Coral Gables, FL – September 10, 2009 – The Coral Gables Council of the Knights of Columbus held the first in a series of dinners celebrating the “Year for Priests” in its Council Hall. “As soon as we heard about the Holy Father’s intention to call for a Year for Priests, our members began debating different ways to honor our priests,” explained Grand Knight Javier Maribona, “the idea that won out was simply to provide them with the opportunity to have an evening of relaxed conversation and good food in the company of their Brother Priests each month.” “We really enjoyed, planning, preparing , and serving a meal to these men who do so much for us and look forward to more priests attending next month and the four dinners scheduled for 2010,” remarked program Co-chair Adolfo Diaz. The Coral Gables Knights will host dinners in October 2009, and January, February, May, and June 2010.

“Recognizing that priests are even busier during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, we decided not to host dinners in November, December, March, or April, and we started the dinners in September rather than during the summer months because many priests were being assigned to different parishes making it difficult to reach them,” noted Deputy Grand Knight Fernando Garcia who added “these dinners are not just a way for us to give back to those that serve us and our families, but also a way to honor the memory of our founder, Rev. Michael J. McGivney.” Monsignor Franklyn Casale, and Fathers Sean O’Sullivan, Omar Huesca, Juan Torres, Israel Mago, and Richard Vioga attended the first dinner. The next installment of the dinner series will be Thursday the 8th of October and all priests serving in Miami Dade County are invited. All dinners will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 270 Catalonia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling 305-669-9644 or writing regues@bellsouth.net