Who are the Knights?

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s charity organization founded in 1882 by Blessed Father Micheal J. McGivney. Father McGivney was born to Irish immigrant parents and was one of thirteen children. Father McGivney grew up when anti-immigration and anti-Catholicism was high in America. He entered the seminary at the age of sixteen but would have to leave 5 years later after the death of his father. At the time, his father was the sole money maker of the family and because of this, McGivney had to stay at home for some time to help take care of his siblings before returning to the seminary.

After becoming a priest, Father McGivney began to put his plan in action which was to start a charity organization. From his personal experience, he saw how bad families had to deal with the loss of the bread winner or family that were immigrants or Catholic. This would inspire Father McGivney to start his charitable organization for the sole purpose of helping these families. Father McGivney along with some parishioners at the church where he was assistant pastor came together and formed the Knights of Columbus. The name was chosen because the word Knight creates an imagery of someone who was chivalrous and who helps those in need. Columbus, from Christopher Columbus, was chosen because they wanted someone that was seen as a symbol of America and who brought Catholicism to the Americas.   

Founded by Father Michael McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus is one of the world’s premier Catholic lay organizations. Our founding goals of protecting the poor — especially the widow and orphan — and providing a space for Catholic men to grow in faith together are as relevant today as they were more than 140 years ago. Now, we empower more than 2.1 million men to lead with faith at home, in their parish and in their community. And in keeping with Father McGivney’s vision to safeguard families’ finances, we provide opportunities for members and other clients to align financial decisions with Catholic values. The insurance program initially started by Father McGivney is still in place today, including other programs. Today, the Knights of Columbus have evolved to doing all sorts of charitable acts like supporting seminarians, helping those who have suffered through war or natural disasters, and helping the disabled. There are over 2.1 million Knights worldwide and growing who continue to make Father McGivney’s mission possible.