Knights at the Foot of the Cross
Who are the Knights at the Foot of the Cross
THE KNIGHTS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS (KFC) is an
outreach within the MI movement, comprised of Catholics afflicted by the cross of suffering – physical, spiritual or emotional. As MI members, KFCs consecrate themselves to Mary. As did Mary at the Cross of her Son, they also participate in “redemptive suffering” (also called sacrificial or reparational suffering). This means they offer some of their daily prayers and trials to Jesus and Mary, who apply these gifts where grace is needed most, such as to convert hearts and save souls, to make amends for the sins of others, and ultimately to bring about the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
KFCs especially offer up their difficulties for the success of the Ml. They thus become a special core group or vanguard within the movement. Though often unable to actively evangelize because of infirmity, nonetheless KFCs generate untold graces as they link their sufferings with those of Christ. Through the intercession of Mary, they offer up all to the Father as a “sacrifice of praise.”
Supernaturally, KFCs are perhaps the most important members of the MI – a spiritual powerhouse.
How was the KFC Started?
ENVISIONED EARLIER in the writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the KFC was founded on May 31, 1983. On the feast of Mary’s Visitation, six teenaged and sick Conventual Franciscan friars, all MI membrs, decided to make use of their ailments and encourage others to do the same. Sensing a good idea, the friars asked, “Why not harvest the immense reparational potential within the suffering MI community at large?” Thus a spiritual vanguard was formed: individuals no longer isolated or frustrated in sickness or agedness, working in solidarity for the conversion of the entire world. The very first Knight at the Foot of the Cross was Fr. Simeon Kaczmarek, OFM Conv. Bedridden for two years with cancer, Father offered his pain and prayers for the KFC cause while it was still being organized.
Theology of Redemptive Suffering SACRIFICIAL SUFFERING is a rich Christian faith expression, modelled after Christ himself It is a partial answer to the age-old
question, “Why does God allow human suffering?”
The Church has always taught that physical pain, mental distress, even minor annoyances, are not meaningless but are meant to be put to valuable use. As Jesus used the anguish of his Passion and the agony of Calvary to accomplish our salvation, so do our sufferings have supernatural value when joined to His Cross. By willingly accepting our struggles and presenting them back to God as a “burnt offering” for the intentions of others, we cooperate with Christ and become real participators in the
mystery of his saving act.
Mary and Maximilian: Models of Reparational Suffering Mary Immaculate is a special model of reparational suffering. Standing at the Cross in interior distress, her soul “pierced by a sword” (Lk 2:35), she offered all to the Father in a silent, “Thy will be done.” She invites us, and strengthens us, to do the same through our MI consecration as a KFC.
St. Maximilian Kolbe also is a model of reparational suffering. Imprisoned at the Auschwitz death camp, Maximilian “emptied himself” for the Gospel (Phil 2:7). He shared his meager food and water with fellow prisoners while tending to their spiritual needs. He persevered in charity toward his Nazi captors though they singled him out for special brutalities as a Catholic priest. He willingly endured the torture of the starvation bunker by taking the place of another prisoner. In this way, Maximilian became “another Christ,” laying down his life for another.
According to St. John Paul II, St. Maximilian’s holy example has made him a sign and a prophet of the new era, the civilization of love.”
How do I Join the KFC?
IF YOU ARE ALREADY AN MI MEMBER, you can join the KFC by registering at the Canada MI National Center. Simply recite the KFC consecration prayer, then fill out the enrollment form.
Not an MI Member yet?
IF YOU ARE NOT AN MI MEMBER YET, first enroll in the MI and join the KFC, which is an outreach within the MI movement.