As noted on our home page I pointed out the knights were founded in 1882 by Father Michael J McGivney and the reason I created this page is because I wanted people to get to know the founder of the Knights of Columbus. I will highlight the major milestones of his life and If anybody would like to know more information regarding Father Michael J. McGivney there is a book called "Parish Priest". This book will be in bookstores January 10, 2006 and it can also be ordered on the Knights web site www.kofc.org . |
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Michael J. McGivney was born on August 12, 1852. He was the first of 13 children (six of whom died young) and his parents were Irish Immigrates. |
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Michael J. McGivney was baptized on August 19, 1852 at St Peter's church in Waterbury, Connecticut. |
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Michael left school at the age of 13 to go to work and support the family. |
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Between 1868 and 1871 at the age of 16 Michael J. McGivney undertakes studies for the pristhood at St. Hyacinthe seminary in Quebec. |
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Between 1871 and 1872 Michael J. McGivney continues his studies for the pristhood at the Lady of the Angels Seminary in Niagara Falls, NY. |
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Michael J. McGivney is ordained a deacon at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Baltimore, MD on December 23, 1876. |
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On December 25, 1877 Father Michael J. McGivney conducts his first solemn mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury, Connecticut. |
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On October 2, 1881 80 men meet for the first time in the basement of St Mary's to discuss the formation of a Catholic association of men that would meet their material and spiritual needs. |
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On February 6, 1882 The Knights of Columbus was formed. The constitution and bylaws were drafted. Father Michael J. McGivney suggested the organization should be called "Sons of Columbus", but the members at the time who were Irish born civil war veterans felt "Knights" would be better because it would be a noble ritual in support of the emerging cause of Catholic Civil Liberties. |
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On March 29, 1882 the Connecticut State Legislature grants a charter to the Knights and Father Michael J. McGivney servers as Supreme Secretary. |
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On June 16, 1882 the first Knights of Columbus convention was held. The members elect Father Michael J. McGivney to serve as Supreme Chaplain and to the board of directors. |
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On August 23, 1883 Father Michael J. McGivney publishes an explaination of the organization in a local Catholic newspaper promoting its virtues. |
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On October 7, 1883 Father Michael J. McGivney urges devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary, the Blessed Mother. |
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On October 19, 1883 Father Michael J. McGivney is part of a delegation to establish a Knights council in Middletown, Connecticut. |
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On October 26, 1884 Father Michael J. McGivney urges members to vote according to their conscience when it comes to public elections. |
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On November 1, 1884 Father Michael J. McGivney is appointed pastor at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, Connecticut and on November 26, 1886 he is appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Terryville, Connecticut. |
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It was on August 14, 1890 at the age of 38 Father Michael J. McGivney dies of Pneumonia. He is buried at St Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His body was moved there from St Joseph's cemetery in Waterbury, Connecticut. |
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On December 18, 1997 the process of canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney started. |
