b'J. KEVIN BOLANDBISHOP EMERITUS,DIOCESE OF SAVANNAHDear Friends,The Pandemic, the presidential election, and the impeachment process are the ingre-dients of a year to remember, or perhaps a year to forget. These events impacted us in different ways. Young and old were struck down by Covid 19. Travel was restricted. Masking and distancing were the orders of the day. The economy was in free fall. On January 6, 2021, we showed our darker side to the world. In contrast, the Knights are recognized nationally for their spirit of patriotism and compassion. As such we are called to develop within our nation, a unifying sense of peace and justice.We are gathered on the Georgia coastline. The first English settlers arrived in 1733.Initially there was sickness, hunger and political strife. Malaria and fevers caused a high death rate among colonial Georgians. Of the 144 original settlers, one in three died within the first year.The new colony lay in an area known as debatable land between South Carolina and Florida. Debatable because it was claimed by both Great Britain and Spain.Protection against these perceived enemies entailed building protection.Three years after founding the Georgia Colony in 1733, General James Oglethorpe established Fort Fred-erica to defend the colony against Spanish attacks from Florida.Historically, these threats never evolved as a happening of major consequence, but Fort Frederica, not far from where we are today is a reminder of the former days of conflict.Spain established a number of missions along the Georgia coast. One of those missions was on St. Cather-ines Island, about fifty miles from here and readily accessible by boat.Spanish Franciscan priests left their footprint in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.Their presence, since the 1580s is well documented.Five of these missionaries were martyred while defending the Faith, specifically as it pertained to defending the sacredness of marriage. Their cause has been researched and authenticated by the Diocese of Savannah and submitted to the Vatican with the request for their possible Beatification.A monument to these five martyrs will be erected in September, 2021 on the grounds of Nativity of Our Lady in Darien, GA.This location is in proximity to the different areas where these Franciscan priests worked among the natives and ultimately gave their lives.Over the years, extensive excavations took place on St. Catherines Island. The location of the original church and other out buildings have been scientifically identified. A number of religious artifacts were un-earthed and are presently in the custody of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta.Please pray that the Georgia Martyrs will be beatified. It will be of great spiritual benefit to all the people of Georgia and the United States. Their martyrdom enriches our lives and the lives of our relatives and friends.There is a prayer card with your registration materials. Sincerely yours in Christ,+J. Kevin BolandBishop EmeritusDiocese of Savannah17'