Father Michael McGivney

Father Michael McGivney

Father Michael McGivney was born on August 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Connecticut (USA), to Irish immigrant parents, Patrick and Mary McGivney. He was the eldest of thirteen children, of whom only seven survived childhood. Growing up in poverty, he learned early the values of family unity and faith.

At the age of thirteen, Michael left school to work in a metal factory and help support his family. At sixteen, he moved to Quebec, Canada, to attend the seminary of Saint-Hyacinthe and prepare for priesthood. In 1877, he was ordained a priest.

As a curate at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, he ministered to prisoners, young people, and families in distress, teaching catechism and promoting temperance. His compassion and dedication made him beloved by his parishioners.

In 1881, Father McGivney founded the Sons of Columbus, later known as the Knights of Columbus, an organization aimed at supporting Christian charity and providing financial aid to families in need. The association quickly grew, spreading values of unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism.

In 1884 he became pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, where he continued his mission among the poor with tireless zeal. He died on August 14, 1890, at only 38 years old, from pneumonia, and was buried at St. Mary’s in New Haven, today a site of pilgrimage.

In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable. The canonization process is ongoing. The Knights of Columbus now count over 1.7 million members active in charitable works worldwide.

Iconography:
depicted as a priest, in simple attire, holding a book

Feast Day:
(no universal liturgical feast established)

Patron:
of the lay association Knights of Columbus