Knights of Columbus Philadelphia Chapter recently held its 125th annual Columbus Day Dinner Dance at Twining Hall in Trevose, presenting awards for Catholic Woman and Man of the Year.
The Catholic Woman of the Year at the Oct. 11 event was Charlene Angelini, director of music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Catholic Man of the Year was Lou Campione, a veteran police captain and bereavement officer and chaplain for Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.
In addition, the Knights planned to present their Past Presidents Award to Rich Konstance, a veteran and longtime Knight who was very active at St. Martha Parish. Konstance, who was the lead organizer for the dance and booklet, died on Oct. 8. His wife, Helen, accepted the award.
“He will be missed. He was loved,” said Ray McLaughlin, president of KOC Philadelphia.
“He is here. He will always be here,” Helen said of her husband.
The event featured dinner, a DJ, dancing, the explanation of a fallen soldier table, a 50-50 to raise money for Wreaths Across America, an appearance by Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and performances of the national anthem and God Bless America by the Archdiocesan and Cathedral Basilica choirs.
The Rev. Dennis Gill, rector at the Cathedral, offered the invocation.
Angelini began her musical career as a cantor at age 10 in her parish, St. Frances Cabrini, in Fairless Hills. She earned a music scholarship to Nazareth Academy High School (class of 1999), where she participated in musicals and played accompaniment for the choirs. She attended West Virginia University on a full music scholarship for piano performance, and graduated with an additional degree in voice. She taught music at Nazareth and Waldron Mercy Academy and was music director at Our Lady Help of Christians and Nativity BVM.
Angelini was named director of music by Gill and Archbishop Charles Chaput, becoming the first woman to hold that position. When Pope Francis visited Philadelphia in 2015, Angelini was the soprano cantor for Masses celebrated by Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and at the Cathedral.
Last month, she traveled to St. Louis, where she was the primary cantor for the beatification of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen.
Angelini was joined at the dinner by her family, including husband Steve Lukach and daughters Angelina and Siena, who both read letters of congratulations for their mom.
Campione joined the police department in 1977 as a patrolman in South Philadelphia’s 17th District, rising through the ranks as a corporal, sergeant and lieutenant, and getting promoted to captain in 2002. He commanded the 26th and 1st districts.
Campione has long been involved with FOP Lodge 5, currently serving as Chaplain, Bereavement Officer and Behavioral Health Program Coordinator.
As a bereavement officer and chaplain, he attends funeral services for current and former officers, presenting their families with a Bible and offering words of consolation. In his role as behavioral health program coordinator, he assists officers facing personal and professional challenges, providing support at any time of day.
He holds a certification in crisis intervention stress management, a bachelor of arts from Temple University and a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Among those in attendance to congratulate Campione were Roosevelt Poplar, FOP Lodge 5 president, and Capt. Jim Kimrey, former commander of the 2nd Police District.
Campione asked Deacon Steve Guckin, Parish Life Director at St. Martha, to offer a prayer for the family of 19th Police District Officer Shane Seiber, who was shot to death a day earlier in West Philadelphia. ••
