Frackville man to be knighted by church
SUBMITTED PHOTO - Michael J. O'Connor, of Frackville, meets with Pope Francis.
FRACKVILLE – A Frackville man is set to be knighted by the Catholic Church this Sunday.
The Diocese of Allentown announced that Michael J. O’Connor, of Frackville, was named a Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Francis.
The order is one of five pontifical knightly orders, and was founded in 1841.
“The honor bestowed on Mr. O’Connor is well deserved. He has generously used his numerous gifts and talents to serve the Universal Church and the Church in the Diocese of Allentown.” Bishop Alfred Schlert, Diocese of Allentown, said. “In bestowing this honor on Mr. O’Connor, Pope Francis has also honored the Diocese and the faithful who live and worship here.”
“Those named to the order are actively involved in the everyday activities of the Church,” the diocese said in a media release. “Membership signifies recognition from the Holy Father himself for exemplary service rendered to the Church.”
O’Connor, a parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Church and the Supreme Secretary of the Knights of Columbus, “has been very active in the Church in the Diocese of Allentown,” the diocese said.
He has served as a member of the Independent Review Board, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, the Diocesan School Board, and as President of the St. Thomas More Society in Schuylkill County.
He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1986 and has held several local and national leadership positions since.
A ceremony will be held on Sunday in Allentown to confer the honor.
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