Sir Knight Humberto L. Quintanilla II
CAPT, USN (ret)
Grand Knight, Council 13704
The Shrine of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
San Antonio, Texas

St. Padre Pio Wheelchair Sunday –  22-23 October 2022

Background: In 2007, the Wheelchair Sunday Program began with KofC Councils supporting their parish pastors to make a presentation to fellow parishioners during Mass in support of The American Wheelchair Mission to support the mobility needs of the poorest of God’s people locally and worldwide.

Status: Msgr. Pat Ragsdale, pastor, St. Padre Pio, supports our St Padre Pio KofC Council #13704 and parish in sponsoring a Wheelchair Sunday for 22-23 October 2022.  This same weekend is Knights Sunday!! Knights serve as Greeters/Ushers, host our Taco Sunday after mass (donation only) and recruit new members! Chris Lewis, 4th Degree Knight and President of The American Wheelchair Mission, will attend the St. Padre Pio Wheelchair Sunday with his team – wheelchairs and all!

Texas State KofC Support:  Reed Fontenot, TX State Council Charities Director sent a note on 26 July 2022 announcing that Texas First Lady Beth Frugé has chosen the American Wheelchair Mission as her Ladies’ project for the next two years and encourages all KofC wives to become involved in this very worthwhile mission.  Additionally, Bill Weber, TX State Wheelchair Chairman, has offered his assistance as needed.

KofC Fraternal Year 2021-2022 Performance: Texas KofC raised $735K for 4,900 wheelchairs.        San Antonio Archdiocese raised $78K for 521 Wheelchairs! Amazing what we can do working together!

So, what’s the cost? For a $150 100% tax deductible donation, the American Wheelchair Mission can deliver a brand-new high-quality wheelchair locally or worldwide to children, retired priests/religious, our veterans, Catholic charities, etc. in desperate need of mobility.  A gift of mobility is life-changing for a person and their family.  Mobility means people can leave their bedridden state to go to school, work, or be with other people and enjoy outside events/activities.  A gift of a mobility provides hope, dignity, freedom and independence!! For each $150 donation, you will receive a beautiful certificate folder with the picture of the wheelchair recipient inside.