Josephine Knapp

On December 3, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, in 2017, parishioner Josephine Knapp turned 100 years old.  It was a privilege to meet with her, and hear memories, wonderful stories of faith and her connection to St. Francis Xavier Church.  Here are some highlights.

When I was 5 years old, my mother told me there was someone who would always love me.  I asked, “Who?”  She said, “God.” I’m never lonesome. God is always with me.

Volunteer Work

One of my nicest memories is being on the altar committee. I helped there for quite a while. There were six different groups of women who took turns caring for that space. On Good Friday, the altar committee chairman carried up a bouquet of roses during the offertory. One year I was chosen to carry the roses. That was quite an honor.

Trip of a Lifetime

One day at Church, Fr. O’Brien announced that St Francis was planning a pilgrimage to Rome. You didn’t have to urge me. I wanted to jump right up and say, “I’m going!”  Just then, my husband leaned over and said “I know you’d like to go. Go.”  So I did.  The trip was spiritually thrilling.

The pilgrimage to Rome coincided with the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. Before we left for the trip, the entire church - all of St. Francis - gathered and prayed for our mission, and the success of Vatican II. We all hoped it would be successful because it was needed. It taught that God was in all of us and it encouraged a personal relationship with God.

We had tickets for an opening celebration days before the Council began. I was sitting close to all the dignitaries, the heads of state and the Pope. We visited many sites, including the Church of the Nativity, where we were able to hear a group of priests singing in Latin.

Building A Legacy

I was a part of RCIA [the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults]. My granddaughter came to me and asked, “Grandma, what do you have to do to become a Catholic?” I didn’t know how to answer so I said, “We’ll go talk to Father together.” So, we went to Fr. O’Brien, and she went through the process.  It wasn’t easy for her because she did not live in the parish.  She came in on the train after work and we would have a quick dinner and go over together. It was quite an experience.

Words to Pass Along

When asked what she would tell those in RCIA today, Mrs. Knapp said with a bright smile, “Tell them what a joy it is to be Catholic.”  Then, she added, “And tell them how much God loves them.  I never asked God for anything. I wouldn’t know what to ask for. But throughout my life, God has provided.”