Father Donio receives Knights’ highest award for work as chaplain

Pallottine Father Frank S. Donio, a former pastoral director of St. Jude Shrine in Baltimore, earned the 2025 International Blessed Michael McGivney Medal, the highest honor given annually to a Knights of Columbus chaplain.

The award, presented Aug. 4 at the 143rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Washington, is given to a chaplain whose “priestly zeal and exemplary service embody the legacy” of Blessed McGivney, the Knights’ founder. Donio was chosen from among nominees submitted by each state council 

Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly and Supreme Chaplain William E. Lori, archbishop of Baltimore, praised Father Donio’s lifelong commitment to the formation of Catholic men in the spirit of Blessed Michael McGivney. Father Donio, chaplain at The Catholic University of America in Washington, has served with the Knights as financial secretary, council chaplain, faithful friar and state chaplain.

In a media release, the Knights of Columbus praised Father Donio’s pastoral accompaniment of Knights at The Catholic University of America Council No. 9542. The Knights noted that he has shaped countless men in their faith, supported them in vocational discernment, and encouraged many on the path to priesthood. 

“His ministry of presence and pastoral care continues to bear fruit in the lives of Knights and their families throughout the District,” the media release said.

“Father Frank is an inspiration to our entire community,” said Nicholas S.C. Shields, state deputy for the Knights of Columbus in the District of Columbia. “His exemplary service highlights the crucial role chaplains play in supporting and enhancing the spiritual lives of our members. We are deeply grateful for his outstanding ministry.”

Father Donio has an extensive history of service to the Knights of Columbus and the church. While he was an undergraduate student at Catholic University, he helped found Knights of Columbus Council 9542 on campus. He has served as the chaplain for that same council for almost two decades.

Father Donio also serves as the state chaplain of D.C. and as friar of Assembly 2534. 

As Council 9542’s chaplain, he has been a spiritual father to many young adults discerning their vocations, offering advice and encouragement to guide them to God’s will for their lives and hosting a yearly discernment retreat for council members. Since he became chaplain, at least 20 men have become priests thanks to his influence and encouragement, including former members of Council 9542. 

In addition to his service to the Knights of Columbus, Father Donio is the executive director for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and holds leadership roles in the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) of which he is a member. He is the Founding Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and works with several secretariats of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, national and international Catholic organizations, religious communities and dioceses on evangelization. 

He also teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at Catholic University.  

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