The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Peter Claver, recognized as the largest Black Catholic lay organization in the United States, have established their first unit outside the continental U.S. The new group, Unit 419, was officially inaugurated on September 12, 2025, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu.

The formation of this unit marks a significant moment for both the organization and Hawaii’s Catholic community. According to the announcement, “Unit 419 of Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver reflects the diversity of the Catholic Church by including men and women, priests and deacons, married couples and lay leaders, young and older, representing American Catholics of African, Filipino, Chinese, Polynesian, and European heritage.” The statement continued: “Their diversity is more than symbolic—it reveals the global heart of Catholicism that call us to serve across and through integrating cultures.”

Shortly after their installation ceremony, members of Unit 419 participated in a food distribution event at St. Theresa parish food pantry. Working alongside parish volunteers from 7 to 9 a.m., they distributed over 200 senior food boxes containing rice, canned goods, and other non-perishable items to local elders from Kalihi.

Later that day, members from both Hawaii and mainland units attended Mass together at the Co-Cathedral. During this service, newly elected officers were blessed by the community. The gathering was described as “an inspiring sign of solidarity—linking Hawai‘i’s Catholics with the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver from across the nation.”

Founded in 1909 during an era when segregation excluded Black Catholics from other religious organizations in America, KPC has maintained its mission focused on compassionate service and justice for over a century. Their patron saint is Peter Claver—a Jesuit priest known for his ministry among enslaved people in South America.

For additional information about their activities or history visit www.kpc.org.