The Legacy of Venerable Michael J. McGivney

From the moment he launched the Knights of Columbus, the organization fortified Catholics in their faith, offered them ways to greater financial security in a sometimes hostile world, and strengthened their confidence.

Remarkably developed from its simple beginnings in a church basement, the Knights of Columbus today combines Catholic fraternalism and one of the most successful American insurance enterprises. The four towers of the international headquarters symbolize the Order’s worldwide commitment to charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. More than 13,000 fraternal councils are active in 13 countries.

More than 1.8 million Knights contribute about $155 million and  70 million hours of volunteer service to charitable causes each year.

At St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Fr. McGivney’s polished granite sarcophagus, sheltered inside a totally restored church, now has become a shrine for pilgrim Knights where the Order began.

Founding the Knights of Columbus was an expression of Fr. McGivney’s vocation as an alter Christus, another Christ. He wanted to help Catholic men draw closer to Jesus and Mary. His fraternal order was to be an instrument for spiritual growth in Christian faith and charity. And so it remains.