Blessed Michael J. McGivney was a young Irish-American priest who lived in the mid to late 1800s. On fire for his faith and gifted with practical wisdom, he understood that holiness was not found in withdrawing from the world but in walking closely with the people he served.
In 1878, Father McGivney began his ministry at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His heart was especially drawn to the welfare of the city’s largely Irish-American and immigrant Catholic population, who faced prejudice, poverty, and dangerous working conditions. Many Irish immigrants labored in the mines, railroads, and factories, where accidents, illness, and overwork often claimed lives prematurely, leaving widows and children destitute in a time with no social safety nets.
Seeing this urgent need, Father McGivney envisioned a Catholic fraternal benefit society that would strengthen men in their faith, form them as good Catholics and responsible citizens, and provide financial support to families who had lost their breadwinner. From this vision, the Knights of Columbus was born.
He called men to be practical Catholics—devoted to home, family, and Church; caring for the sick and abandoned; meeting the temporal needs of the vulnerable; strengthening the faith of fellow Catholics; sharing the Gospel with seekers; and living a life of prayer, virtue, and love of God and neighbor.
Father McGivney built the Knights on four enduring principles—Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism—pillars that continue to guide the order today. More than 130 years after his death, his mission remains alive, touching millions of lives and bringing hope and healing to countless others. Today, the Knights of Columbus number over 2 million members in more than 16,000 councils across a dozen countries.
In late 1889, during a pandemic, Father McGivney fell ill with tuberculosis and pneumonia. Despite seeking treatment, his health declined, and he was eventually confined to bed. Even then, his prayers and concern for his parish never ceased. In August 1890, just two days after his 38th birthday, he passed away, having received the Last Rites.
On October 31, 2020, Blessed Michael J. McGivney was beatified at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut—recognized by the Church as a model of priestly zeal, pastoral charity, and unwavering faith.
Prayer:
Blessed Michael J. McGivney, faithful priest and servant of God, you cared for the poor, the sick, and the abandoned and brought hope to struggling families. Through your intercession, help us live our faith with courage and charity, defend the dignity of every person, and serve God in our neighbor. Pray for us, that we may follow your example of love for home, family, and Church, and one day share eternal life with you in heaven. Amen.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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