A Focus on Our Founder's Vision

Knights of Columbus Create the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Nov. 1, for the new Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center that will help promote the spiritual and charitable legacy of its namesake.

Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson announced during the Order’s annual Supreme Convention on August 4, 2020, the plans for a new pilgrimage destination named for the Order’s founder. The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center will be located at the current Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, Connecticut.

Joining Supreme Knight Anderson and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori at the ribbon cutting were Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki of Lviv, Ukraine, Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford, the Supreme Officers, relatives of Father McGivney and the Schachle family.

Supreme Knight Anderson said, “For members of the Knights of Columbus and many others, the news of the beatification is a time of great joy and celebration. Father McGivney ministered to those on the margins of society in the 19th century, and his example has inspired millions of Knights to follow his example in their own parishes and communities.”

Anderson added, “While the museum will continue to recount the Knights’ history, it will also broaden its mission by focusing more on the spirituality and charitable vision of our founder and his legacy. A visit to the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center will enhance the formative experience of a pilgrimage to Father McGivney’s tomb at St. Mary’s.”