Worthy Brothers, as we move deeper into this Lenten season, I was struck by a powerful story shared by EWTN today, February 15th. It serves as a timely “thunderbolt moment” for all of us as we reflect on our Lenten pillars of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.
In 1942, during the height of World War II, a ship carrying over 1,000 Polish children arrived on the shores of India. These orphans had survived the horrors of Siberian labor camps and months of starvation, only to find themselves turned away by nation after nation. They sailed across the sea, seeking refuge, but many ports remained closed to them. Even the British colonial government in Mumbai refused them entry, leaving the children stranded on the water with no home and no hope.
It was then that Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji of Nawanagar—the “Good Maharaja”—stepped forward and took charge. Defying the hesitation of the colonial authorities, he personally intervened to ensure they were brought to safety. He did not see a political burden; he saw his own children. He famously told them:
“Do not consider yourselves orphans. I am now your father.”
As Knights, this story should stir something deep within us, especially during Lent. The Maharaja’s life became a living prayer. His Almsgiving wasn’t just a donation; it was a radical sacrifice of his own resources and comfort. He understood that Fasting from our own selfishness is the only way to make room for others. He didn’t just provide bread; he protected their Catholic soul by building a chapel and ensuring they had priests, knowing that the spirit must be fed for the body to survive.
This is the sacred mantle we are called to wear. Lent is our time to “re-register” our hearts for service. Being a Knight isn’t a title we claim—it is a life of action. It is about being the man who stands in the gap when the world turns its back, proving our faith through our presence. When we show up to serve, we are offering our own “Prayer Scroll” to the community, showing them that they are protected and loved.
On March 6th at 6PM, at our Desert Lenten Meal for Seminarians, we take up that same mission. When we support these future priests, we are guarding the future of our Church, just as the Maharaja guarded the future of those Polish children. Our presence at these events is the ultimate testimony of our faith. If you aren’t able to roll up your sleeves as a volunteer that evening, we invite you to simply join us at the table. For just $5, you can share a meal with your brothers and these future priests. Your presence alone is a powerful sign of support. If you feel moved to contribute further to their pilgrimage through a freewill offering, your generosity will help ensure the future of our vocations remains strong.
Let us not be Knights in name only, but men of action who use this Lenten season to lead with our hearts and show our parish family that they are never alone.
Stand With Your Brothers: Our Lenten Mission
Let’s honor the spirit of the “Good Maharaja” by being present. Please visit kofc13453.com to join your brothers at these upcoming opportunities to serve:
| Event | Date | Open Spots |
| Stations of the Cross | February 27 | 6 |
| Desert Meal for Seminarians | March 6 | 20 |
| Lenten Dinner Fundraiser | March 13 | 20 |
| Ham and Kielbasa Sale | March 14–15 | 18 |
| Ham and Kielbasa Sale | March 21–22 | 15 |
| Stations of the Cross | March 27 | 9 |
| Breakfast Buffet | March 29 | 40 |
| Ham and Kielbasa Pickup | April 1 | 11 |
Love and Peace to all MY Brothers!
Ed Bahoura,
Grand Knight
TMIY-That man is You Men’s Group Leader