San Salvador Council #283

Since 1897 the Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council #283 has been proudly serving the Catholic community of South Philadelphia.

In 1882 the Knights of Columbus were founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, by Father Michael J. McGivney and a group of parishioners. Their mission? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.

The San Salvador Council #283 works to continue this mission today.

Father McGivney is currently being considered for sainthood

Check out our latest updates below!

See how you can help support your local community and the work of the Knights of Columbus in Philadelphia

Upcoming events

Mother Cabrini National Migration Week Mass

Sunday, September 20, 2026
The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council 283 will be celebrating its 1st Annual Mother Cabrini National Migration Week Mass on the eve of National Migration Week 2026

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St. Nicholas of Tolentine Mass, Procession & Italian Festival

Sunday, October 4
The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council will take part in the annual St. Nicholas of Tolentine Mass, Procession & Italian Festival.

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Columbus Day Mass, Parade & Festival

Sunday, October 11, 2026
The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council 283 will be taking part again in the annual Columbus Day/Italian American Heritage Day Parade &Festival
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ARE INVITED TO WALK WITH US

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Food For Families Drive 2026

The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council #283 are running their Annual Food For Families Drive from 6/13/2026-6/28/2026.
All donations raised benefit Catholic-run South Philadelphia food pantries.

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Father McGivney Feast Day Vigil Mass (3rd Annual)

Join us August 15, 2026 for our 3rd Annual Father McGivney Feast Day Vigil Mass at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in South Philadelphia (lower shrine).
This mass will be celebrating the Feast Day of the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael J McGivney. We will be dedicating a new space in the lower shrine to Father McGivney, the history of the Knights of Columbus, and KofC San Salvador Council 283.

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Coats for Kids 2026

The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council #283, in conjunction with our partner schools and ministries in South Philadelphia, are raising money to purchase much needed winter coats and other cold weather gear for the children under the care of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in the Kensington area of Philadelphia.Description goes here

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2026 S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival

The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council would like to thank everyone to the 2026 Italian Market Festival and Procession of the Saints this May! It is without question one of our Council’s favorite days of the year.

This year the council welcomed brothers from around the Philadelphia region and even a few guests from Councils around the US. We carried our Mother Cabrini Statue, as well as the San Salvador statue housed at Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi church in the Italian Market. We also carried the banner of our order’s founder, Blessed Fr. Michael J McGivney, as well as that of Servant of God, Father Bill Atkinson OSA.

Thank you to all who made this year so great!

Special thanks also to our hosts in the 9th Street Italian Market, and to all of the volunteers from Saint Paul and Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi.

Vivat Jesus!

Flag Presentation to Council - Feast Day of St. Augustine Mass

On August 24, the Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council #283 were honored to be presented an American flag 🇺🇸 by our brother Knight, SSgt Nicholas Cammaroto, of the Catholic Military Apostolate of the United States. This flag was flown in combat while he was on deployment, and was received on behalf of the Council by Father David Cregan, O.S.A., Ph.D. of the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova

Our council would like to express our tremendous gratitude for this great honor, and to thank Brother Nick for his incredible service to our country. The flag will be housed at Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church.

How to Support the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic organization focused on supporting the local community and parishes through our faith as well as through volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and donations.