Greg’s Blog of 2023 Supreme Convention
Friday, July 28th
ST Jesse & Gina Kosloski and SW Joe George & Dawn starting their journey on Friday July 28th.
Saturday, July 29th
SD Dan & Michele DeCrans and Greg & Linda van der Hagen flew to Orlando, Florida on Saturday July 29th. We arrived in the evening and had a late supper before we crashed for the night.
Sunday, July 30
Had a free day to explore and walk around the grounds. We attended Mass offered by the State Chaplains of North Dakota with our Brothers from there.
Here is the view from our hospitality room.
Monday, July 31st
On Monday evening we all attended the pin trading event, the Awards Session and Entertainment.
St. Pius X Council #14574 in Rochester, MN tied for the Family International Program Award called “Adopt a Widow”.Bernard and Nina Saletel from the council were awarded the trip to the Supreme Convention to receive the award. The program consisted of one member of the council “adopts” a widow and offers caring contact, support (rides, etc). and in some cases, manual labor if requested. The program’s purpose is to carry out Blessed McGivney’s call to care for the widows of the Order. After two years, this program helped blossom close relationships between the widows and the council, and it continues to do so.
They presented the International Family of the Year to the Cabrera Family from Mooresville, Indiana
The second Blessed Michael McGivney Medal was presented to Father John Grace who was the State Chaplain in California before he went to work at the Supreme Office as Advisor to all council chaplains.
The entertainment was a band of brothers (as well as brother knights) called Scythian who everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Tuesday, August 1st
Tuesday started with the Opening Mass with several of our delegation participating in the Honor Guard and our State Chaplain Fr. Thomas concelebrating. The numbers down this year due to World Youth Day going on at the same time, so there were approximately 50 bishops and 3 cardinals in attendance at the Opening Mass.
After lunch, then the Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly gave his State of the Order speech.
The Holy Father’s welcome to was read to those in attendance.
Later that night the Formal States Dinner was held, so on the way to that we found a spot to take pictures.
We were surprised to find Bishop Chad Zelinski of the New Ulm Diocese at the States Dinner as most of our Bishops were attending the World Youth Day in Portugal.
After the States Dinner was over, the delegates attended the midnight meeting and discussed the upcoming resolutions and candidates that were running for election to the board of directors.
Wednesday, August 2nd
Wednesday started with the Votive Mass in which Fr. Thomas concelebrated with all the other Priests, Bishops and Cardinals. And again several members of our delegation participated in Mass as Communion Escorts.
After the Mass was over, the next Business session was held in which the new Board of Directors were elected.
Wednesday evening, the Minnesota Delegation was treated to a great meal by the Minnesota State Council at a Bahama Breeze Restaurant. The food was excellent and plentiful.
Thursday, August 3rd
Thursday morning started out with the annual Memorial Mass with again many members of our delegation participating.
After Mass, the final Business Session was held in which all of the Resolutions were enacted upon.