Today, we remember the life of Fr. David M. Knight, a faithful Jesuit priest, prolific writer, and cherished member of The Haitian Project community.

*Fr. David Knight at a THP community retreat in 2019.*

Fr. David M. Knight passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the age of 90 in Guatemala, where he had traveled in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his priestly ministry, Fr. Knight was best known as an author and retreat director. He held a doctorate in theology from Catholic University in Washington, DC and traveled all over the world performing his ministries, including the work of his non-profit ministry, Immersed in Christ.

Fr. Knight’s writing and teaching is ingrained in the fiber of The Haitian Project community. His first book, His Way: An Everyday Plan for Following Jesus, became a part of the Louverture Cleary School (LCS) community in a spontaneous way. It first served as an important part of the conversion experience for THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan and his wife, Christina. Deacon Moynihan recalls:

Thanks to Christina taking the book "His Way" from the table of books being given away as the Diocese of Memphis moved offices, Fr. David Knight sent me on a spiritual journey that continues to this day to increase my faith—and, hopefully my charity. His contribution to our community was integral to its formation.

His Way responds to Vatican II’s call to the laity to be witnesses of the faith and to transform society. Building upon LCS’s call for Louverturians to rebuild their nation from within, the book became the foundation for LCS’s Philo (US 12th grade +1) Religion class, which Deacon Moynihan taught for over two decades. The text has also formed the US Missionary community year after year as they work to teach and live out THP’s charism and has been called upon in many other groups within the THP community.

In addition to his written works bringing members from all parts of the THP community closer to Christ, Fr. Knight was present to THP throughout the years to teach and lead in person. In October 2000, Fr. Knight visited LCS and spent two days teaching, speaking, and participating in the community life steeped in a culture of service that his writing helped form. In the summer of 2019, THP welcomed Fr. Knight to its headquarters in Rhode Island for a community retreat, building upon the foundation of His Way and relating it to the work of carrying out THP’s mission on the US side of the community. Of Fr. Knight’s life and impact, Christina Moynihan reflects:

I feel like Fr. Knight's entire life focused on teaching us how we could live simply, and that Christ's example was doable. His easygoing nature was welcoming and inviting which helped our students really absorb and enjoy "His Way". Fr. Knight's charismatic style and authentic "way" opened many people's hearts to the Holy Spirit. He was a terrific gardener who planted the seeds for the Holy Spirit. I am grateful to have been considered his friend.

We are grateful to have had Fr. Knight as such an important member of our community. Fr. Knight’s body rests in peace in Guatemala. Immersed in Christ and his community in Memphis, TN are marking his passing with a celebration of his life. His humor, wisdom, and faithful example of how to live a truly Christian life will not be forgotten, and we pray for the repose of his soul.

As we remember Fr. Knight, we remember the humility and intention with which he reminds us to constantly pray, like the WIT prayer he wrote, prayed, and shared:

Jesus, I give you my body. Live this day with me. Live this day in me. Live this day through me. Let me think with your thoughts, speak with your words, and act as your body on earth.

http://immersed-in-christ.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-stay-aware-wit-prayer.html

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