Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney
Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney
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Father Michael J. McGivney,
Founder of the Knights of Columbus
Beautified on October 31st, 2020
Father Michael J. McGivney,
Founder of the Knights of Columbus
Beautified on October 31st, 2020
On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney and opening the way for his beatification. On Oct. 31, the Mass for Beatification was celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn. An Apostolic Letter was read from Pope Francis that declared Father McGivney would now have the title of Blessed Michael McGivney. He is the third priest born in the United States to be raised to this honor, and the first priest to be beatified who spent his whole priestly ministry in a US parish.
The Pope’s Apostolic Letter stated that Blessed Michael McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.”
The Cause for Canonization for Father McGivney was opened in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1997, when he was given the title Servant of God. On March 15, 2008, his heroic virtue was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI, and Father McGivney was given the title Venerable Servant of God. This important step occurred after years of careful investigation of Father McGivney’s life, spirituality and holiness by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The declaration of Venerable confirmed what those who knew him in life, and others who call upon him since his death, have believed about Father McGivney: He lived a life of heroic virtue with an extraordinary love of God and neighbor.
Having been raised to the honors of the altar, Blessed Michael McGivney has an annual feast day of Aug. 13, the day between his birthday (in 1852) and the day he passed into eternal life (in 1890). His cause has now entered the final phase toward canonization or sainthood. One more confirmed miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney is needed for him to be declared saint.
All Knights and their families, as well as all those devoted to Father McGivney, are asked to pray for his intercession in their daily needs, especially in cases of serious illness, and to report any favors and healings to the Guild. You may submit your reports here.
Check out the documentary "Father Michael McGivney: An American Blessed"
Our Founder’s Mission
Our Founder’s Mission
Blessed Michael McGivney was inspired to create a band of Catholic gentlemen, devoted to the principles of charity and unity — helping those in need; growing in faith and virtue as Catholic husbands and fathers; and providing financial security to families.
I believe that the beatification of Father McGivney was a testament and affirmation of his spiritual vision. And we should each feel encouraged in realizing that vision to this day. For even if the challenges facing Catholic men have changed, the mission set forth by our Founder remains as relevant as ever.
Brother Knights, as many of our communities hope that better days are now before us, we should examine when and how we can return to normal council activities, with all due prudence and in accord with what is possible in our jurisdictions. We should also be inspired by those brave men who weathered a great deal of hardship — including a pandemic — in the first years of the Order, so that the world and our Church might be made better by faithful men standing together. Those early Knights were not rash in their actions, but they were courageous in laying down their lives by serving others, and building up their families, parishes and communities. Together, let us continue to reach out to our neighbors in need and to build up our own families, parishes and communities. In so doing, we will honor our holy Founder and ultimately give glory to God.
Blessed Michael McGivney, pray for us.
Vivat Jesus!
Fraternally,
Patrick E. Kelly
Supreme Knight
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