The spirit of faith, fraternity, and service was on full display as members of the Knights of Peter Claver from across the nation gathered in Houston, Texas, for the 110th Annual Senior National Convention, held July 27-29, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Houston. The convention brought together national officers, district leaders, delegates, and members to conduct the business of the Order, while celebrating the enduring mission of the nation’s largest historically Black Catholic lay organization.
The three-day convention was presided over by Dr. Christopher Pichon, Supreme Knight and Chief Executive Officer, and featured a full schedule of business sessions, committee reports, leadership discussions, elections, fellowship, and prayer. Members gathered with a shared commitment to strengthening the Order and advancing its mission of faith, charity, justice, and brotherhood.
The convention officially opened with Joint Session I, where delegates were welcomed by national and district leadership, including Hilda Wiltz, Supreme Lady, Dr. Christopher Pichon, and the Texas State Deputies. The opening session also featured annual reports, presentations from invited guests, and remarks from national leadership regarding the continued growth and direction of the Order.
Throughout the convention, delegates participated in a series of plenary sessions dedicated to governance and strategic planning. Reports were received from the Credentials Committee, Nominations and Elections Committee, National Treasurer, Director General, and numerous standing and joint committees. Discussion topics addressed membership growth, leadership development, scholarship initiatives, social justice efforts, technology, health awareness, strategic planning, economic development, military outreach, and youth engagement.
An important focus of the convention was the work of the many joint committees of the Order. Committees such as Charity, Human Development, Social Justice, Scholarship, Emerging Leaders, Strategic Planning, Technology, International Cultural Awareness, and Life, Justice and Peace presented recommendations designed to strengthen the impact of the Knights of Peter Claver in Catholic parishes and communities throughout the country.
Among the highlights was a special presentation by the Black Catholic Flourishing Initiative, which provided attendees with opportunities to reflect on the future of Black Catholic leadership and ministry. The convention also included recognition of awards, reports from past Supreme Knights, and discussions focused on expanding membership and preparing future generations of Claver leaders.
The convention further demonstrated the Order’s commitment to servant leadership through committee work focused on family expansion, outreach, mentoring, recapturing former members, and increasing awareness of social and health issues affecting communities nationwide. These discussions reflected the ongoing dedication of the Knights of Peter Claver to faith-based action and meaningful service.
Throughout the proceedings, prayer remained central to the convention experience. National Chaplain Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre provided spiritual leadership during the opening and closing prayers of the business sessions, helping delegates remain grounded in the values that have guided the Order for more than a century.
As the convention concluded on July 29, delegates departed Houston with renewed enthusiasm for the work ahead. The 110th Annual Senior National Convention served as a powerful reminder that the strength of the Knights of Peter Claver lies in its commitment to faith, fellowship, leadership, and service to both Church and community.
The New York Knights of Peter Claver extend congratulations and appreciation to the national leadership, convention organizers, committee members, and delegates whose dedication ensured a successful gathering. As we return to our respective councils and communities, we do so inspired to continue the work of building stronger Catholic families, stronger parishes, and stronger communities through Claverism.
In Christ and Claverism, we move forward together, committed to service, leadership, and the continued advancement of our Noble Order.