Newest Knight and our new Chaplain, Fr. Allan Bukenya
Meet Council 8159’s Newest Member and Chaplain, Fr. Allan Bukenya
By GK-elect SK Mearland Rusaw, June 26, 2024
BIO
My Name is Fr. Allan Bukenya, SAC.
Born on 08/28/1984
I was ordained on 11/15/2015 as a Priest of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (The Pallottines – St Vincent Pallotti).
I am working as a Director of Pallottine Missions in East Africa. I am based in Arusha Tanzania.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus
I am proud to become a member of the Knights of Columbus and feel humbled to be appointed as a Chaplain of this great Order.
GK-elect SK Mearland Rusaw: Through the leadership, training, and help of Worthy MD State Chaplain Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv., Worthy State Deputy Anthony Salvemini, Worthy State Membership Director Terry Waters, and Worthy District Deputies Mickey Dillow and Dan Greenwell, I helped Fr. Allan Bukenya—who was orphaned and has adopted me as a dad—to join the Knights of Columbus online from Tanzania. He took his exemplification online the same day, Sunday, June 23, 2024. He said, “I am so grateful to join the Brother Knights. Dad, this is the greatest gift you have accorded me. Let’s pray for our Holy Founder to become a Saint.”
Fr. Allan is now our Council Chaplain and offered Mass for the Knights of Columbus and Blessed Fr. McGivney, Monday, June 24th, in Tanzania. He studied the Chaplain’s Handbook online and the wonderful history of Blessed Fr. McGivney. Fr. Allan said, “It is very important for it has helped me to understand my role as a Chaplain, but also to appreciate the holiness of such a young priest, Fr. McGivney. The witness at his funeral speaks for itself. Also, my role will help me to become closer to God. I do not think it will be very difficult to serve my Brother Knights.”
Fr. Allan was deeply moved by the online exemplification. He is a pastor for families. Recently, he completed home visits to more than 2,000 families. Many men have fallen away from their faith. Knighthood has invigorated him. Fr. Allan has colleagues in Tanzania he believes will want to become Knights, too. Truly, as Worthy MD State Membership Director Terry Waters has said, “This story demonstrates to others how inviting Catholic men to join the Order has no borders.”
Fr. Allan is also Episcopal Vicar for Religious and Chaplain for the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist and New Evangelization (MSENE), Rev. Mother Gisela Upendo, Mother Superior.
SAC
The Society of the Catholic Apostolate (SAC), commonly known as the Pallottines, is an international community of priests, brothers, sisters, and lay members founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1835. The Society's mission is rooted in the universal call to holiness and apostolate, encouraging all Catholics to actively participate in the Church's mission of evangelization and charity (This fits with the Knights of Columbus and Cor ad cor loquitur).
Membership and Global Presence
As of 2020, the Pallottines consist of around 2,328 members, including approximately 1,747 priests (Wikipedia)(Pallottine Family Australia). The community operates in over 54 countries across five continents, with members engaged in various pastoral, educational, and social activities (St. Jude Shrine). The Pallottines are organized into regional communities and provinces, each working to address local needs and promote the Society's mission. (2,328 – 1,747 = 581. As of June 13, 2024, I am a Lay Pallottine, one of the 581. GK-elect SK Mearland Rusaw)
Charism and Apostolate
St. Vincent Pallotti emphasized the importance of laypeople in the Church's mission, promoting a collaborative approach between clergy, religious, and laity. The Pallottines' charism focuses on rekindling faith, igniting charity, and fostering a spirit of service among all members of the Church. Their motto, "The love of Christ urges us," encapsulates their dedication to living and spreading the Gospel through acts of charity and evangelization (Pallottine Family Australia) (Fits with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly’s Cor ad cor loquitur).
Activities and Outreach
The Pallottines are involved in a wide range of apostolic activities, including:
- Parish Ministry: Administering parishes and providing pastoral care in various countries.
- Education: Running schools, colleges, and educational programs to promote Catholic education and formation.
- Social Services: Operating orphanages, shelters, and healthcare facilities to assist the poor, sick, and marginalized.
- Missions: Engaging in missionary work in areas such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, focusing on evangelization and community development.
- Retreats and Spiritual Formation: Conducting retreats, spiritual exercises, and formation programs to deepen the faith of participants.
Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC)
The Pallottines are part of the larger Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC), which includes lay members and other religious communities inspired by St. Vincent Pallotti's vision. The UAC aims to unite all members of the Church in their common mission of spreading the faith and practicing charity (Pallottine Family Australia).
Historical Impact and Legacy
St. Vincent Pallotti's work laid the foundation for a global movement dedicated to the renewal of faith and charity. The Pallottines have made significant contributions to the Church's mission, particularly in areas of education, social justice, and pastoral care. Their continued presence and activities worldwide reflect the enduring relevance of Pallotti's vision in addressing contemporary challenges faced by the Church and society.
The Pallottines, officially known as the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (SAC), include a significant number of lay members who are part of the Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC). The UAC, founded by St. Vincent Pallotti, is a broader family that encompasses not only the Pallottine priests, brothers, and sisters but also a substantial number of lay members. These lay members work alongside the religious members in fulfilling the mission of rekindling faith and charity among all Catholics.
The exact number of lay members is not always detailed in every source, but the Union of Catholic Apostolate has a wide and active lay participation across the globe. They are involved in various apostolic activities, including evangelization, education, social services, and community development.
For more specific information, including the latest updates and detailed statistics, you can visit the official websites of the Pallottines and the Union of Catholic Apostolate:
