Bishop Philip with all local and visiting clergy invited to concelebrate. This also included the installation of the five successful Supreme Directors, all re-elected into their positions for a further year. This included the elevation to the position of Deputy Supreme Knight, Danny Ó hEarchai, a parishioner of Jersey. Danny was voted onto the National Board of Directors in 2019 in Glasgow and he also holds the position of Supreme Director for Membership & Development. A wonderful nod to the hard work and evangelisation in Portsmouth Diocese and the Island of Parish of Jersey. A special moment for him in his own Parish Church no doubt.

So, the Knights move on to Edinburgh for their Supreme Council in 2023. In the meantime, their 3,000 members work in Unity for the Catholic Church and her Clergy across the country, holding Charity and Fraternity at the forefront of their Service to God. For all enquires how to join, please take a look at their website www.ksc.org.uk