February 2026

Father Ernie Deslippe (1929 – 2011) served as Council chaplain for over 46 years. He was born in Harrow Ontario on March 20, 1929 and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John C. Cody on May 27, 1961 at St. Peter’s Basilica, London Ontario. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Harrow. Through his 50 years of ordained ministry, he served as associate pastor, Holy Angels’ Parish, St. Thomas; and Administrator, St. Joseph Mission, Port Stanley. He was an inspiring priest, a leader with fortitude. Throughout his life he was a comforting power for disadvantaged people helping them to find a clear path to follow. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus who stressed that prayer is a vital tool. It helps to become confident, to see things in proper perspective, to give us vision, courage, strength and endurance, and to erode our impure motives.

He said holiness is not something we do for ourselves and instead something that God does in us. He invited us to open our hands to allow what we have to be shared, to flow out of us and we watch it multiplied. He understood that giving, not getting, is the generosity begets generosity. He pointed out that paying attention is one of the greatest compliments we can pay to another human being. Father Deslippe exemplified the mission of the Church to guide its followers to a fulfilling life. He was a great spiritual leader dedicated to prayer and always striving for virtue. Fr. Ernie was a strong advocate of learning and so Council awards a $1000 scholarship in his name each year to a student that demonstrates the values and principles of the Gospel and is pursuing post-secondary education.

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a fraternal benefit society that was established in 1882 thanks to the efforts of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The K of C has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and approaching 2 million members world-wide. The Order holds true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.