Sverre Vinje has been a parishioner of St. Bernadette Church for many years.
He faithfully attends the 9:30am Mass every Sunday and is always smiling, singing, and sharing a joke or works of encouragement. He is a wonderful family man and devout Catholic.
Sverre is 100 years old and on October 5th, 2024, he became a Knight of Columbus in a ceremony following Holy Mass at St. Bernadette.
The words 'Vivat Jesus!" are much more than a slogan for the Knights of Columbus. In these words, "Jesus lives!" we express our love for God, His Church, and our neighbor. This is something Sverre has been doing for 100 years. The Knights of Columbus also uphold four key principles as pillars of the order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. As Sverre has lived these words for a century he now plans to live and share them as a full member of the Knights of Columbus proving that you are never to old to love and serve.
Sverre grew up during the depression and was a member of the U.S. Navy who carried out many duties aboard the USS Donaldson from 1942 to the end of the war in 1945. The ship Sverre served on was sent off into the Pacific Ocean to protect convoys and other ships from Japanese submarines and fighter aircraft. The Donaldson performed escort and anti-submarine operations in dangerous battle areas and was awarded seven battle stars, a very high number for a ship of her type. In November 1944, Sverre was on board the Donaldson as the ship was almost lost in Typhoon Cobra. Three other ships nearby sank with the loss of 790 lives.
After the war Sverre met Delores Martin in 1953, they married December 21, 1955, and raise a wonderful family. Mr. and Mrs. Vinje both worked for Boylan Catholic high school in Rockford. We are blessed to have a new 100 year old Knight of Columbus.
Sverre grew up during the depression and was a member of the U.S. Navy who carried out many duties aboard the USS Donaldson from 1942 to the end of the war in 1945. The ship Sverre served on was sent off into the Pacific Ocean to protect convoys and other ships from Japanese submarines and fighter aircraft. The Donaldson performed escort and anti-submarine operations in dangerous battle areas and was awarded seven battle stars, a very high number for a ship of her type. In November 1944, Sverre was on board the Donaldson as the ship was almost lost in Typhoon Cobra. Three other ships nearby sank with the loss of 790 lives.
After the war Sverre met Delores Martin in 1953, they married December 21, 1955, and raise a wonderful family. Mr. and Mrs. Vinje both worked for Boylan Catholic high school in Rockford. We are blessed to have a new 100 year old Knight of Columbus.
