Brothers, We are now in a colorful, cool, and busy time of year as we turn the calendar page to November. A few thoughts as I watch the leaves fall and try to ignore the need to rake: All Souls and All Saints Days are reminders of our obligation to recall and revere the memory of those special to us who have gone to their eternal reward with our Father in Heaven. This is the time when many councils and assemblies throughout our jurisdiction will hold memorial masses in honor of Brothers who have attained eternal glory. If your council/assembly is holding one of these events, please take the time to participate.

Veterans Day offers us a chance to remember the sacrifices, in many cases, the supreme sacrifice, made by our members of the Armed Forces. Please take some time, individually, or in your Council or Assembly to offer thanks to those who served, or are presently serving. This is especially true in the case of any Brother presently serving to protect our freedoms, especially those serving in combat situations. Our prayers are with them every day, as are our hopes for their safe return to their loved ones. My personal thanks to all active military and veterans for all you have done for ALL of us. Freedom is, indeed, not Free. God bless you for your efforts.

Thanksgiving affords us the opportunity to enjoy a special time with our loved ones. A day to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives, great and small. But, while enjoying this wonderful time, surrounded by those most special to us, please take time to remember those for whom this day holds no special meaning or only sorrow. Keep in mind those sick in body or mind, those for whom a Thanksgiving meal is a financial impossibility, the homeless, the unemployed, the poor. This is a time of year when the Knights charity is most in evidence throughout our state, in many forms. However, in this time of economic hardship for so many, I implore all of my Brothers to do a little more to lighten the burden of far too many in today's society.

I close by reminding you of the request I made of you at the beginning of this Fraternal Year: That every council, every member, offer the benefits of membership in this, the greatest Catholic fraternal, family organization in the world to every Catholic man. In light of Bishop Tobin's declaration of this being the Year of Evangelization for the Diocese of Providence, let us bring this invitation, this opportunity for reconciliation, to an even greater audience. `Return to Me with all your heart` should me our motto in recruiting throughout the year.

I wish all my Brothers, and all their loved ones a happy,healthy and holy season. Enjoy the time together, spread the love.

Vivat Jesus!
Stephen Ciolfi, State Deputy