Founder of the Knights of Columbus:
The Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney
In mid-August 1890, one of the largest funerals in the history of Waterbury,
Conn., took place. The throngs who attended were grieving the death, at age 38,
of Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. The bishop of Hartford and more than 70 of Connecticut's Catholic priests were
joined by many civic leaders. It was reported that mourners rented every
available carriage within miles for the great procession.
Father McGivney's funeral was an indication of the love and respect the people
felt for this hard-working, holy, parish priest. It also reflected the deep
personal appeal that immigrant Catholics immediately found in the Knights of
Columbus. Delegations were present from almost every one of the 57 Knights of
Columbus councils that had been chartered in the Order's first eight years.
To mark their 100th anniversary in 1982, the Knights of Columbus brought the
remains of Father McGivney from Waterbury back to St. Mary's Church in New
Haven, where he founded the Order. There he now rests in a setting in which
daily Mass is offered for deceased Knights and prayers are said in his honor.
Prayer for the Canonization of the Venerable Father J. McGivney
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ. more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building upon his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. Our Father 2. Holy Mary 3. Glory be to the Father
Please report all favors received:
The Father McGivney Guild
One Columbus Plaza
New Haven, CT 06510-3326
United States of America
