The Eighth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” (Exodus 20:16)
Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! / Христос Воскрес! Воістину Воскрес!
Dear Brother Knights,
As May unfolds across Alberta, the ice gives way and the waters begin to move again. The
fisherman knows that when the water clears, what is beneath the surface becomes visible.
Nothing remains hidden for long. In a similar way, truth always comes to light.
The Eighth Commandment calls us to live in truth before God and one another. It is not only
about avoiding falsehood, but about forming a heart that protects truth, respects the dignity of
others, and speaks with integrity in every setting of life: family, parish, work, and fraternity.
At the center of this commandment is Christ Himself. He is Truth. Before His Passion, He stands
silent before false witnesses rather than defend Himself with distortion. After His Resurrection,
He greets His disciples with peace: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). In Him, truth is always
united with charity.
The Easter Mystery and Our Mission of Witness
During this Easter Season, the Church leads us deeper into the mission of Christian witness:
On the Feast of the Ascension (May 14th), Christ returns to the Father and entrusts His
mission to the Apostles: to be witnesses of truth to the world.
On Pentecost (May 24th), the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth—descends upon the
Church, giving courage to proclaim the Gospel without fear.
This is the beginning of the Church’s mission: not built on opinion, but on truth received, lived,
and proclaimed.
March for Life: A Witness Joined to the Ascension
This year, the March for Life in Alberta takes place on May 14th, the Feast of the Ascension.
I strongly encourage all Brother Knights, where possible, to participate in the March for Life in
Alberta or in their local communities. Those who attend are also encouraged to participate in the
Divine Liturgy / Mass of the Ascension at St. Joseph’s Basilica. This providential overlap
reminds us that our public witness for life flows from Christ who ascends to the Father after
entrusting His Church with the Gospel of life. Our witness is not political; it is evangelical. We
proclaim that every human life is sacred, from conception until natural death.
A simple reflection from our fishing life helps us understand this. Each spring, fishing is
restricted until the May long weekend to allow fish to spawn and life to continue. We accept this
pause with respect because we understand the value of life and the need to protect it.
If we respect life in creation with such care, how much more must we defend human life created
in the image of God. To remain silent when life is threatened is itself a form of false witness.
As Knights, we are called to be visible witnesses of life: in prayer, in action, and in courage.
The Mother of God: Guide of Truth
In the heart of the Church stands the Theotokos, the Mother of God. Proclaimed at the Council of
Ephesus, her title protects the truth of Christ: He is truly God and truly man.
To honor Mary is to point directly to Christ. Her words remain simple and clear:
“Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).
In both Eastern and Western tradition, May devotion to the Mother of God always leads us more
deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Resurrection, and Eucharist.
Living the Commandment in Daily Life
The Eighth Commandment touches everyday life in very practical ways:
False witness can appear in gossip, careless speech, exaggeration, or silence when truth should
be spoken. It can also appear when we fail to defend the dignity or reputation of another.
A Knight of Columbus is called to something higher:
to speak truth with charity
to avoid division and gossip
to defend life and dignity
to build unity in faith and fraternity
Gratitude and Brotherhood:
I sincerely thank all Brother Knights and Council representatives who participated in the recent
State Convention. It was a strong and joyful witness of faith, unity, and fraternity across Alberta.
Please pray for me, as I pray for you, my Brothers.
Together, in the same boat of faith, let us strive to be men of truth guided by the Holy Spirit,
strengthened by the Risen Christ, and accompanied by His Holy Mother.
Vivat Jesus!
Fr. Slavko Dumeč
State Chaplain,
Alberta-Northwest Territories
Knights of Columbus
