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Supreme Master, Joseph P. Schultz, recently announced that Cardinal Gibbons Assembly, No. 150
has received the 2004-2005 Civic Award. This recognition is awarded to assemblies successfully con-
ducting and reporting a minimum of four (4) varied patriotic programs during the fraternal year.

A total of 369 assemblies qualified for the Civic Award that stands as a tribute to the national pride
demonstrated and shared by Fourth Degree Assemblies and their members throughout the Order.

Congratulations are extended to Faithful Navigator, Martin E. Reynolds, and the officers and Sir
Knights of Cardinal Gibbons Assemblies on this achievement.

SK William F. Lawler

4th Degree Master

As a result of public pressure and hundreds of long-stemmed roses, the House voted 32-3 in favor of a gutted version of SB
80 that would have regulated stem-cell research. The original Senate bill was headed for easy passage in both houses, but
opposition on moral grounds from the Knights of Columbus and other interest groups derailed it at the last minute. The gut-
ting of the bill was due to grass-roots involvement that spread throughout the State by word of mouth, e-mails and many
prayers in churches of all denominations. Many legislative offices said that they had never received so many calls on any bill,
ever.

The victory, though not complete, is far more significant in what could have happened had SB 80 passed as written. Instead,
Representative Castle did not get the go-ahead for full-scale embryonic destruction. He is left to explain why he supports
federal legislation that his home State has rejected. Delaware will not be a haven for biotechnology and embryonic stem-cell
research as Governor Minner had hoped.

The bill bans reproductive cloning and the sale of embryos, but fails to regulate human stem-cell research. We are certain
that the original provisions of SB 80 will resurface in another bill on another day in a non-election year. We as Knights of
Columbus must continue to protect the human embryo, the smallest and most vulnerable form of human life.

Many thanks to Ed Jarrell, Dr. Mary McCrossan and Jack Raughley for their help in keeping the Knights of Columbus mem-
bers and families informed on this important issue.

Vincent L. DiLeonardo

T H E L A S T I N G L E G A C Y O F O U R F O U N D E R

I recently finished reading the newly published Parish Priest, a biography of our beloved founder
and Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney. The book gave me a very real look back to events
in his life and what it was like to be a Catholic in mid to late 19

century New Haven, Connecticut. It

also gave me a better understanding of Father McGivney's dedication to serving his parishioners as
their priest and shepherd and his vision as founder in establishing the Knights of Columbus. It has
made me prouder than ever to be a member of the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the
world. We should all be inspired by the humble example of this saintly priest to invite more men and
their families to share in Father McGivney's great legacy. As we celebrate the 124

anniversary of

the founding of our Order on March 29

, let us honor the memory of our founder by introducing a

family member, a friend or a neighbor today to Father McGivney and his dream, the Knights of
Columbus.

Vivat Jesus!

Vincent L. DiLeonardo, PSD

Former Supreme Director

F O U R T H D E G R E E R E C O G N I T I O N 2 0 0 4 - 0 5 C I V I C A W A R D W I N N E R

STEM-CELL BILL GUTTED BY HOUSE

struggle with traffic, the noise, all these are parts of our terrible daily routine.

The journey doesn't get easier when we face old age. Only when we've experienced arthritis, cataracts, faltering steps,
sleeplessness, or hearing loss do we realize that the cross remains a challenging part of our journey until our last breath.

No one has to walk this path alone. Jesus promised to walk with us and our brother Knights and their families will be there
when we need their help.

"We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world".

A Fruitful Lent and a Joyful Easter,

Vivat Jesus

Father Philip Siry, State Chaplain