Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
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.
A major report submitted to Secretary of State John Kerry making the case thatgenocide is being waged against Christians in the Middle East was released today by the Knights of Columbus and In Defense of Christians at a news conference[…]
Read more...The Knights of Columbus has been recognized as a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company® by the Ethisphere® Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.
Read more...The Knights of Columbus has welcomed the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s unanimous passage of a resolution that would express Congress's judgment that the Islamic State's targeting of Christians, Yazidis, Turkmen, Kurds and other ethnic minorities constitutes "genocide."
Read more...Councils can strengthen Catholic family life through our prayer program and consecration to the Holy Family
Read more...A mini football “combine” was held over the weekend in Indianapolis for Special Olympics athletes to experience a series of drills and activities similar to those performed by athletes simultaneously participating in the NFL Scouting Combine.
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