The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary held its 78th Annual Gulf Coast District Conference May 1-3 in Birmingham. This year’s theme was “Claverism and the Holy Spirit, the force that moves you.” It served as a reminderthat the group’s mission is rooted in faith and guided by divine inspiration. Claverism calls members to serve with humility, justice, and compassion, mirroring the courage and conviction of St Peter Claver. During the conference, members throughout Colombia, South America and a six-state area, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, were recognized with various awards. Brent Patterson of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama received the Gulf Coast District 2026 Robert Curtis Audrey Claver Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to his council, parish, and community.