It is with particular joy that I write to share with you the news that, at Noon today in Rome, the Vatican announced the formal recognition of a miracle attributed to our founder, Venerable Father Michael McGivney.
With this announcement, a Mass of Beatification will soon be scheduled.
This joyful news is the culmination of many years of determined effort, and I ask for your continued and increased prayers as we prepare for the day when our founder will be known as “Blessed Michael McGivney.”
The Vatican announcement can be found below:
Decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
On May 26, 2020, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. During the audience, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the same Congregation to promulgate the Decrees regarding:
[…] the miracle, attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Michael McGivney, Diocesan Priest, Founder of the Order of the Knights of Columbus; born on August 12, 1852 in Waterbury (United States of America) and died in Thomaston (United States of America) on August 14, 1890; Venerable Michael McGivney was the founder of the Knights of Columbus, now the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. After studies in Canada and the United States, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop James Gibbons in Baltimore. He founded the Knights of Columbus as a mutual aid society, geared especially to working men and their families. He was known for his tireless work among his parishioners. He died at the early age of 38 from pneumonia.
I would ask each brother Knight to learn more about our founder at the newly updated Father McGivney Guild website where the Order will also regularly post news and updates related to the beatification.
And if you would like to learn even more about our founder’s heroic life and continuing legacy, please consider reading Father McGivney’s biography, Parish Priest, and the newly-released book The Knights of Columbus: An Illustrated History.
Sincerely,
Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight