Father McGivney’s cause advances
By Mary Chaluplsky
Transcript Reporter

NEW HAVEN – Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, has been declared “Venerable Servant of God” by the Vatican – significantly advancing his path toward possible sainthood.

Pope Benedict XVI approved a decree of “Heroic Virtue” on March 15 for the former New Haven parish priest who founded the fraternal society, one of the world’s largest lay Catholic groups, in the basement of St. Mary Parish here 125 years ago.

The next step of beatification, which could elevate Father McGivney to “Blessed,” is the authentication of a miracle through his intercession; a second miracle is required for his ultimate canonization. If canonized, Father McGivney would be the first American-born diocesan priest to be so honored.

Archbishop Emeritus Daniel A. Cronin opened the cause for beatification of Father McGivney on Dec. 18, 1997. Archbishop Henry J. Mansell has carried forward and enthusiastically supported the ongoing process since he was installed here on the same date in 2003.

In his homily at the Chrism Mass on March 18, Archbishop Mansell called attention to the priestly example of Father McGivney.

“It’s wonderful,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, following the announcement, as his aides noted that his phone hadn’t stopped ringing since the news was released. “We’re very excited about it.”

Father McGivney, he explained, is a model for the priestly life as well as a model of devotion to Catholic family life.

“We’re very pleased with the Vatican announcement, and hope it will be a sign of significance to every priest, especially every parish priest,” he said.

“I’m sure it will also encourage every Knight to live up to our motto of charity, unity and fraternity,” he said. “And it gives us one more reason to celebrate as we prepare for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the U.S.”

Archbishop Cronin was “very, very pleased” to hear the news reports.

“Of course, it’s only one step, but it’s a very big step,” he said.

If it occurs, canonization of Father McGivney would have positive impact in three particular areas, Archbishop Cronin said.

“It will have a tremendous effect, first of all, on the priesthood in the United States because it will be a verification of all the dedication of the priests who go unsung. … [H]e’ll typify the dedication of all of the priests – not only in our diocese but also in the country – who dedicate themselves every day to the quiet, pastoral care of souls, and who don’t get recognized.

“The second thing is, it will be very good for vocations,” he went on, “because young men will see that they are being called to a way of life that can lead to recognized sanctity, recognized by the Church. So that’s all the more reason that they could feel enthused.

“The third, of course, is the laity, who will take tremendous pride that their priests have produced a saint,” Archbishop Cronin said.

Father McGivney was a 24-year-old parish priest when, in 1882, he and 24 others founded the fraternal society for Catholic men who suffered discrimination because of their religion and immigrant origins.

Worried about the religious faith and financial stability of immigrant families, he believed that the group would serve to strengthen their faith and provide financial assistance in the event of their death to the widows and orphans they left behind.

His vision of also having members’ families protected with life insurance has grown today into a $13 billion business. He was also known for his tireless work among parishioners.

Born on Aug. 12, 1852, in Waterbury, Michael Joseph McGivney was the first of Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney’s 13 children, six of whom died in infancy or early childhood.

His parents, natives of Ireland, had emigrated to the United States during the 19th century. His father was a molder in a Waterbury brass mill, where Michael himself worked for a brief time as a child to help support the family.

From an early age, however, he realized a calling to the Catholic priesthood. After studying in several seminaries, he was ordained in Baltimore’s historic cathedral by Cardinal James Gibbons Dec. 22, 1877. He took up his first assignment, as curate at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, on Jan. 2, 1878, and was later named Pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston in 1884.

A sarcophagus at St. Mary’s contains the remains of Father McGivney, who died at age 38 of tuberculosis.

“This marks the many prayers of parishioners who continue to pray for Father McGivney’s canonization,” said Dominican Father Joseph Allen, Pastor of St. Mary Parish. “It’s a great day for St. Mary’s, and a wonderful sign of faith for Catholics everywhere.”

Since Father McGivney’s cause for beatification began, spreading his story of holiness and priestly service, popular devotion to him has increased.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., has added a stained-glass window depicting his image.

Today, a growing number of schools, medical centers and social service agencies named for him – including a cancer center at St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven – associate their work with his spirituality.

Through the Knights, Father McGivney sought to form young Catholic men into good spouses and fathers. He saw strong families as the foundation of his parish, of the Church and of society at large.

He was convinced that the Catholic laity had a unique role in influencing society and promoting the values found in what Pope John Paul II has since named the Culture of Life and Civilization of Love.

The cause for beatification of Father McGivney was presented to the Vatican in 2000, where it has been under review by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints; and the statement for his cause for his “heroic virtue” was completed in 2002.

“The declaration of his heroic virtue has come so quickly that we hope that will continue,” said Mr. Anderson, who as Supreme Knight today fills Father McGivney’s shoes.

Today, the Knights of Columbus boasts 1.7 million members in countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Poland and the Philippines.