Bl Michael J. McGivney

Today we celebrate the feast day of Bl. Michael J. McGivney.

Bl. Michael was the eldest son of an immigrant Irish family who lived in Connecticut. When Bl. Michael was young he had left school to work in a brass factory were he had made spoons. At the age of 16 he began studies for the priesthood in Quebec, however he was obliged to leave in order to help support the family after his father had died. Bl. Michael was later able to complete his education in Baltimore, Maryland, and he was ordained for the diocese of Hartford during the year 1877.

Bl. Michael was assigned to St. Mary’s Parish which was in New Haven. Now known as Fr. McGivney, he was very active in this parish and civic affairs, he would often serve as director of public plays and fairs. He had also volunteered to become the guardian of Alfred Downes, a minor whose father had unfortunately died and he had left his large family in poverty. This situation as well as his many own family's circumstances and that of other immigrants made Bl. Michael realize the true need for lay Catholic men to establish a mutual aid society so that they may provide financial assistance for their families if the primary wage earner died.

During the year 1882, Bl. Michael was able to form the Knights of Columbus among a small group of St. Mary's parishioners and together they could promote charity, unity, and fraternity, assisting widows and orphans. Because of the Knights' emphasis on serving Church, the community and also family, the organization grew and did not remain to only one parish. Patriotism was added as a founding principle during the year 1900.

Bl. Michael had died from pneumonia during the year 1890 and he was buried in Thomaston, Connecticut. Later on his body was moved all the way back to St. Mary’s in New Haven where it actually remains today. Bl. Michael was beatified recently during the year 2020. Bl. Michael's feast day is celebrated on August 13.

Prayer to Bl. Michael

Bl. Michael help us to serve Christ by serving others out of love. Help us to spread Jesus’ love with everyone that we may meet during our daily lives.

Amen

Bl. Michael pray for us

St. Joseph pray for us

May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.

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Works cited Information (read from, not taken): Franciscan media. “Blessed Michael J. McGivney. ”Blessed Michael J. McGivney | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 13, 2021. Images: Blessed Michael J. McGivney. August 13, 2021. Blessed Michael J. McGivney - Google Search.