LA CROSSE — Knights of Columbus Past Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant will make a presentation on papal memorabilia he has collected while he served a Supreme Knight. The presentation will follow a brunch to celebrate St. Michael’s Feast Day on Sunday, Sept. 30, at St. Michael Catholic Church Parish Center, 917 Lincoln St., La Crosse.
The day’s events will include Mass at 10 a.m., brunch at 11, Dechant’s presentation from 12:15-1 p.m., and a memorabilia display from 1-3:15 p.m. There is no admission charge, although freewill offerings will be accepted at the brunch, and everyone is invited.
A former La Crosse resident, Dechant now lives in Leawood. His presentation includes church history and his collection of pictures, books, signed letters, medallions and statues of the Holy Fathers Paul VI, John Paul I, Blessed John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Blessed Mother Teresa.
Videos will include Supreme Conventions when President Ronald Reagan attended, when Mother Teresa was presented the Knights’ first Gaudium et Spes Award, and other presidents and dignitaries who have been guests of the Knights of Columbus at various events.
The display includes the last will and testament of Blessed John Paul II, handwritten letters from Blessed Mother Teresa and a mosaic model of Mary, Mother of the Church, used to create the rendition of the window from where the Pope speaks to the people in St. Peter’s Square.
PSK Dechant arranged for the re-entombment of the Venerable Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Order, from the cemetery in Waterbury, Conn., to St. Mary’s Church in New Haven. In 1978, the church began the preliminary research for the Cause for the sainthood of Father McGivney.
The presentation and memorabilia will show how PSK Dechant’s life has been touched by three potential Saints of the Catholic Church, the Venerable Michael J. McGivney, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II.