The Priest that Founded the Knights of Columbus

Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by growing fraternal benefit societies, anti-Catholic prejudice and dangerous factory working conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney, the 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT, gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies antithetical to Church teaching, uniting Catholic men and helping families of deceased members.

To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus — recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America as their patron. The Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and assumed corporate status on March 29.

The organization grew in the United States with chapters in many Catholic parishes. After 1900 there was rapid expansion, as the Knights of Columbus spread to international locations. The mission of the Knights eventually evolved to include an insurance arm developed to provide a safety net for Knights and their families. But the original mission of charity, remains as one of the key fundamentals of the Knights of Columbus. Unfortunately, poor health caused Father McGivney’s death at a very young age. But the organization he founded remains a vibrant and  active part of Catholic communities across this nation and the world.

Canonization of Father McGivney

In 1997 the cause for canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney was started in the Roman Catholic Church.  The process to sainthood is long and arduous and while it continues Catholics add the title “Blessed” before his name.  Knights continue to pray for Blessed Michael  J. McGivney and if it is God’s will that he becomes their patron Saint.