LAST MONTH, THE SANTIAGO Trade School announced the chartering of a new Knights of Columbus council, called the Our Lady of Pillar Council, at the Santiago Retreat Center under the leadership of Sir Knights Jeffry Rice and Mark Padilla.
This significant development is set to enhance the spiritual and community life of the school and the surrounding area. The Our Lady of Pillar Council will be dedicated to supporting the mission of the Santiago Trade School, a unique institution that combines rigorous trade education with strong Catholic values.
The council will also serve the broader Santiago Retreat Center community, offering a vital resource for faith formation, service and fellowship.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Knights of Columbus to our campus,” said Mark McElrath, executive director at Santiago Retreat Center. “Their commitment to charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism aligns perfectly with our values. This new council will provide our students and the local community with even more opportunities to grow in their faith and serve others.”
The Santiago Trade School, exclusively for men, offers a comprehensive two year residential program. Its curriculum includes nine months of instruction, room and board, tools and materials, all designed to prepare students for successful careers while fostering spiritual growth. The new Knights of Columbus council will integrate seamlessly into this environment, promoting initiatives that support both personal and professional development.
Mark Padilla, who heads the Santiago Trade School, expressed his enthusiasm for the new council.
“The Knights of Columbus have a rich history of service and faith-based initiatives,” he said. “Our Lady of Pillar Council will be a cornerstone of our community, providing essential support for our programs and helping to deepen the spiritual life of everyone involved.”
The Our Lady of Pillar Council will also play a pivotal role in the numerous retreats, camps and events hosted at the Santiago Retreat Center. With facilities including low ropes courses, hiking trails, firepits, sport courts and the unique Shroud Center, the retreat center is a hub of activity for faith-based and educational events throughout the year.
The chartering ceremony for the Our Lady of Pillar Council took place on July 25 and included a special Mass and a formal exemplification of the charter members.
For more information about the Santiago Trade School, the Santiago Retreat Center or the new Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Pillar Council, please contact Mayra Brown, [email protected]