Knights of Columbus video series discusses authentic masculinity, true brotherhood

Francesco Pinque

Staff Writer

Knights of Columbus Council #9804 hosted a presentation Thursday, Feb. 18, in Egan Hall, of a video series made by the Knights, along with a talk and a discussion led by Alan Schreck, who holds a doctorate in theology.

According to the Knights website, the video series “Into the Breach” is “a call to battle for Catholic men, which urges them to embrace wholeheartedly masculine virtues in a world in crisis.” It was inspired by the “Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men” written by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix.

The first two videos in the series were shown Thursday night: one focusing on masculinity and the other on brotherhood.

The former video said that men should live “authentic masculinity” by imitating the example of Christ, accepting responsibility and constant self-sacrifice, all of which is directed to the role of being a husband and father whether in the context of family life or in the life of the Church as a priest.

The latter video said men have a need for forming friendships with other men of faith. Having a band of brothers is indispensable to any man’s faith journey, helping him to grow closer to God and to develop virtue.

After the videos were shown, Schreck gave a brief reflection on Catholic masculinity, drawing from his own life experiences and interactions with other men who served as role models in his life.

“Masculinity begins … every morning where you have to make a decision: ‘Am I going … to step up and take the responsibility of the day, whatever it may be,’” Schreck said.

A discussion took place after Schreck’s reflection. Topics such as how to properly relate to women through true masculinity, acts of heroic virtue and practical implementations of living in brotherhood were brought up.

“I think there’s a real desire on campus for masculine community,” said freshman Liam Pope. “I think what a lot of guys want is something hard, something that’s more of a commitment … (such as) getting together to do real prayer and do real discussion about what is manliness and how can I change my life, change my habits, to become more of a man.”

“Into the Breach” will continue every Thursday throughout Lent at 9 p.m. in Egan 213.