The International President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK), Sir Charles L. L. Cobb, has called on Catholic Knights across the world to remain steadfast as “pilgrims of hope and bearers of the Gospel of salvation,” despite global challenges confronting humanity.
In his 2025 Christmas message to members of the Alliance, Sir Cobb said the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ offers renewed hope to a world troubled by conflict, moral uncertainty, and human suffering.
The message, issued under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope and Bearers of the Gospel of Salvation,” reminded Catholic Knights of their shared mission as lay faithful committed to service, unity, and fidelity to the Church. Quoting from Scripture, the IACK President described Christmas as the foundation of Christian faith and the wellspring of the Alliance’s global mission.
Sir Cobb aligned the Christmas reflection with Pope Francis’ call for the Church to live the Jubilee Year 2025 as a journey of hope, noting that hope remains the virtue that sustains believers amid uncertainty. He urged member Orders to function as “living schools of Christian hope,” strengthening the weak and translating faith into concrete acts of charity and justice .
Highlighting the global character of the Alliance, Sir Cobb noted that IACK brings together Catholic knightly Orders from Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. He described this diversity as a sign of the universality of the Church and called for deeper spiritual unity rooted in love, communion with the Church hierarchy, and service to the poor and marginalized .
The IACK President further challenged Catholic Knights to be active witnesses of the Gospel beyond ceremonial and charitable roles, urging them to defend truth, promote justice, uphold human dignity, and act as instruments of peace in society. He reaffirmed the traditional description of Catholic Knights as “soldiers of the hierarchy,” working in obedience and collaboration with bishops and priests .
Sir Cobb also recalled the recent International Council Meeting of IACK held in Cape Town, South Africa, where members reflected on exhortations by Very Rev. Fr. Brendan Kilcoyn and Cardinal Stephen Brislin on the vocation and responsibilities of Catholic Knights .
Reflecting on the theological meaning of Christmas, the IACK President emphasized the Incarnation as God’s act of solidarity with humanity, urging Knights to embody faith, hope, and charity in their families, parishes, and communities. He called on members to become instruments of reconciliation in an increasingly polarized world .
Concluding his message, Sir Cobb encouraged members not to lose heart in the face of challenges, assuring them that the birth of Christ remains a sign of God’s abiding presence. He prayed for peace, unity, and renewed zeal among all kindred Orders as they enter the New Year .
The International Alliance of Catholic Knights is a global body comprising several Catholic knightly Orders committed to evangelization, service to the Church, and the promotion of Christian values worldwide.
