New seminary and fishing boats for typhoon victims are gifts of the K of C

Contact: Joe Cullen, 203-800-4923, joseph.cullen@kofc.org; Andrew Walther, 203-752-4253, andrew.walther@kofc.org; both with Knights of Columbus 

PALO, Philippines, Jan. 14, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- During his trip to the Philippines this week, Pope Francis will have the chance to observe tangible improvements in the lives of workers, fishermen and those who hope to be "fishers of men," thanks to the work of the Knights of Columbus.

After successfully initiating an innovative program that helped workers regain their livelihoods, the Knights of Columbus are now helping future priests prepare for a life of service.

A gift of $200,000 from the Knights of Columbus will be used to rebuild the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Palo in honor of Pope Francis. The St. John the Evangelist School of Theology was destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan when it struck with historic force in November 2013.

In the earlier initiative, the Knights engaged local carpenters and boat builders – who had lost their businesses in the aftermath of the storm – to build a flotilla of motorized boats. Those boats were then given to local fishermen, who had lost their previous boats in which experts now call the strongest recorded storm ever to make landfall. The program helped both the craftsman and fisherman get back on their feet.

With 330,000 members throughout the Philippines, Knights from outside the affected areas were on hand in the typhoon's wake to volunteer with supplies and funds.

"The Knights of Columbus has a long tradition of charitable service in the Philippines, and that continues today," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "Pope Francis has encouraged those who aid in recovery efforts to focus both on the humanitarian and spiritual dimension of those they serve. These programs combine to do just that, supporting the people of Palo both in their spiritual lives and in their families' livelihoods."

Through the Knights' "Livelihood Project," craftsman who lost their businesses in the typhoon were paid to construct motorized boats for fishermen whose vessels and equipment were washed away by the 195-mph winds and 20-foot storm surges.

"The project helped restart two key segments of the island's economy, allowing hundreds of craftsman and fishermen to return to work and support their families," said Anderson. "These relief efforts exemplify what Knights do every day – help their neighbors in need."

Because Pope Francis will visit the immediate area, he is likely to see the many sky blue boats with the Knights' insignia on the side, and it is hoped that he will bless the vessels.

The Knights' Supreme Council in New Haven, Conn., has donated $865,000, including $250,000 in the storm's immediate aftermath, and $615,000 in additional funding for aid to the Philippines.

The world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus donated more than $170 million and 70 million hours of charitable service in its last fraternal year.