The Knights of Columbus Peace Council 4518 in Ridley Township hosted their annual Sisters’ Appreciation Dinner, celebrating over 60 years of tradition. This festive gathering took place in the week before Thanksgiving, honoring Religious Sisters for their dedication and service in the community.
Ken Babicki, Grand Knight of the council, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “We’ve been doing this for well over 60 years. It’s a tradition here and one of the best nights of the year for us.” The dinner featured a full-course turkey meal, music, dancing, and gifts for approximately 75 Sisters who RSVP’d for the occasion.
Community and Camaraderie Shine at the Dinner
The evening was marked by a warm atmosphere as attendees enjoyed a night filled with celebration. Among the guests were the Rev. John Flanagan, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, and Sisters from various communities. Sister James Anne Feerick, IHM, and Sister Jane McFadden, IHM, both engaged in lively conversation with Flanagan, reflecting on their shared history.
Volunteer Debbie Liberatore warmly welcomed attendees by pinning festive holiday corsages, donated by Marvil Lyons Funeral Home. Each Sister received a corsage as a token of appreciation. Additionally, Sister Elizabeth DeWaele, OSF, a teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Glen Mills, shared her Christmas wish before receiving a holiday gift.
Colin Ainsworth, a Knight from Aston, served drinks at the event and noted the importance of such longstanding traditions. “With declining membership in so many organizations these days, it’s impressive to see so many volunteers making this happen for over six decades!” he remarked.
A Night of Gratitude and Joy
Sister Rose Harlan, IHM, has attended the dinner for over a decade. She expressed her appreciation for the camaraderie and kindness shown by the Knights, saying, “I like seeing Sisters in my community that I don’t get to see often, as well as the other communities of Sisters. Also, I like this annual party because the Knights are always so very nice to us!”
Babicki, who is serving as Grand Knight for the 2025-26 Fraternal Year, explained the event’s purpose: “We grew up with Religious Sisters and most of us received our education from them. This is our way to thank the Sisters for their vocation and for all they did for us through the years.”
The organizing team, led by Chairman Jerry DeMartini, hired Capozzoli Catering to handle meal preparations, allowing volunteers to focus on engaging with guests. DeMartini, who has been overseeing the event for over 25 years, highlighted the challenge of keeping track of the Sisters, many of whom are reassigned regularly based on community needs.
As Sisters enjoyed the evening, DJ John Scibello provided lively music, keeping the spirit high. Attendees, including Sister Jean Miriam, SSJ, relished the opportunity to dance and celebrate together. “I love to dance, so I always enjoy the music and the laughter. It’s a great night!” she shared.
The highlight of the evening came with the appearance of Santa Claus, played by Chuck Bradford, who delighted the Sisters by distributing holiday gifts and door prizes. As each Sister introduced herself and shared her wishes, smiles illuminated the room, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of joy and connection.
Ron Liberatore, a Knight, noted the impressive turnout, stating, “This is the best number of attendees that we’ve had since before COVID.” Members from various communities, including Immaculate Heart, Franciscan, and St. Joseph, traveled from across the tri-state area to be part of the celebration.
Sister Patricia Long, IHM, reflected on her fond memories connected to the Knights of Columbus, stating, “When I was growing up in New York, my Dad was a Knight and my brother was a Grand Knight, so I always have a soft spot in my heart for them.”
The Knights of Columbus Peace Council 4518, based in Ridley Township, has about 316 active members. Their commitment to community service extends beyond this annual event, as they support local parishes and engage in various charitable activities throughout the year.
For additional information about the Knights of Columbus Peace Council 4518, located at 1195 Haverford Road, Ridley Township, interested individuals can call 610-833-1299.
