Father Michael J. McGivney Guild
3/16/2008
Father Michael J. McGivney would be first American born priest to be declared a saint.
Pope Benedict XVI Saturday approved a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. The pope’s declaration significantly advances the priest’s process toward sainthood and gives the parish priest the distinction of “Venerable Servant of God.” If canonized, Father McGivney would be the first American born priest to be so honored.
“All of us who are members of the Knights of Columbus are profoundly grateful for this recognition of the holiness of our founder,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “The strength of the Knights of Columbus today is a testament to his timeless vision, his holiness and his ideals.”
Worried about the religious faith and financial stability of immigrant families, Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with the help of several men of St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven in 1882 to help strengthen the faith of the men of his parish and to provide financial assistance in the event of their death to the widows and orphans they left behind. He was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.
Born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. 12, 1852, Michael Joseph McGivney, was the first of Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney’s 13 children, six of whom died in infancy or early childhood. His parents, natives of Ireland, had immigrated to the United States during the 19th century. Patrick was a molder in a Waterbury brass mill, where Michael himself worked for a brief time as a child to help support the family.
From an early age, however, he realized a calling to the Catholic priesthood. After studying in several seminaries, he was ordained in that Baltimore’s historic Cathedral by Cardinal James Gibbons Dec. 22, 1877.
He took up his first assignment, as curate at St. Mary’s Church, New Haven, Conn., Jan. 2, 1878. Father McGivney was named pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, Conn. in 1884. He became seriously ill with pneumonia in January 1890, and died Aug. 14, 1890 at age 38.
The cause, or process, for Father McGivney’s sainthood, was opened by Hartford Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, in December 1997. The cause was presented to the Vatican in 2000, where it has been under review by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. With the pope’s recent decree, and the authentication of a miracle at Father McGivney’s intercession, the priest could be beatified. A second miracle would be required for canonization.
Still maintaining its headquarters in New Haven, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic Fraternal Organization with more than 1.7 million members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean islands, the Philippines, Guam and, most recently, Poland.
Process for Sainthood
The process of "saint making," more properly called the process for
canonization, is normally long and complex. The candidate for sainthood must
first be proposed to the local bishop. Once the bishop accepts and formally
opens the "cause" for canonization, a thorough investigation into the person's
life and work is begun. This entails an exhaustive study of the candidate's
written works and, when possible, interviews with those who knew or worked with
him. There is careful scrutiny of his life, virtues and weaknesses. The
investigation aims at getting at the truth of the person's life and virtue. Only
one who has lived the Christian life in an extraordinary manner, who has
manifested "heroic virtue," can be seriously considered for canonization.
If the diocesan process is positive, all the information is forwarded to Rome
where the Congregation for the Causes of Saints undertakes a new investigation
under the supervision of professional historians and theologians. The arguments
and proofs for the person's holiness of life are refined and focused. Once
complete, the evidence is presented to the bishops and cardinals who make up the
congregation, and their judgment is forwarded to the pope. Only the Holy Father
makes the decision to beatify or canonize the candidate for sainthood.
The Holy Father looks to a sign from God as confirmation of God's positive
judgment concerning beatification or canonization. Miracles are a positive sign
that God indeed confirms the decision of the Church.
Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. 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 your servant Father Michael J. 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. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
The Sarcophagus of our founder,
Father Michel J. McGivney.