Sign In For Members Join Sign In
  • Donate

  • For Members

  • Who We Are

  • Our Mission Our Faith Our History Supreme Officers About Membership Video Library
  • What We Do

  • Charity Insurance Invest Donor-Advised Funds Programs Scholarships Churchloan
  • Get Involved

  • Join Donate Find a Council Store College Councils
  • News Hub

  • Latest News Columbia Knightline Faith Response Social Media Hub
  • Contact Us

  • Safe Environment Program

  • Careers

  • Who We Are

    What We Do

    Get Involved

    News Hub

    Our Founder’s Mission

    3/29/2021

    Brother Knights:

    Today, we celebrate Founder’s Day, which marks the date on which the Knights of Columbus was granted its charter by the State of Connecticut in 1882 and which honors, in a particular way, our visionary Founder.

    This Founder’s Day is the first since Father McGivney’s beatification, and it provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the importance of that momentous event and its meaning for our Order today.

    Blessed Michael McGivney was inspired to create a band of Catholic gentlemen, devoted to the principles of charity and unity — helping those in need; growing in faith and virtue as Catholic husbands and fathers; and providing financial security to families.

    I believe that the beatification of Father McGivney was a testament and affirmation of his spiritual vision. And we should each feel encouraged in realizing that vision to this day. For even if the challenges facing Catholic men have changed, the mission set forth by our Founder remains as relevant as ever.

    Brother Knights, as many of our communities hope that better days are now before us, we should examine when and how we can return to normal council activities, with all due prudence and in accord with what is possible in our jurisdictions. We should also be inspired by those brave men who weathered a great deal of hardship — including a pandemic — in the first years of the Order, so that the world and our Church might be made better by faithful men standing together. Those early Knights were not rash in their actions, but they were courageous in laying down their lives by serving others, and building up their families, parishes and communities. Together, let us continue to reach out to our neighbors in need and to build up our own families, parishes and communities. In so doing, we will honor our holy Founder and ultimately give glory to God.

    Blessed Michael McGivney, pray for us.

    Vivat Jesus!

    Fraternally,
    Patrick E. Kelly
    Supreme Knight

    PRESS RESOURCES

    PRESS

    Logos & Emblems

    Photo Library

    Press Releases

    Recent News

    Supreme Convention

    Video Library

    PUBLICATIONS

    Chaplain's Report

    Columbia

    Fraternal Leader Advisory

    Knightline

    Knights in Action

    Share your Knights in Action News

    FOR PRESS INQUIRIES

    Please contact the
    Knights of Columbus News Bureau
    news@kofc.org, 475-255-0097

    Knights of Columbus 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510 203-752-4000

    Connect With #KOFC

    Who We Are

    Our Mission Our Faith Our History Supreme Officers About Membership Video Library

    What We Do

    Charity Insurance Invest Programs Scholarships Churchloan

    Get Involved

    Join Donate Find a Council Store College Councils

    Member Resources

    Sign In For Members Safe Environment Program Brand Assets Benefits
    This website uses cookies, including third-party cookies, to optimize the functionality of the website and for website analysis and statistics. To find out more about cookies and how to change your cookie settings, please go to our Cookie Policy. Click Allow if you agree to the use of cookies.