Father Michael J. McGivney (1852–1890) was a Catholic priest from the United States and the founder of the Knights of Columbus, one of the largest and most influential Catholic fraternal organizations in the world.

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Early Life

Father McGivney was born on August 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Irish immigrant parents. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, he felt the call to priesthood early on. He entered the seminary and studied at several institutions, including St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Ordination and Ministry

McGivney was ordained a priest on December 22, 1877, for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut. He was assigned to St. Mary's Church in New Haven, where he ministered to a large population of Catholic immigrants, mostly Irish. The 19th century was a difficult time for Catholic immigrants in the U.S., who faced poverty, discrimination, and anti-Catholic sentiments.

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Founding of the Knights of Columbus

In response to the challenges faced by his parishioners, McGivney envisioned an organization that would provide financial support to Catholic families, particularly widows and orphans, and promote the values of charity, unity, and fraternity. In 1882, McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with a small group of men at St. Mary's Church.

The Knights of Columbus was created as a mutual benefit society to provide life insurance for its members and to protect Catholic families. It grew rapidly, both in membership and influence, providing a community for Catholics to support one another spiritually and materially.

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Legacy

Father McGivney died on August 14, 1890, at the age of 38, after contracting pneumonia while ministering to the sick during an epidemic. Despite his early death, his legacy lived on through the continued expansion of the Knights of Columbus, which became a global organization with millions of members.

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Beatification

On October 31, 2020, Father McGivney was beatified by the Catholic Church, bringing him one step closer to sainthood. The beatification process recognized a miracle attributed to his intercession: the healing of an unborn child diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.

Father McGivney's vision of Catholic laymen working together to provide charity and support for their communities remains a guiding principle of the Knights of Columbus, which continues to be an important part of Catholic life in the modern world.