Blessed Michael J. McGivney-13th August

Blessed Michael McGivney (1852–1890) was an American Catholic priest best known as the founder of the Knights of Columbus—one of the largest Catholic fraternal service organizations in the world.

Here’s a brief overview:

Early Life: Born August 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Irish immigrant parents.
Priesthood: Ordained in 1877 for the Archdiocese of Hartford. He served as assistant pastor at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, where he became known for his deep pastoral care, especially for widows, orphans, and struggling immigrant families.
Founding the Knights of Columbus: In 1882, he established the Knights to provide spiritual support, mutual aid, and financial assistance to Catholic families, particularly in times of death or hardship.
Death: He died young, at 38 years old, on August 14, 1890, likely from pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Beatification: Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to his intercession in 2020, leading to his beatification on October 31, 2020. He is now referred to as Blessed Michael McGivney and is on the path toward sainthood.

Patronage:

Parish priests
The Knights of Columbus
Families facing hardship

Blessed Michael McGivney – 13^th August

“He sowed seeds of faith in every heart he met.”

“His gentle heart saw the struggles of immigrants and answered with love.”

“In unity, Father McGivney built a Church of brothers serving God.”

“He put God first, he put others ahead of himself, and he never stopped doing so.”

Blessed Michael J. McGivney

The founder of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael J. McGivney was a central figure in the growth of Catholicism in America, and he remains a model today. His example of charity, evangelization and empowerment of the laity continues to bear fruit and guide Knights of Columbus around the world.

In his Apostolic Letter that was read at the Mass for Beatification on Oct. 31, 2020, Pope Francis stated that Blessed Michael McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.” The Holy Father set his annual feast day for Aug. 13, the day between Father McGivney’s birthday (in 1852) and the day he entered eternal life (in 1890).

The beatification ceremony in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn., was a high point in a long process that began with the opening of the Cause for Canonization in December 1997. Shortly after Father McGivney was named a Venerable Servant of God in March 2008, Pope Benedict XVI cited him as a key figure in “the impressive growth” of the Church in the United States, stating, “We need but think of the remarkable accomplishment of that exemplary American priest, the Venerable Michael McGivney, whose vision and zeal led to the establishment of the Knights of Columbus.” Through the spiritual genius of Father McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has become a way for Catholic men to transform friends into brothers — brothers who care for one another.

Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbour. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up 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 Blessed Michael 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.

Prayer to Father Michael J. McGivney

O great and glorious God,
you imbued your holy priest,
Father Michael J. McGivney,
with deep priestly virtue and especially
with pastoral concern for the poor,
the orphan, the widow,
for the Christian education of youth,
for the protection of the faith
of the working man of his day.

Now that his priestly ministry continues
to spread to countless millions
throughout the world through the efforts
and influence of the Order
of the Knights of Columbus,
which Father McGivney founded,
we beseech you,
Heavenly Father,
to raise your faithful servant, Michael,
to the honours of the altar.
We ask this favour
through our Lord Jesus Christ
and His holy mother,
Mary and our Mother.

Amen.