Around 100 men of different ages and backgrounds gathered at St Michael the Archangel, Belfield, in Sydney as a new Catholic men’s association seeks to respond to what its founders see as a growing hunger for friendship, purpose and faith.
The Italian Knights of the Sacred Heart Australia joined with Catholic men’s group the Prodigal Sons for a day retreat featuring Mass, talks, stalls, a barbecue and time for fellowship.
Italian Knights co-founder Luigi Cocilovo said the association was established earlier this year in response to a need for a place where men, particularly younger men, could find friendship and support in living their Catholic faith.
“In today’s world, many men are searching for purpose, direction, and authentic brotherhood,” Cocilovo told The Catholic Weekly.
“Our mission is to provide a welcoming community where men can strengthen one another, grow spiritually, and become better husbands, fathers, sons, and leaders through the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
The group is open to men of all backgrounds, despite its Italian name. Outside organised events, members attend Mass together, keep in touch through a WhatsApp group and take part in Catholic events across Sydney. They also meet at St Mary’s Cathedral on the first Saturday of each month for the Rosary and Mass.
Cocilovo said his hope was that men involved with the Knights would become stronger in their faith and make a positive difference in their families, parishes and communities.
“It’s very important for men to come together for Christ and for brotherhood, especially nowadays [when] men may [feel] like they are not needed,” he said.
Sebastian said the association hoped to offer younger men “something more”.
“Our mission is to reach out to people … [so they can] find their historical faith and heritage through [the] Catholic faith,” he said.
The retreat on 25 July was held jointly with the Prodigal Sons, whose founder, Georgio, described its mission as bringing men back to Christ and forming them for their responsibilities in family and community.
“So the foundation is to build biblical men, fathers, sons, brothers and husbands,” he said.
The Prodigal Sons came to wider public attention through their involvement in recent protests over the Divine Playhouse, which operated from a former Catholic church in Sydney.
At Belfield, the emphasis was on prayer, fellowship and formation, with speakers Charlie Bakhos, Liam Aquilina and Dr Robert Haddad addressing topics including addiction, virtue and marriage. For men attending, the attraction was often straightforward.
“It’s good to meet with like-minded Catholic people, getting together to pray, and to get close to God,” said Tony, 35.
Khalil, 36, attended in search of spiritual nourishment, while Roy Siciliano, 66, said strong Catholic communities were needed in an increasingly secular culture.
“You need to be a strong Catholic in times like this that are increasingly atheistic,” Siciliano said.
“You need to stand up for your Catholic faith, and I believe the Catholic faith is the one true faith.”
Some participants quoted in this article asked that their surnames be withheld for privacy reasons.
