Hitchcock honored as 'Knight of the Year'

By STEPHEN KOACH
For The Catholic Week
The Alabama State Council of the Knights of Columbus held its 120th annual State Convention in Atmore as more than 150 Knights and their families came together April 21-23. 
The weekend began with the opening Mass conducted by state chaplain Fr. Vernon Huguley. Convention attendees were then welcomed by State Deputy Danny Garcia at the opening dinner.  Along the route to dinner, attendees were able to view various displays supporting various ministries and activities.
Saturday began with “Breakfast with the Bishops,” an opportunity for attendees to meet the bishops of Alabama. The business meeting began with the posting of the Colors by District Master Michael Weist.  Fr. Huguley then conducted a Holy Hour of Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament where the attendees joined in prayer and personal devotion.
Distinguished guests included Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, Antonio “Toni” Pascua, Past State Deputy of Nevada and Member of the Supreme Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus, representative of Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly.
Numerous items of business were conducted.  Supreme Knight Kelly presented a virtual address on the status of the Order. State Deputy Garcia presented a “State of the Order” message on the status of the Alabama State Council and the numerous activities over the past year.  Director Pascua presented greetings from the Supreme Knight and elaborated on the charitable works of the Order and the State Council.  
State Council Officers were also elected for 2023-24. They include:
n State Deputy – Danny Garcia – Madison
n State Secretary – Bill Mores – Hoover
n State Treasurer – Pat Jackson – Huntsville
n State Advocate – Brian Lagasse – Huntsville
n State Warden – John Bares – Mentone
These officers will begin their one-year term beginning July 1. Past State Deputy Joe Flaherty III will continue as the Immediate Past State Deputy.
Later in the evening the annual awards banquet was held, the state officers and guests were introduced to the attendees and some of the awards included:
n State Family of the Year – Shawn and Renee Goodrich Family from Council 8696, Auburn University.
n State Knight of the Year – Larry Hitchcock, Council 11480, Enterprise.
n State Youth of the Year – Jolee Fernandez, Council 11480, Enterprise.
n Outstanding Council of the Year Under 100 Members – Council 5636, Daleville.
n Outstanding Council of the Year Over 100 Members – Council 11480, Enterprise.
n Fr. Joy Chalissery, Most Merciful Jesus Council 17519, Madison, received the inaugural Blessed Michael J. McGivney Award for Outstanding Council Chaplain.
The convention concluded Sunday morning with the convention attendees participating in the annual Memorial Mass in honor of those Knights who had passed away during the previous year.