Michael Joseph McGivney

The major work of Father Michael J. McGivney is the foundation of the Order of the Knights of Columbus, which he established on March 29, 1882, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven.

At that time, Catholic immigrant families in the United States faced immense economic and social difficulties. In the absence of social protection, the death or disability of the breadwinner (often the sole source of income) instantly plunged widows and orphans into absolute poverty, sometimes leading to the separation of families by public authorities. Furthermore, many Catholic men were tempted to join secret mutual aid societies prohibited by the Church in order to obtain financial security.

To address this crisis, Father McGivney conceived a fraternal association for mutual aid and insurance managed by Catholic laymen. The fundamental objectives of the Order are: 1. Charity: To assist widows, orphans, and sick or needy members. 2. Unity: To bring Catholic men together to strengthen their faith and their attachment to the Church. 3. Fraternity: To develop a spirit of solidarity and mutual aid. (The principle of Patriotism would be added in 1900).

The Order chose the figure of Christopher Columbus as its patron to affirm the legitimacy and historical roots of Catholics on American soil, while defending their civil liberties in the face of prevailing hostility. Under the leadership of Father McGivney, who served as its first Supreme Chaplain, the organization grew rapidly. It is today the largest Catholic fraternal service organization in the world, counting more than two million members engaged in countless charitable works, evangelization, and the defense of life.

The reputation for holiness of Father McGivney, considered an exemplary pastor and a "Good Samaritan," led to the opening of his cause for beatification and canonization in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1996, under the direction of Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin.

On September 15, 1997, the Roman Curia granted the nihil obstat, conferring upon him the title of Servant of God. The diocesan inquiry concluded on March 6, 2000, and was validated by Rome on April 14 of the same year. The Positio on his heroic virtues was submitted in 2003.

On March 15, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, officially declaring him Venerable. The promotion of his cause is actively supported by the Father Michael J. McGivney Guild.

On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved the promulgation of the decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Michael McGivney, thus paving the way for his beatification.

This miracle concerns the unexplained healing in utero of an unborn child, Michael McGivney Schachle (son of Daniel and Michelle Schachle, residing in Tennessee), which occurred in 2015. While the mother was expecting her thirteenth child, medical examinations revealed that the fetus was suffering from Down syndrome and an extremely severe form of hydrops fetalis, a fatal accumulation of fluid in the organs. Doctors gave him no chance of survival and suggested abortion. Refusing this option, the parents, devout Catholics, requested the intercession of Father McGivney and made a pilgrimage to Fatima. Upon their return, a new ultrasound revealed the total and scientifically inexplicable disappearance of the hydrops. The child was born viable and in good health (apart from Down syndrome).

The beatification ceremony was celebrated on October 31, 2020, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Joseph William Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, personal representative of Pope Francis. His liturgical memorial is set for August 13, a day situated between his date of birth (August 12) and his date of death (August 14).

Father McGivney's spirituality is that of a priest entirely given to his flock, characterized by deep pastoral charity, sincere humility, and remarkable evangelical zeal. Pope Francis described him as an "outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance."

He was a precursor to the theology of the laity, convinced that the lay faithful have a leading role to play in the mission of the Church and the transformation of society through charity in action. His legacy continues through the Knights of Columbus, who distribute millions of dollars each year and dedicate millions of volunteer hours to charitable causes (support for parishes, disaster relief, pro-life initiatives such as the donation of ultrasound machines, and support for people with disabilities through the Special Olympics).

His mortal remains, initially buried in Waterbury, were transferred in 1982 to St. Mary's Church in New Haven, the site of the founding of the Knights of Columbus, where they are venerated today by many pilgrims.