Administrative State Chairman Prayer Rally

Eighth Annual Knights of Columbus Prayer Rally in Albany a Huge Success

On Tuesday, May 11th, the Annual Knights of Columbus Prayer Rally was held in Albany on the Grounds of the State Capitol.  Led by the New York Knights of Columbus State Deputy , Arthur J. Harris, of Rochester, State Catholic Family Director, Rick Ditrio, and Administrative State Chairman for the Prayer Rally, Bill Ose ,who also served as the Master of Ceremonies, more than 1000 members, families and friends from throughout the State traveled to Albany to let their voices be heard.  Their intention was to pray that the elected officials would listen to them on their concerns of their Catholic values such as Life, Marriage between a man and a women and support for Catholic Schools to name a few.  They came also to thank those elected officials who shared their views and concerns.  It was to be strictly a Prayer Rally even though the intention was to incorporate prayer with remarks from elected officials and leaders of other Catholic Organizations.

The setting couldn't have been more perfect than the place the Knights were given.  For the past seven years, the Rally was held on the steps of the Capitol in East Capitol Park.  That side of the Capitol is not very visible, We were supposed to be there again this year, but we firmly believe that the Holy Spirit got involved when in December we were told we would have to move the Rally to West Capitol Park as both sides of the Capitol building would be under construction for the next five years.  What a blessing in disguise!!!!  In our new location, we were surrounded by three very busy streets and sitting basically in a " fish bowl "!!!!  In the West Capitol Park, our Podium would be set with Swan Street at our back, Washington Street on our left and State Street on our right.  How fittingly behind the podium on Swan Street, is the Alfred E. Smith building, named after the first Catholic Governor of the State, on our left the Education building on Washington street and on our right the Legislature building on State street.  As you looked from the podium you saw seats on the left, grass in between and seats on your right.  Park benches and lawn where people could sit really made it a wondrous setting.

We were allotted three hours, 11:30-2:30 for our Rally.  Our intention was to recite all four mysteries of the Rosary of Mary and hear from our State Deputy,certain elected officials and leaders of other Catholic organizations.  Rally State Chairman, Bill Ose, opened the Rally with a few remarks.  After the pledge and the singing of our National Anthem, Reverend Father Brian McWeeney, Associate State Chaplain, gave the opening invocation.  He then gave remarks and led the first mystery of the Rosary.  State Deputy Arthur Harris then gave a very inspirational talk on the duties and responsibilities of all of us not only as Knights but also as lay people for our Church.  We then heard remarks from some of our Catholic elected officials.  Senators, Darryl Aubertine, Marty Golden, and Catherine Young:, Assemblymen, Joseph Saladino, Greg Ball and Sylvester Raia.  Their remarks were short and wonderful. They all asked us to pray for them and vote for those who share our values.

Other Priests in attendance then led us in more mysteries of the Rosary.  In between, we heard remarks from Donna Byron, President, NYS Columbiettes, Charles " Chip " McLean, NYS President Ancient order of Hibernians, Penny Martin, Regent NYS Court, Catholic Daughters of America, Sister Lucy Marie, Sisters of Life in NYC and Thomas Freundschuh, Director of Communications.  In those three short hours, we accomplished our goal !!

On top of all of this, we were advised that at exactly 12:30 there was to be an annual memorial parade of law enforcement members.  Chairman Ose asked that when the parade started and would pass by that we would stand in complete silence in honor of the fallen members.  The parade started on time and when the horses, bag pipes , State Troopers, Sheriffs and local officers passed behind the podium on Swan Street, Master of the 2nd NY District 4th Degree, Chester Smith, assembled the 35 Color Corp members to go up the steps to Swan Street and render a hand salute as the parade passed.  The State Deputy, Arthur Harris and the State Officers followed suit.  What a moving experience.  Also, there were many people who came down from surrounding buildings ,during their lunch hours or whatever, to sit on the park benches, lawn or whatever to join us in prayer.  And then, everyone should read what Edward J. Mechman, Esq, wrote on a blog for the diocesan newspaper in NYC about our RALLY.  He was in attendance at the Rally and said that the the NEW YORK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AND OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS on that day, were truly modern day " APOSTLES OF CHRIST"!!!!!!!!!!!  What a tribute!!!