In memory of Kendrick Castillo
More and more mankind put on guard,
This restless evil can’t be stilled,
Attacking, twisted minds, vision blurred,
Seeking to harm, their own joy killed.
And you showed up ready to give,
You charged the gunman, you changed the course,
And paid the price so others live:
Been raised as knight by King Christ of hearts.
So it is we call you brother,
The life you lived our example.
Death devil provokes the shooter,
It’s young men who’ll run the scramble.
While old men stroke their long white beards;
Nods of approval, admiration;
And ladies share kisses and tears;
You’ve won the day and our affection.
True, all are called to be heroes;
Yes: men and women of virtue;
Progressed in learning and theories.
Gift of grace may the Ghost guide you!
Yet too many, caught-up, feelings:
Weak and sickly, walled-in, can not speak;
Shunning those who’d help, and healings;
Feasts of inward hate; to harm they seek.
Mark the day, we will not crater,
We’ll love the loathing, bent over, pained,
Lift them, show them something greater
Than killing and leaving others maimed.
And so we gather in your honor,
Applaud your valor, we’re united,
Romans 12:21 our banner;
Our ovation: KC Knighted!
-Gary Edward Geraci
On August 6, 2019 the Knights of Columbus “bestowed [Kendrick] Castillo posthumously with the Knights’ highest award - the Caritas Award - and encouraged Knights to stand and vote to grant Castillo full membership in the Knights of Columbus, which they did with a standing ovation.” National Catholic Register - August 18, 2019