This is the narrative of a priest whom we ardently hope will soon be canonized, Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney. When he was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict in 2008, it was stated that he was “a key figure in the impressive growth” of the Church in the United States. Fr. McGivney was subsequently proclaimed Blessed by Pope Francis on October 31, 2020.
He was raised in an Irish immigrant family in New England, one of thirteen siblings. His seminary studies were interrupted as he assumed the responsibility of supporting his family following the death of his father. He is primarily recognized as the founder of the Knights of Columbus, an organization he established with his parishioners in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882. The original intent was to unite men in their Catholic faith and, undoubtedly inspired by the loss of his own father, to provide financial assistance to widows and orphans. The Knights of Columbus has since evolved into the largest Catholic fraternal organization worldwide.
Fr. McGivney emerged as a pivotal figure in the expansion of Catholicism in America, exemplifying a model of faith in action. His legacy of charity, evangelization, and empowerment of the laity continues to yield profound impacts across the globe. In his relatively brief life, spanning from 1852 to 1890, and never venturing beyond his home state of Connecticut, he accomplished remarkable feats and influenced countless individuals worldwide. At St. Therese, we are fortunate to have a robust and dynamic testament to the exemplary work for which the Knights of Columbus are renowned.
