top of page

Our Founder | Father McGivney's Birthday

Sat, Aug 12

|

St. Thomas More Church

Michael J. McGivney, also known as Father Michael McGivney, was an American Catholic priest and the founder of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal service organization for Catholic men. He was born on August 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA.

Our Founder | Father McGivney's Birthday
Our Founder | Father McGivney's Birthday

Time & Location

Aug 12, 2023, 12:00 AM – 11:50 PM

St. Thomas More Church, 8035 S Quebec St, Englewood, CO 80112, USA

About the event

Michael Joseph McGivney Born August 12, 1852 Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.

Died August 14, 1890 (aged 38) Thomaston, Connecticut, U.S.

Venerated in Catholic Church 

Beatified 31 October 2020, Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Hartford, Connecticut, United States by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin (on behalf of Pope Francis)

Major Shrine Church of Saint Mary, New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Feast 13 August

Michael J. McGivney, also known as Father Michael McGivney, was an American Catholic priest and the founder of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal service organization for Catholic men. He was born on August 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA, and passed away on August 14, 1890.

Father McGivney was known for his dedication to serving the needs of the Catholic community, particularly the working-class immigrant families in New Haven, Connecticut. During his time as a parish priest at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, he witnessed the hardships faced by many families due to the untimely death of the breadwinner, leaving the surviving family members in dire financial circumstances.

To address these challenges, Father McGivney conceived the idea of establishing a fraternal organization that would provide mutual aid and support to Catholic families in times of need. On March 29, 1882, he founded the Knights of Columbus, which took its name in honor of Christopher Columbus, the Catholic explorer.

The Knights of Columbus grew rapidly, expanding its membership and influence across the United States and eventually internationally. The organization's principles are based on four core values: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Knights of Columbus has since become one of the largest and most influential Catholic fraternal organizations in the world, offering insurance and financial protection to its members and their families, along with various charitable initiatives and community service projects.

In recognition of Father McGivney's contributions, the Catholic Church declared him "Venerable" on March 15, 2008, which is the first step towards sainthood in the Catholic Church. On October 31, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney, clearing the way for his beatification. The beatification ceremony took place on October 31, 2020, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut.

Share this event

bottom of page