By Esther McKenna
You might think a man of Jewish faith is an unlikely choice to receive recognition from the Vatican; but Pope John Paul II would disagree. By personal instruction of the Holy Father, Archbishop Renato Martino proclaimed village resident Gary Krupp as a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory on Saturday, August 19.
"Next to my marriage to Meredith -- 30 years ago next week -- and the birth of my two sons, Jarrett and Brett, this investiture is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my lifetime," said Mr. Krupp after accepting his honors.
Archbishop Martino, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, bestowed upon Mr. Krupp a citation and medal during a special Padre Pio celebration at the Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead. Mr. Krupp, a long-time village resident and one of the founders of the Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Day parade, was honored for his contributions to Padre Pio's dream, La Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital that serves the needy and poor in Italy.
The Holy See has awarded the distinction of knighthood since the early medieval period. Saint Gregory the Great founded the Knights of St. Gregory in 1831, giving this honor for conspicuous service to the Church and society, regardless of religious allegiance.
"Whatever contribution I have made to deserve such an honor, I believe it is insignificant when compared to the ongoing work of many other people who have devoted a lifetime of service to the Church," said Mr. Krupp.
This is the highest award given to a non-Catholic for outstanding help and support to Catholic institutions. Mr. Krupp is the eighth Jewish person to be so honored. Several layman, such as Bob Hope, Rupert Murdoch, Roy Disney and Ricardo Montalban have been honored as knights in the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory.
"The Pope gives this honor to people of unblemished character," said Archbishop Martino. "Including non-Catholics, who have promoted the interests of society, the Catholic Church and the Holy See."
"The Holy Father offers his deepest thanks for [Mr. Krupp's] constant support, generosity and love in helping to make Padre Pio's dream, La Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a reality."
Mr. Krupp was responsible for the purchase of modern and hi-tech diagnostic medical equipment at drastically reduced prices, as well as improving the infrastructure of the hospital. According to representatives of the Pope, Mr. Krupp saved the hospital millions of dollars and has made it possible for the "House for the Relief of Suffering" to be regarded as the number one hospital in all of Europe.
"I must tell you that as a Jewish man, any service to Pope Paul II could never repay this great Pontiff for what he has done for the Jewish people of the world. No one who has ever sat on the Throne of St. Peter has ever done more for the people of my faith. It is his driving force of reconciliation and inclusion of all religious denominations, which has inspired countless people to the service of the Holy See," said Mr. Krupp.
Father Pio was born in Pietrelcina, Italy, on May 25, 1887. He was admitted as a student in the Caphuchin Order in 1903 and received the priestly ordination seven years later. In 1916, he reached the Capuchin Community of San Giovanni Rotondo, a village on the hills of Gargano, where he remained, except for few and short absences, until his death on September 23, 1968.
Padre Pio dreamed of having a hospital built in the area surrounding the monastery at San Giovanni. It was to be a hospital to take care of the needs of the poor and suffering without cost to patients.
The building of the hospital began in the early 1940s and, except for an interruption in construction during World War II, continued until its opening on June 21, 1950. Since then, the hospital has grown from a few beds into one that houses more than 2,000 and is equipped with the most modern facilities and equipment in Europe.
"The Holy Father has stated that only one miracle is needed for the Canonization of Padre Pio," said Mr. Krupp in closing. "Every day of the week, hundreds of miracles occur at Padre Pio's hospital. Anytime you, or any of your friends, attends a Mass for Padre Pio, remember his ministry has been his hospital."
AT A GLANCE
Since the hospital functions on donations alone, you may wish to contribute. Please make checks payable to 'la Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza," and mail it to: Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Opera di Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, Viale Cappuccini, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy 2717.
