Our Founder Father Michael J. McGivney
The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world’s foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
Video: The Life and Legacy of Father McGivney
The biography of the founder of the Knights of Columbus.
Knights of Columbus Videos
The full collection of Knights of Columbus is available on the Supreme Council’s video pages.
For further reading:
(external websites)
- These Men They Call Knights (booklet PDF)
- History & Growth of the Knights of Columbus (Supreme Council website)
- Venerable Michael McGivney
- St. Mary’s Church
- Knights of Columbus Museum Archives