The Pontificio Collegio Filipino (PCF) celebrated the dedication of its newly renovated library, now known as “The Blessed Michael McGivney Library” on Saturday, April 27.
The library underwent weeks of renovation and expansion, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal service organization of Catholic men founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882.
None other than Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, led the blessing of the library for the Filipino priests studying in Rome.
The celebration was graced by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly.
PCF Rector Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston and Architect Enrico Demajo, director of the Knights of Columbus office in Rome, also graced the occasion.
Kelly, who was on his second visit to the Collegio, expressed hope “that all the research in the world and, particularly, the research in this college will help you in your search for the face of [God].”
The head of the more than 2 million knights around the world also announced that he would be visiting the Philippines this year.
The country has more than 500,000 members of the order.
David, who is also the K of C South Luzon State Chaplain, said he felt “very much connected” with the organization.
“You are very much our partner,” David said, as he thanked the K of C for supporting the CBCP and the PCF.
According to Gaston, the Knights of Columbus – Philippines has been assisting the PCF every year by administering the Blessed McGivney scholarship for three scholar priests from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.