Early Life

Michael Joseph McGivney was born on August 12, 1852, to Irish Catholic immigrant parents. He was born and raised in the working-class neighborhood of Waterbury, Connecticut. An exemplary student, he graduated three years early and began working in a brass factory to supplement his family's income. At 16, he responded to a call to the priesthood by entering the seminary.

When his father died in 1873, Michael's studies were interrupted. He faced a crisis in his vocation as he wondered whether he would have to leave the seminary to provide for his family. But the bishop of Hartford, recognizing Michael's great potential, decided to provide financial support which would allow Michael to finish his studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. Here he was known for the piety he displayed in his duties as sacristan, humor, and enthusiasm for the new game of baseball.

Ordination to the Priesthood

On December 22, 1877, Michael was ordained a priest at The Cathedral of the Assumption in Baltimore. His first public mass was celebrated in his hometown of Waterbury in Immaculate Conception Church.

The Ideal of the Parish Priest

Fr Michael's first assignment was assistant parish priest at St. Mary's Church in New Haven. There he faced strong anti-Catholic sentiment, parish debt, and a shortage of priests. He demonstrated his gift for the diocesan priesthood during his time at St. Mary's as he gained a number of converts, bringing many souls to Christ. One example of his dedication was his commitment to daily visiting James Smith, a death row inmate. Fr Michael's ministry had a profound effect on Smith, and he was able to meet death without fear.

Founding of the Knights of Columbus

Fr Michael had an idea to start a fraternal benefit society and began to gather together with other Catholic men in the basement of St. Mary's Church. He envisioned a group that would provide financial assistance to widows and families who had lost their main breadwinner. With financial support, more families would be able to stay together, ensuring that the faith of the parents was passed on to their children. He also wanted to provide an alternative to existing anti-Catholic fraternal organizations that offered similar assistance. This group was to become the Knights of Columbus.

Illness and Death

Fr Michael who was prone to illness became sick during a flu epidemic in 1889. He developed tuberculosis which advanced to severe pneumonia. He eventually became bedridden and died after receiving last rites on August 14, at the age of 38.

Toward Sainthood

On October 31, 2020, Fr Michael McGivney was beatified in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut. The miracle that allowed for his beatification was the healing of a child in the womb of fetal hydrops. The mother, Michelle Schachle of Tennessee, was advised to have an abortion, as there was no hope of survival for the child. Instead, she and her husband began to pray to McGivney for a miracle. The family's prayers were granted at Mass on a trip to Fatima. As she listened to the Gospel about the Roman official whose son was healed by Jesus, Michelle felt a change. The result of an ultrasound conducted soon after the family returned revealed that the child had been healed.

Only one more miracle is necessary for Blessed Michael McGivney to be declared a saint. His life provides an example of an exemplary parish priest. Furthermore, his commitment to charity and justice are an inspiration to all who aim to live a life of virtue.

Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael J. McGivney

“God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, You called Your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling His commandment of charity and building up His Body, which is the Church. Let the inspiration of Your servant prompt us to greater confidence in Your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that You glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of Your holy will.

Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present… (make your request here). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

~ Written by Bishop Eugene Larocque, Knight of Columbus chaplain

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