Knights of Columbus Founder, Fr. Michael J. McGivney,
Is Beatified by Catholic Church
K of C Council #411 is proud to celebrate the beatification of its founder, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. The decree from Pope Francis means that Father McGivney is declared “Blessed,” just one step below sainthood. The beatification was held during an Oct. 31 Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn.
Born of Irish immigrant parents in 1852 in Waterbury, Conn., Father McGivney was a central figure in the dramatic growth of the Church in the U.S. Ordained in Baltimore in 1877, he ministered to a heavily Irish-American and immigrant community in the then-Diocese of Hartford. With a group of the leading Catholic men of New Haven, he founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 at St. Mary’s Church to provide spiritual support for Catholic men and financial resources for families that had suffered the loss of their breadwinner. The fledgling group soon became a major force in the areas of evangelization, charity, racial integration, and the defense of religious freedom.
Born of Irish immigrant parents in 1852 in Waterbury, Conn., Father McGivney was a central figure in the dramatic growth of the Church in the U.S. Ordained in Baltimore in 1877, he ministered to a heavily Irish-American and immigrant community in the then-Diocese of Hartford. With a group of the leading Catholic men of New Haven, he founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 at St. Mary’s Church to provide spiritual support for Catholic men and financial resources for families that had suffered the loss of their breadwinner. The fledgling group soon became a major force in the areas of evangelization, charity, racial integration, and the defense of religious freedom.
Father McGivney has inspired generations to roll up their sleeves and put their faith into action. Today, his spirit continues to shape the extraordinary charitable work of the Knights as we continue to serve those on the margins of society as Fr. McGivney served widows and orphans in the 1880s. Father McGivney also remains an important role model for parish priests around the world and left us a transformative legacy of effective cooperation between the laity and clergy. Ironically, Fr. McGivney died at the age of 38 after falling ill amid a pandemic.
This is truly a proud moment for all Knights and brings additional hope that one day we will see his canonization. Council #411continues to emulate his virtue and character and stay focused on the charitable work that he so inspired for generations.
This is truly a proud moment for all Knights and brings additional hope that one day we will see his canonization. Council #411continues to emulate his virtue and character and stay focused on the charitable work that he so inspired for generations.