History of the Knights of Columbus
The Founding of the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus was founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney and a small group of Catholic laymen at St. Mary’s Church.
At the time, many Catholic families — particularly immigrant and working-class families — faced financial hardship, discrimination, and uncertainty. The death of a husband or father could leave a family without financial support. Father McGivney recognized the need for an organization that could strengthen Catholic men in their faith, provide fellowship and mutual assistance, and help protect their families.
His vision became the Knights of Columbus, formally chartered in Connecticut on March 29, 1882. The Order was founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, with Patriotism later becoming the principle of the Fourth Degree.
Blessed Michael McGivney
Michael Joseph McGivney was born on August 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the son of Irish immigrants and the eldest of 13 children. Before entering the seminary, he worked in a factory and experienced firsthand many of the difficulties faced by working families of his time.
He was ordained a Catholic priest on December 22, 1877, and was assigned to St. Mary’s Church in New Haven. His ministry brought him into close contact with families struggling with poverty, illness, and the loss of loved ones. These experiences helped inspire his vision for a Catholic fraternal organization in which men could strengthen one another in faith while providing practical assistance to families in need.
Father McGivney died on August 14, 1890, at only 38 years old. His vision, however, continued to grow long after his death.
On October 31, 2020, Father McGivney was beatified by the Catholic Church following the recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession. Today he is known as Blessed Michael McGivney, and his feast day is celebrated on August 13.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
What began with a small group of Catholic men in a church basement has grown into an international Catholic fraternal organization. Yet the fundamental mission envisioned by Blessed Michael McGivney remains: helping Catholic men grow in faith, strengthening families, supporting the Church, and serving those in need.
Knights put their faith into action through charitable service in their parishes and communities, support for families and individuals in need, assistance to seminarians and religious vocations, and programs that promote Catholic family and spiritual life.
Our Principles
The principles of the Knights of Columbus continue to guide our work:
Charity — Serving those in need and putting our Catholic faith into action.
Unity — Working together as brother Knights, recognizing that we can accomplish more together than individually.
Fraternity — Building strong bonds among Catholic men and supporting our brother Knights and their families.
Patriotism — Serving our communities and country while remaining faithful to our Catholic values.
Continuing the Mission
More than a century after Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, his vision continues in local councils around the world — including Council 9888.
Through our service to our parish, our community, and those in need, we strive to carry forward the mission that began in New Haven in 1882: Catholic men united by faith, strengthened by fraternity, and committed to charity and service.