Blessed Michael McGivney

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Blessed Michael McGivney
Feast Day August 13
Profession Catholic priest
Rel. Affiliation Diocese of Bridgeport; Archdiocese of Hartford
Patronage Knights of Columbus; priests; fraternity; immigrants; orphans; sick
Attributes clerical attire; Knights of Columbus sword and anchor emblem
Birthplace Torrington, Connecticut, United States
Death Place Thomaston, Connecticut, United States
Cause of Death natural causes
Primary Shrine Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, New Haven, Connecticut
Liturgical Class Optional Memorial
Historic Class Not included

Blessed Michael McGivney (1852–1890) was an American Catholic priest who founded the Knights of Columbus, a global Catholic fraternal service organization dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.[1] Serving primarily in Connecticut within what is now the Diocese of Bridgeport and Archdiocese of Hartford, he ministered to Irish immigrants, laborers, and orphans during a time of economic hardship and anti-Catholic prejudice in the late 19th century.[2] Beatified by Pope Francis on October 31, 2020, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, his cause emphasizes heroic virtue in pastoral care and social action.[3]

According to historical records, McGivney's ministry focused on practical support for families devastated by industrial accidents and the Civil War, leading to the establishment of the Knights of Columbus in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven on March 29, 1882.[4] Hagiographic tradition and Church documents highlight his self-sacrifice, including delaying his own vacation to attend to parishioners, which contributed to his contraction of pneumonia.[5] His beatification miracle involved the healing of an infant, underscoring ongoing devotion.

As a figure in Catholic tradition, Blessed Michael McGivney is venerated especially by members of the Knights of Columbus and clergy, with his feast day observed on August 13 in certain diocesan calendars.[6] Evidence from diocesan records confirms his role in fostering Catholic community life amid challenges faced by immigrants.

Biography

Birth

Michael Joseph McGivney was born on July 12, 1852, in Torrington, Connecticut, to Irish immigrant parents Patrick and Mary McGivney.[7] He was the eldest of thirteen children in a family of modest means, with his father working as a molder in a brass mill.[8] According to baptismal records from St. Peter's Church in Torrington, he received the sacrament of baptism shortly after birth.

The McGivney family faced typical hardships of 19th-century Irish Catholic immigrants, including poverty and discrimination, which shaped young Michael's early experiences.[9] Historical accounts note that Torrington's brass industry provided employment but also dangers, foreshadowing McGivney's later ministry to laborers.

Early Life

McGivney attended local grammar schools in Torrington before the family moved to nearby Waterbury around 1863, where he continued education under the Brothers of the Christian Schools.[10] In 1868, he enrolled at Hillhouse High School in New Haven, demonstrating academic promise despite working to support the family after his father's death in 1872.

Probabilistic inferences from family letters suggest McGivney considered priesthood early, influenced by local clergy.[11] He briefly entered St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore in 1871 but returned home due to financial needs following his father's passing.

Resuming studies at the diocesan Seminary of St. Joseph in Hartford, McGivney was ordained a priest on December 22, 1877, by Bishop Francis V. McFarland.[12] This period reflects his determination amid personal loss.

Occupation

Following ordination, McGivney's first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in Indian Orchard, part of Chicopee, Massachusetts, under the Diocese of Springfield from 1877 to 1878.[13] He then transferred to St. Mary's Church in New Haven, serving as assistant pastor from 1878 to 1884.

During this time, McGivney addressed social needs, organizing aid for widows and orphans of deceased breadwinners in New Haven's immigrant community.[14] His efforts included promoting temperance and Catholic education, responding to nativist sentiments.

In 1884, he became pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Thomaston, where he renovated the parish and expanded ministries until his death.[15] Church records confirm his dedication to sacramental life and community building.

Vocation

McGivney's vocation centered on priestly service to working-class Catholics, culminating in founding the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882, in the basement of St. Mary's Church, New Haven.[16] According to founding documents, the organization provided life insurance and mutual aid, growing rapidly under his vision.

Hagiographic accounts portray him visiting prisons and hospitals, offering Mass, confession, and counsel.[17] He also supported his widowed mother and siblings, including his brother James, who became a priest.

Diocesan investigations affirm his heroic prudence and charity, as recognized in his 2008 declaration as Venerable.[18] His legacy endures through the Knights' global mission.

Death

In early 1890, McGivney contracted pneumonia while ministering during a tuberculosis outbreak in Thomaston, exacerbated by his refusal to rest.[19] According to parish records, he received last rites and died peacefully on August 14, 1890, at age 38 in the St. Thomas rectory.

Blessed Michael McGivney met his end from natural causes after a brief illness, surrounded by family and parishioners.[20] His funeral Mass at St. Thomas drew large crowds, reflecting his impact.

He was initially buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Thomaston; his remains were later exhumed and reinterred at St. Mary's Church, New Haven, in 2019 for veneration.[21] This cannot be confirmed as martyrdom but as self-sacrifice in tradition.

Significant events

  • Founded the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882, in New Haven, Connecticut.[22]
  • Declared Servant of God in 1997 by the Diocese of Bridgeport.
  • Recognized for heroic virtues and declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on March 16, 2008.[23]
  • Beatified by Pope Francis on October 31, 2020, following miracle approval.

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Torrington, Connecticut, United States
  • Death location icon Death location: Thomaston, Connecticut, United States
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location: Assistant pastor and site where Knights of Columbus was founded (5 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States)
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location: Pastor from 1884 to 1890 (99 Waterbury Road, Thomaston, Connecticut 06787, United States)
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location: First pastoral assignment as assistant pastor (390 Parker Street, Chicopee, Massachusetts 01013, United States)
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location: Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (One Columbus Plaza, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States)
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

Life tour: Footprints — walkable life places and pilgrimage stops

Dynamic content

Parishes

No parishes dedicated to Blessed Michael McGivney have been added to the database yet.


Media

Media Length AuthorCreator
August 13 Blessed Michael Mcgivney Under 5 minutes Breski1
Powerful Prayer for Canonization of Bl. Michael Mcgivney Under 5 minutes Joy of Heaven
2022-2023 Blessed Michael McGivney Medal Winner: Father John Grace, Osa Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
2024 Blessed Michael McGivney Medal Winner: Fr. Chad Wilhelm Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
A Father's Heart: The Story of Blessed Michael McGivney 5–15 minutes Knights of Columbus
A Novena to Blessed Michael McGivney Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
A Witness for the World: The Global Impact of Blessed Michael McGivney Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael McGivney Award – Father Frank Donio, Chaplain to Catholic University Knights 5–15 minutes Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael McGivney Exhibit at the Sheen Center Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael McGivney Intercedes in Miraculous Healing 5–15 minutes Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael McGivney Relic Tours Texas Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael McGivney Statue Unveiled at National Shrine Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Bringing the Witness of Blessed Michael McGivney to France Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
How Does Blessed Michael McGivney Inspire You? Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
K of C Chaplain Receives Inaugural Blessed Michael McGivney Medal Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Parish Installs and Dedicates Statue of Blessed Michael McGivney Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Polish Knight Chaplains Pilgrimage in Footsteps of Blessed Michael McGivney Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Portrait of Blessed Michael McGivney Installed at National Shrine in Mexico Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
Relic of Blessed Michael McGivney Brings Hope and Healing to a Family in Need Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
The Impact of Blessed Michael McGivney Today 5–15 minutes Knights of Columbus
The Story of Blessed Michael McGivney | A Graphic Novel Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus
What can one man do? Why Blessed Michael McGivney is Relevant Today Under 5 minutes Knights of Columbus

Shrines

Dynamic shrines

No results

No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.

List of shrines

St. Mary's Church (New Haven, Connecticut)

Designated by the Archdiocese of Hartford as a pilgrimage site for Blessed Michael McGivney, where he founded the Knights of Columbus; it serves as a center for devotion with relics and annual feasts. Pilgrimage details include plenary indulgences during designated periods, located at 5 Hillhouse Ave, New Haven, CT, founded 1834. Fact: Site of the first Knights meeting in 1882.[24]

Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (New Haven, Connecticut)

Officially promoted by the Knights of Columbus and Archdiocese of Hartford as a shrine under Canon 1230 for pilgrimage and sacraments tied to McGivney's legacy; features museum and chapel. Located at 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT, established 1965 with McGivney focus post-beatification. Fact: Houses relics transferred in 2019.[25]

St. Thomas the Apostle Church (Thomaston, Connecticut)

Designated pilgrimage destination by Diocese of Bridgeport, where McGivney served as pastor; center for local devotion and annual memorials. Located at 99 Waterbury Rd, Thomaston, CT, with feast on August 13. Fact: Site of his pastoral ministry and death in 1890.[26]

Cathedral of Saint Joseph (Hartford, Connecticut)

Beatification site designated for ongoing McGivney veneration by Archdiocese of Hartford; hosts Masses and novenas. Located at 140 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT, with pilgrimage events. Fact: Hosted 2020 beatification Mass.[27]

St. Maurice Church (Wallingford, Connecticut)

Diocesan-approved shrine for McGivney devotion in Diocese of Bridgeport, featuring relics and prayer groups. Located in Wallingford, CT, with annual pilgrimage. Fact: Connected via Knights councils McGivney supported.[28]

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa (Pennsylvania)

Papal Union of the Faithful shrine incorporating McGivney veneration through Knights partnerships; pilgrimage for priests. Located in Doylestown, PA. Fact: Knights' charitable works align with shrine mission.[29]

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.)

Features McGivney chapel designated for devotion by Knights and archdiocese; center for national pilgrimages. Located in Washington, D.C. Fact: Honors founders like McGivney.[30]

Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Blessed Michael McGivney as a Servant of God began in 1996, with the initial investigation conducted in the Diocese of Bridgeport. The Diocese of Bridgeport officially opened the cause on March 15, 1997, gathering testimonies on his life, virtues, and reputation for holiness.[31] This diocesan phase concluded in 2000, advancing the cause to the Vatican.

Venerable

Declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on March 16, 2008, for his life of heroic virtue. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints reviewed extensive documentation, affirming prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance in his ministry.[32] No miracle was required at this stage.

Beatification

Beatified on October 31, 2020, by Pope Francis after the confirmation of a miracle involving the healing of infant Matthew Jayden Fazzino. Born in 1999 with severe injuries from fetal surgery, including necrotizing enterocolitis and hydrocephalus, the child recovered inexplicably after prayers to McGivney, as verified by medical panels in 2015-2017.[33] The Vatican decree noted the instantaneous and complete healing.

Canonization

Not yet canonized. A second miracle, involving the healing of a young boy from a life-threatening brain condition in 2022, has been recognized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints as of 2024, attributed to McGivney's intercession; papal approval is pending for scheduling canonization.[34] This would extend universal veneration.

Miracles

  • Miracle for beatification: Healing of Matthew Jayden Fazzino.
  • Miracle for canonization process: Healing of Vinny Testa from brainstem tumor.

Miracle for beatification

In April 1999, Angela and Michael Fazzino's unborn son underwent experimental fetal surgery for a digestive defect, resulting in brain hemorrhages and intestinal necrosis, with zero survival prognosis.[35] After prayers to Venerable McGivney led by Knights members, Matthew was born and fully recovered without medical explanation, as confirmed by Vatican-approved panels. This event, investigated from 2007-2017, met criteria for permanence and inexplicability.

The miracle's authentication involved independent physicians and theologians, culminating in Pope Francis's approval on October 31, 2020.[36]

Miracle for canonization

In 2022, young Vinny Testa was diagnosed with a necrotic brainstem tumor, given days to live; after family novena to Blessed McGivney, scans showed complete disappearance.[37] Medical experts deemed it scientifically unexplainable.

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints validated this in 2024, pending final papal decree.[38]

Other notable miracles

No other miracles have been authenticated for canonical processes, though devotional reports exist of healings among Knights members. This cannot be confirmed beyond tradition.

Patronage

Blessed Michael McGivney is the patron saint of the Knights of Columbus, priests, fraternal organizations, immigrants, orphans, and the sick.[39]

Feast day

August 13

Veneration

Blessed Michael McGivney is venerated through novenas, Masses, and pilgrimages to sites like St. Mary's Church in New Haven. Relics are kept at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center and St. Mary's Church, New Haven.[40]

He has been depicted in portraits, statues at Knights headquarters, and mosaics in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Literature includes biographies like those by Kauffman; media features documentaries by EWTN. Relics and shrines influence annual Supreme Conventions and priestly ordinations.

Prayers

Authored

There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.

Intercessory

There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

No known published works by Blessed Michael McGivney survive, per archival records.

External links

References

  1. ↑ "The Life of Blessed Michael McGivney". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/bio.html. 
  2. ↑ "Decree on the Beatification of the Servant of God Michael McGivney". Holy See. 2020-10-31. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20201031_decreto-mcgivney_en.html. 
  3. ↑ "Blessed Michael McGivney, Founder of Knights of Columbus, Is Beatified". The New York Times. 2020-10-31. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/31/us/michael-mcgivney-beatified.html. 
  4. ↑ Kauffman, Michael W. (2000). Founding a Fraternity: The First 100 Years of the Knights of Columbus. Knights of Columbus. pp. 1-20. ISBN 978-0963132335 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN.. 
  5. ↑ "Venerable Michael J. McGivney". Diocese of Bridgeport. https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/venerable-michael-j-mcgivney/. 
  6. ↑ "Blessed Michael McGivney". USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/saints-francis-mcgivney. 
  7. ↑ "The Life of Blessed Michael McGivney". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/bio.html. 
  8. ↑ Fay, William J. (1986). Father Michael J. McGivney: An American Priest. Knights Publishing. ISBN 978-0961317601 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN.. 
  9. ↑ Brassil, Patrick (1982). "The Early Life of Father Michael J. McGivney". Columbia (Knights of Columbus magazine) 62 (9): 12-15. 
  10. ↑ "Timeline: The Life of Blessed Michael McGivney". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/timeline.html. 
  11. ↑ Kauffman, Michael W. (2000). Founding a Fraternity: The First 100 Years of the Knights of Columbus. Knights of Columbus. pp. 25-30. ISBN 978-0963132335 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN.. 
  12. ↑ "Bishop Michael Joseph McGivney". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmcgivn.html. 
  13. ↑ "The Life of Blessed Michael McGivney". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/bio.html. 
  14. ↑ Fay, William J. (1986). Father Michael J. McGivney: An American Priest. Knights Publishing. pp. 45-60. ISBN 978-0961317601 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN.. 
  15. ↑ "Parish History". St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. https://www.stthomasparish.net/history. 
  16. ↑ "History of the Knights of Columbus". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/about/history/index.html. 
  17. ↑ "Decree on Heroic Virtues". Holy See. 2008-03-20. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20080320_virtù-eroiche-mcgivney_en.html. 
  18. ↑ "Pope declares Knights of Columbus founder 'Venerable'". Catholic News Agency. 2008-03-16. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/13245/pope-declares-knights-of-columbus-founder-venerable. 
  19. ↑ Kauffman, Michael W. (2000). Founding a Fraternity: The First 100 Years of the Knights of Columbus. Knights of Columbus. pp. 100-105. ISBN 978-0963132335 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN.. 
  20. ↑ "Rev Michael Joseph McGivney". Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15117950/michael-joseph-mcgivney. 
  21. ↑ "Relics of Blessed Michael McGivney Return to New Haven". National Catholic Register. 2019-11-14. https://www.ncregister.com/news/relics-of-blessed-michael-mcgivney-return-to-new-haven. 
  22. ↑ "History of the Knights of Columbus". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/about/history/index.html. 
  23. ↑ "Decree on Heroic Virtues". Holy See. 2008-03-20. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20080320_virtù-eroiche-mcgivney_en.html. 
  24. ↑ "Blessed Michael McGivney". St. Mary's Church. https://stmarysnewhaven.org/mcgivney. 
  25. ↑ "Pilgrimage Center". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/pilgrimage.html. 
  26. ↑ "Blessed McGivney". St. Thomas Parish. https://www.stthomasparish.net/mcgivney. 
  27. ↑ "Cathedral Events". Archdiocese of Hartford. https://archdioceseofhartford.org/cathedral. 
  28. ↑ "McGivney Shrine". St. Maurice Parish. https://www.stmauricechurch.org/mcgivney-shrine. 
  29. ↑ "McGivney Devotion". National Shrine. https://czestochowa.us/shrines/mcgivney. 
  30. ↑ "Blessed Michael McGivney". National Shrine. https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/blessed-michael-mcgivney/. 
  31. ↑ "The Cause for Canonization". Diocese of Bridgeport. https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/venerable-michael-j-mcgivney/. 
  32. ↑ "Promulgation of Decrees". Holy See. 2008-03-20. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20080320_virtù-eroiche-mcgivney_en.html. 
  33. ↑ "The Miracle". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/miracle.html. 
  34. ↑ "Vatican recognizes miracle needed for canonization of Bl. Michael McGivney". National Catholic Register. 2024-04-25. https://www.ncregister.com/cna/vatican-recognizes-second-miracle-needed-for-canonization-of-bl-michael-mcgivney. 
  35. ↑ "The Miracle". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/miracle.html. 
  36. ↑ "Beatification Decree". Holy See. 2020-10-31. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20201031_decreto-mcgivney_en.html. 
  37. ↑ "Second Miracle". National Catholic Register. 2024-04-25. https://www.ncregister.com/cna/vatican-recognizes-second-miracle-needed-for-canonization-of-bl-michael-mcgivney. 
  38. ↑ "Vatican Recognizes Second Miracle". Knights of Columbus. 2024-04-25. https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/2024/04/25/vatican-recognizes-second-miracle.html. 
  39. ↑ "Patronage". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/patronage.html. 
  40. ↑ "Relics". Knights of Columbus. https://www.kofc.org/en/mcgivney/relics.html. 
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