Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Honor Local Community Leader

WORCESTER, Mass. – Crusader Council No. 2706 of the Knights of Columbus at the College of the Holy Cross held a dinner on April 19 at the Hogan Campus Center to honor Worcester native and Jesuit priest Rev. Fred Enman, S.J., recognizing him for his leadership of the nonprofit charitable organization, Matthew 25, Inc. Established this year, the John W. Spillane Award for Distinguished Christian Leadership is Crusader Council’s highest honor.  It is bestowed on an individual who has made notable intellectual and/or professional contributions to the Catholic community, and in the support of the mission of the Knights of Columbus.

Fr. Enman established Matthew 25 in the early 90s with the mission of providing affordable housing to families in need. Matthew 25 refurbishes old houses and rents them to low income families at 25 percent of their yearly income. Matthew 25 works closely with the Worcester Vocational School for assistance with skilled labor, such as carpentry, electricity, and plumbing.  College students, including members of Crusader Council help with painting, landscaping, and other odd jobs.  Over the past two years, the Holy Cross Knights have worked on Matthew 25’s latest project, helping to renovate a house in the vicinity of the Mustard Seed soup kitchen whose first tenants moved in this winter.

The award is named after the late John W. Spillane ‘54, a prominent lawyer and community activist in the city of Worcester. Since becoming involved with the Knights of Columbus as a student at Holy Cross, Spillane served the organization in various capacities at the local and state level.  At the time of his death this past Christmas, he was legal advisor to the Massachusetts State Council.  In addition, he always made himself a valuable resource for his college council.  Last year he addressed the council at its concluding meeting, where elections were held for this year’s council officers.  Crusader Council’s leadership was very appreciative of his interest and support, and felt it very appropriate that they name this new award after him.  The award was accompanied by a $500 donation to Fr. Enman’s program.

Guests at the event included representatives from the K of C’s Supreme International Headquarters in New Haven, Conn.; Massachusetts state officers; numerous Holy Cross faculty, staff and students, including participants from the recently established Crusader Circle 1422 of the Daughters of Isabella; Fr. Enman and members of the Matthew 25 staff; members of the Spillane Family; and the Crusader Council.

A speaking program accompanied the dinner and award presentation, consisting of remarks from Paul V. Phillipino ’08, grand knight, Scott J. Brunt ’08, chancellor and program director, Maryanne K. Spillane McInturf, daughter of John W. Spillane, and a keynote address from Fr. Enman.