Councilor Gerky L. Valesco appealed Saturday to the officers and members of the Knights of Columbus to always support the bishop and parish priests and to expand the membership of the Order.

The appeal was made during the 27th installation rites of the KofC Fr. Eusebio Salvador Council No. 8330.

Valesco, a Knight of Columbus since 2002 of Sta. Maria, said that sustaining and strengthening the teachings of the Church is one of the objectives of KofC founder Fr. Michael McGivney when he founded the organization in 1882.

Valesco told the knights to consider their membership as a calling to be strong and active witnesses of faith and Church. “We know that we are called to be witnesses to Christ in our families, in our jobs, and in our service to society”.

“For 128 years, the Order has been led by the first principle of Charity. Fr. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus because he understood that he was his brother’s keeper. In understanding that, he established what has become a vibrant and successful business model, all because we continue to serve, we continue to volunteer by saying “yes, we are our brother’s keepers,” Valesco emphasized.

Valesco said the expansion program should be sustained and be cultivated on because it is part of the mission to put each brother knight and their welfare policy for protection.

Valesco also cited the importance of expanding the membership and called to help each member particularly on the insurance concept which is primordially to help their fellow knights as well as the family of the members.

The officers of the KofC of Sta. Maria is headed by its Chaplain Rev. Fr. Moises Cuevas, Grand Knight Nelson Basa, Sir Knight Arturo Tolentino, SK Jose Balenton, SK Roseller Enriquez, SK Tomas Guevarra, SK Avelino Acosta, SK Mario Cabanlit, SK Jesus Fernandez, SK Rudy Esperat, SK Eutemio Marcial, Bro. Sammy Caballero, SK Felipe Caburian, Bro. Ben Santiago, and SK Juan Tantoco.

Service Program Officers are; SK Danny Macansantos, SK Jesus Aquino, Sir Jesus Fernandez, Sir Jose Iglesias & Sis Pidelaida Iglesias, Sir Alex Navato, SK Marcelo dela Cruz, Sir Roseller Enriquez, SK Fernando Atilano, SK Hermenigildo Canlas, Sr., Bro. Sydney de Mesa, SK Alejandro Navato, SK Arturo Tolentino, Bro, Arcelito Fabian, Sir Pilargerrino Acosta, Sir Noel Rubio, and SK Jimmy Tandoc.