Knights of Columbus Tribute

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut — On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Adelphi Council 4181 of Shrewsbury, MA travelled to New Haven with parishioners from St. Anne’s and St. Mary’s Parishes of Shrewsbury. They were accompanied by Fr. Paul T. O’Connell, Fr. Adam Reid, and Fr. Richard Trainor of St. Anne’s, and the Color Guard from Bishop O’Reilly Assembly 399 of Worcester, MA.

The Knights made the pilgrimage to St. Mary’s Church in New Haven to honor and recognize the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Michael McGivney. It also provided the perfect opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to Fr. O’Connell, who is celebrating his Jubilee 65th year in the Priesthood, 64th year as a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus, and his 30th anniversary as Chaplain of Adelphi Council 4181. Fr. O’Connell, along with Fr. Adam Reid (Pastor at St. Anne’s), and Fr. Trainor con-celebrated a beautiful Mass at St. Mary’s. Fr. O’Connell paid homage to Fr. McGivney in his homily, discussing McGivney’s work and service for the Parishioners of St. Mary’s and his creation of the Knights of Columbus, especially during trying times.

Before the conclusion of Mass, Adelphi Council Grand Knight Nicholas Todisco read a Resolution honoring and recognizing Fr. O’Connell for his dedication to the Church, The K of C, and specifically Adelphi Council. The resolution was recently adopted at the Massachusetts State Convention and submitted to the Supreme Council for approval and recognition. Members of Adelphi Council also presented Fr. O’Connell with a plaque recognizing his dedication to Council 4181 , stating: “Fr. Paul T. O’Connell, Chaplain to the Brotherhood of Council 4181, Shrewsbury, MA; in gratitude and recognition of your Spiritual Guidance, as an Advocate for the Preservation of the Family, for the Protection and Dignity of Human Life, you exemplify Knighthood - Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism

Thank you for 30 years of dedication - Chaplain Adelphi Council 4181”

Following Mass at St. Mary’s, the entire group enjoyed a tour of the church and visited and received a tour at the nearby McGivney Pilgrimage Center in New Haven.