Knights of Peter Claver to Convene in New Orleans This Week

The world’s only Catholic lay fraternal order open to membership by men, women, and youth will make history this week as it convenes in New Orleans for its 107th National Convention, which will be the first national gathering of all 6 divisions of the organization in its 114-year history. The organization operates under the leadership of Supreme Knight/CEO Dr. Christopher Pichon; Supreme Lady Micaela J. Le Blanc; and Executive Director Grant Jones. 

In addition to awarding tens of thousands of dollars in charitable grants and scholarship awards, the gathering will include:

• Wilton Cardinal Gregory and Most Revs. Gregory Aymond, Joseph N. Perry, Jaime Soto, and William A. Wack celebrate the Convention Mass, Sunday, July 16th; 10:00 am
• Four of the youngest Black priests in the country will also present / participate in the convention:
  • Revs. Aver Daniel, Ajani Gibson, Daniel Green, and Joshua Johnson
• 10+ local choirs / performers are scheduled to perform at the Irene T. Green Performing Arts Extravaganza benefiting religious vocations support on Friday, July 14th at 7:00 pm
• New Orleans’ own, Troy Sawyer, will entertain guests with his musical stylings at the Annual St. Peter Claver Foundation Gala for Education on Sunday, July 16th at 7:00 pm
• Donated items and financial contributions will be collected at the annual “KPCLA National Baby Shower and Silent Auction” in benefit of the New Orleans Family Justice Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic and family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
• Additional charitable activities include a Junior Division School Supply Drive and a Bingo for Charity benefiting a local New Orleans Charity
• Dr. Corey Hebert, MD will present and host a question-and-answer session on Sickle Cell Anemia
• Dr. Ansel Augustine, D.Min. will team up with Rev. Joshua Johnson to host a prayer / conversation with the Junior Knights and Junior Daughters (members aged 7 – 18) on “Being a Young Christian in 2023,” Thursday, July 13th; 7:30 pm
• Award banquets will also be held on Saturday, July 15th and Monday, July 17th honoring the charitable service and leadership of members and units from across the country
• Dr. David W. Robinson-Morris, Ph.D. will lead an engaging “Black Catholic Listening and Dreaming Session” at the inaugural Members Luncheon on Monday, July 17th at 12 Noon
• On Tuesday, July 18th attendees and guests will get to unwind and enjoy the 2023 Convention Dance featuring local DJ Chris Stylez

All events and activities will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, 500 Canal St.  New Orleans, LA 70130.

Sponsors for this year’s National Conventions include AARP, Xavier University of Louisiana, FADICA Catholic Philanthropy Network, and Emmaus Medical Inc. More information about the gathering can be foudn online at https://kofpc.org/national_conventions_and_concl.php.

Founded November 7, 1909 in Mobile, Alabama, the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary is the world’s oldest and largest historically Black Catholic fraternal lay order.  The National Headquarters is in New Orleans.