Beatification of Venerable Michael McGivney

Resolution on the Beatification of Venerable Michael McGivney adopted by the 129th Supreme Convention on Aug. 4, 2011.

WHEREAS, in 1882, Venerable Michael McGivney, a parish priest of St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven, Connecticut, envisioned the establishment of a fraternal society that would strengthen the faith of Catholic men and provide aid to their widows and families after their death; and

WHEREAS, on March 29, 1882, the Connecticut State Legislature officially approved and chartered this new organization called the Knights of Columbus, with its purpose of rendering pecuniary aid to its members and their families; rendering financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy; overcoming prejudice and bigotry against the Catholic population; and promoting religious, charitable, and social welfare activities; and

WHEREAS, since then, inspired by his vision and dedication, the Order has grown to become the largest lay Catholic fraternal organization in the world, with over 1.8 million members in over 14,000 local councils; and

WHEREAS, on March 15, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI approved a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael J. McGivney, thus conferring upon him the distinction of “Venerable Servant of God” and significantly advancing his cause for sainthood; and

WHEREAS, the decree recognizes that Venerable Michael McGivney, even when afflicted by poor health, excelled in his efforts to alleviate the many needs of the poor and marginalized in society; and

WHEREAS, the decree affirms that Venerable Michael McGivney showed tangible concern for the conditions of the Catholic immigrants he served, and exhibited both the practice of the virtues and a ready response to the action of grace, which in every age signifies holiness; and

WHEREAS, the decree recognizes that Venerable Michael McGivney was committed to an active collaboration with the laity, encouraging them to realize the full dignity of the person in their work, their marriages, and their families; and

WHEREAS, Pope Benedict XVI, while celebrating Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during his Apostolic journey to the United States in April of 2008, called Venerable Michael McGivney an “exemplary American priest … whose vision and zeal led to the establishment of the Knights of Columbus.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we will pray for the beatification of our founder, the Venerable Michael McGivney, and encourage all brother Knights and their families to become active members of the Father Michael J. McGivney Guild; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will pray for the intercession of Venerable Michael McGivney for our needs and the needs of all our loved ones, and report any favors received; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commit ourselves to follow his courageous example by leading lives of heroic virtue in our marriages, our families, our parishes and our places of work; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will honor the vision of Venerable Michael McGivney through a commitment to charity, unity and fraternity that will cause our Order to grow and, through acts of charity, reach ever more people in need.