FRONT ROYAL, Va.—Human Life International (HLI) dedicated a large bronze statue of the Holy Father at a Mass and ceremony on the Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15. The 5'6” work was created through contributions from the Knights of Columbus’ 105 Virginia councils.

Father Richard Welch, CSsR, president of HLI, told a large crowd at the organization's world headquarters, “Thousands of visitors annually will pass by this statue commemorating the Holy Family, many from other countries. This way we will be able to spread the message of the Gospel of Life globally.”

As well as providing financial support for the statute, which was designed by Don Sheppard and cast in Italy, the Knights presented additional funds to HLI for pro-life programs.

The Knights of Columbus have been very active in pro-life activities. Richard Kurzenknabe, a Past Grand Knight who spoke at the event, said that $8.8 million have been raised for such efforts throughout the country.

HLI is the world's largest pro-life and pro-family educational organization. Now in its 26th year of service, it has 56 chapters in the United States and abroad. It was founded by Father Paul Marx OSB, who still serves as its board chairman. (Joseph Esposito)