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Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney 2023 Blessed Michael McGivney Parish at St. Mary's and St. Joseph's celebrates the unique, long-standing, and multifaceted spiritual heritage of Blessed Michael J. McGivney. This year, we are celebrating the third feast day of our beatified parish priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney. DESCRIPTION OF THIS YEAR'S CELEBRATION ​ For the third feast day of Blessed Michael McGivney, we begin our celebrations with the praying of the Holy Rosary and the Novena before every Mass in the nine days leading up to and including the feast itself. The presiders of the Mass each day will preach on the virtue for each novena day in how it relates to the saint of the day and also Bl. Michael McGivney (a link to a digital version of the Novena may be found below). ​ A Holy Hour will be held from 8 - 9 PM on Wednesday, August 9th, at St. Joseph Church, sponsored by Crossroads 4 Christ New Haven. ​ At 11 AM on Saturday, August 12th, Father Michael Ruminksi will present a reflection, "The Eucharist and social regeneration," at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (1 State Street in New Haven). Admission and parking are free. For more information, please visit: michaelmcgivneycenter.org . ​ At 7 PM on Saturday, August 12th, Frassati Night will take place at St. Mary Church (see the St. Mary bulletin page for details), which includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration which will continue until benediction at 7:30 AM on Sunday, August 13th. ​ On the feast day itself, Bl. Michael McGivney's relic will be present at the 8:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph's and at the 10:30 AM Votive Mass at St. Mary's. After Mass, a procession will be led by the presider to the statue of Bl. Michael McGivney at St. Joseph's and to the tomb at St. Mary's, with the Litany of Bl. Michael McGivney being prayed. In addition, at St. Mary's the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard will serve. "Coffee and" hospitality will take place after the 8:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph's, and an ice cream social hosted by the Columbian Squires will take place after the 10:30 AM Mass at St. Mary's. Finally, at St. Mary's, the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic will sponsor the praying of Vespers from 3:10 - 3:30 PM and a Holy Hour from 3:30 - 4:30 PM. ​ The full schedule may be found below. ​ Some Resources: Blessed Michael McGivney Novena Litany of Blessed Michael McGivney FULL SCHEDULE OF PRAYERS AND LITURGIES ​ Saturday, August 5 – VIGIL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 1) at 4:30 PM | Openness | Leaders: Alberta Ferrie/Marianne Esposito (St. Joseph Lectors/EMs) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill Sunday, August 6 – THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 2) at 8 AM | Courage | Leader: Marianne Esposito (St. Joseph Lectors/EMs) Mass at 8:30 AM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 2) at 10 AM | Courage | Leader: Tacy Woods (Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic) Mass at 10:30 AM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran Monday, August 7 – St. Cajetan, Priest | Perseverance St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 3) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Linda Kelly (Legion of Mary) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 3) at 4:30 PM | Leaders: Mary Beth Fiasconoro/Drew Dillingham (Blessed Michael McGivney Respect Life Committee) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Tuesday, August 8 – St. Dominic, Priest | Charity, Unity, & Fraternity St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 4) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Peter Silva (St. Mary Lectors) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 4) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Toni Buddington (McGivney Ministries) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Wednesday, August 9 – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin & Martyr | Discernment St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 5) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Grace Klise (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 5) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Immacula Didier (Legion of Mary) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill Holy Hour from 8 - 9 PM | Sponsored by Crossroads 4 Christ New Haven Thursday, August 10 – St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr | Zeal St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 6) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Peter Silva (St. Mary Lectors) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 6) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Flora Guerra (Divine Mercy Devotion) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Friday, August 11 – St. Clare, Virgin | Hope St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 7) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Daniel Isabel (San Salvador Council No. 1) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 7) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Tacy Woods (Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 – VIGIL OF NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Vigil of the Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney) St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 8) at 4:30 PM | Love | Leader: Paul Mastriano/Alberta Ferrie (St. Joseph Lectors/EMs) Mass at 5 PM (w/ Litany after) | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran St. Mary Church​ All Night Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament starting at 7 PM | Sponsored by Frassati ​ ​ SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 – NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney) St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 9) at 8 AM | Devotion | Leader: Phyllis Lobo (Altar Servers) Mass at 8:30 AM (w/ Procession & Litany after) | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Mary Church Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 7:30 AM | Sponsored by Frassati Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 9) at 10 AM | Devotion | Leader: Phyllis Lobo (Altar Servers) Votive Mass at 10:30 AM (w/ Procession & Litany after) | Presider: Fr. Jeffrey Romans Vespers from 3:10 - 3:30 PM | Sponsored by the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic Holy Hour from 3:30 - 4:30 PM | Sponsored by the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Kelechi Anyanwu A new priest with big ideas Every Mass, every public rosary, every adoration, every confession at St. Mary's happens over a place of special importance for laity of the Catholic Church, in the United States and beyond: the place where Father Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus. ​ Serving as an assistant for about six years at St. Mary's before being entrusted with a parish of his own, he certainly fulfilled the ordinary duties of a parish priest well with great virtue. He changed our parish through events, personal visits, involvement in groups, and organization of social events. ​ Most importantly, he changed the way the laity saw their vocation, and fulfilled it. In founding the Knights of Columbus in 1882, he was considered "bold" for holding the laity - especially laymen - to a high standard of fidelity to the Catholic Faith. Contrary to clericalism, he believed in the ability of laity to make a difference, in their families, in the Church, and in society. ​ Our parish was not only the testing grounds for his ideas. It has grown over many decades to be shaped by his high-standards for the laity spiritually, and his spiritual trust that lay men, lay women, and families can be saints. " The effect of the Society of the Knights of Columbus has since that become extraordinary; the Catholic layman has been brought to realize the preciousness of his birthright as a son of the Church... ​ " Fr. Joseph G. Daley, O.P. 1900, The Personality of Father McGivney Resources for Families Parish Priest , by Julie Fenster and Douglas Brinkley ​ "The Personality of Father Michael McGivney" , by Father Daley (1900) ​ Video of the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney , Oct 2020 Other Resources: Article on the miracle which led to Fr. McGivney's beatification - the healing of an unborn child from a fatal complication

St. Joseph Church Established 1900 On April 20, 1900, Saint Joseph Church was erected as part of a territorial parish from the territories of Saint Mary Parish (New Haven), Saint Patrick Parish (New Haven), and Saint Francis Parish (Fair Haven). The new and sizable congregation had been ably served since 1894 at a Lawrence Street chapel. Having combined the territories of these three neighboring parishes, a new church building was planned to house the sizable congregation serving primarily Italian immigrant families. Overseen by Reverend M.J. Daly and designed by Joseph A. Jackson, the church was constructed between 1904 and 1905 on Edwards Street. St. Joseph Church was and is a vital part of New Haven’s Orange Street Historic District. The finalized church was dedicated on October 22, 1905. ​ Located in the heart of the East Rock area of New Haven on 129 Edwards Street, the church bears a remarkable resemblance to the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in Classe, Ravenna, Italy (c. 553-49). The yellow brick Romanesque edifice leads into the king’s hall (basilica) or the emperor’s court which reflects the Byzantine art and culture of the 6th century that attempted to convey the religious truth that only Christ is the ruler and emperor of the universe. When one steps inside St. Joseph Church, eyes are drawn to the altar and then upwards to the painted mural (representing the mosaic style of the early Byzantine art) consisting of the Lamb of God leading the flock to and through the crucifixion to the heavenly kingdom of Christ the eternal King. ​ In the 2000s, signs of distress of the 130-foot bell tower at the southeast corner of the entry façade became apparent. Reconstruction of a portion of the exterior masonry at the bell tower was repaired, protecting the one-hundred-year-old structure for future generations of worshippers.​ St. Joseph Church continues to lend itself to the historic fabric of its diverse neighborhoods and its importance to the communities of New Haven. In 2017, the church was merged with St. Mary Church to form St. Mary Parish. ​

Anointing of the Sick "By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ." ( Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499 ) Contact Us What obligations do parents take upon themselves when asking to have their baby baptized? In choosing to have your child baptized in the Catholic Church, you are accepting the responsibility of raising him or her in the practice of the Catholic Faith. The preparation process is conducted under the assumption that at least one of the parents is a believing and practicing Roman Catholic. It is an occasion to reflect on your faith, the faith of the Church, and how you live it out and hand it on in the life of your child. Whether you have been away for a while, or you have a pew at Church that practically has your name on it, your child’s baptism is an opportunity to rediscover and renew your commitment to your Faith in Christ by deeper engagement with the Church. It is as much a chance for a new beginning for you as it is for your child, as you introduce him or her to the full sweep and significance of the Gospel which, if it were all recounted, “the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written”. (John 21:25) For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. How do I schedule a date and time? Baptisms and Baptism Preparation are held at various times at our various parish churches. For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. Who will administer the Sacrament? Ordinarily, one of the parish priests or deacons will celebrate baptisms in the parish. If a family has a special relationship with a priest or deacon from outside the parish, he is most welcome to come and celebrate the baptism. If you are interested in having a particular priest from the parish baptize your child, feel free to let the Parish Staff know. Visiting priests or deacons must obtain the necessary permission from the parish to conduct the baptism. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. How do I select a Godparent? Each child must have at least one, but may have two godparents or sponsors. If there are two godparents, they must be a godfather and godmother. One godparent must be a practicing and believing Roman Catholic who has received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation, be at least 16 years old, and (if married) in a valid Catholic marriage recognized by the Church. Canon Law sets these expectations and expects godparents to be good witnesses of Catholic faith, because it is through baptism that one enters the Church. If someone close to the family is a great example of Christian faith, but is not Catholic, there is the possibility of having such a person act as a witness to the ceremony in a role similar to that of a godparent, but distinct from it. Godparents may be represented by proxies if they are unable to be present for the ceremony. Those serving as proxies must fulfill the same requirements as godparents. Catholics serving as godparents must contact their parish and obtain a sponsor letter or certificate. Please bring the letter or certificate to the baptism. What is the offering cost? Please contact the church you are scheduling the Baptism at to inquire about a Baptism Offering using the "Contact Us" button above. What if I am an adult and would like to receive Baptism? You are invited to find out more about the Roman Catholic Church by participating in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). More information can be found here.

St. Francis Church Established 1868 Irish immigrants had been gathering in Fair Haven well before the mid-19th century. Mostly impoverished laborers, they initially celebrated Mass at St. Patrick Church with its pastor, Father Matthew Hart. In 1864, he bought the centrally located Clark property on Ferry Street as a future church site. St. Francis parish was born on October 4, 1868, when Bishop Francis P. McFarland appointed Father Patrick A. Gaynor as first pastor. A basement church was ready for dedication on October 4 to coincide with the pastor’s appointment. On August 1, 1869, the congregation, which by now was mounting to 1500 people, witnessed the dedication of their upper church. ​ Father Patrick Mulholland added to the parish plant in 1881 with the opening of a school, the cornerstone of which was blessed by Bishop Lawrence S. McMahon on July 10. The Sisters of Mercy staffed it until 1985. The School Sisters of Notre Dame served in the parish from 1987 to 1988. In 2020, the school was merged into All Saints Catholic Academy (ASCA) by the Archdiocese of Hartford. In 2017, the church was merged with St. Rose of Lima Church to form our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and is now home to a thriving Spanish community.

St. Martin de Porres Church Established 1942 St. Martin de Porres Parish grew out of New Haven’s Blessed Martin Center. The idea had originated in 1937 when the pastor of St. Brendan, Father John McLaughlin, organized the Blessed Martin de Porres Confraternity at his parish. The society consisted of black Catholics from the Cape Verde Islands. When growth necessitated moving the meetings from St. Brendan to a former Dixwell Avenue police station in 1942, the official name of Blessed Martin de Porres Center was given. Father Peter L. Gerety, later Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, was appointed pastor. On May 16, 1943, the first Mass was offered at Blessed Martin Center. Bishop Maurice F. McAuliffe presided at the liturgy. The center’s chapel was located in the basement. A mission style church was later added to the building. On June 26, 1949, then Bishop Henry J. O’Brien dedicated the church. In 1955, old St. Mary School was purchased. The building became the new Blessed Martin School under the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. St. Martin School closed in 1988. ​ St. Martin de Porres continues to be home to a thriving Black Catholic community in the heart of New Haven and a beacon of charity in the surrounding neighborhood community.

About Us On July 1, 2023, the parishes of Saints Aedan and Brendan, Saint Anthony, Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Mary, Saint Michael, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Stanislaus merged to form a new parish to be known as Blessed Michael McGivney Parish of New Haven, Connecticut, in accordance with canons 121 & 515 §2 of the Code of Canon Law. Though these Churches span different cultures, languages, and traditions, all are united in the Body of Christ and join together as one vibrant Catholic community. ​ In beginning this new chapter for the Catholic Church in New Haven, we respect the great history of prayer, faith, development, and change that has assisted in the formation of each of the churches that have been brought together into the new parish. As we look forward to a revitalized and vibrant Catholic experience in the city, then, we also continue to remember and value the esteemed past of these parish communities. St. Aedan Church St. Anthony Church St. Francis Church St. Joseph Church St. Martin de Porres Church St. Mary Church St. Michael Church St. Stanislaus Church

Sacraments In communion with the Catholic Church, Bl. Michael McGivney Parish offers a rich sacramental life. As a reminder: "Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life." ​ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1210 ) Use the Sacraments menu or read below to find out more about each sacrament. The regular Mass (Holy Eucharist) and Confession schedule can be found on the Mass Times page. Baptism ​ Read More Confession ​ Read More Confirmation ​ Read More Holy Eucharist ​ (Mass) Read More Holy ​ Matrimony Read More Holy Orders Read More Anointing of the Sick Read More

Holy Eucharist (Mass) "The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. 'At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.'" ​ ( Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322-1323 ) What obligations do parents take upon themselves when asking to have their baby baptized? In choosing to have your child baptized in the Catholic Church, you are accepting the responsibility of raising him or her in the practice of the Catholic Faith. The preparation process is conducted under the assumption that at least one of the parents is a believing and practicing Roman Catholic. It is an occasion to reflect on your faith, the faith of the Church, and how you live it out and hand it on in the life of your child. Whether you have been away for a while, or you have a pew at Church that practically has your name on it, your child’s baptism is an opportunity to rediscover and renew your commitment to your Faith in Christ by deeper engagement with the Church. It is as much a chance for a new beginning for you as it is for your child, as you introduce him or her to the full sweep and significance of the Gospel which, if it were all recounted, “the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written”. (John 21:25) For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. How do I schedule a date and time? Baptisms and Baptism Preparation are held at various times at our various parish churches. For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. Who will administer the Sacrament? Ordinarily, one of the parish priests or deacons will celebrate baptisms in the parish. If a family has a special relationship with a priest or deacon from outside the parish, he is most welcome to come and celebrate the baptism. If you are interested in having a particular priest from the parish baptize your child, feel free to let the Parish Staff know. Visiting priests or deacons must obtain the necessary permission from the parish to conduct the baptism. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. How do I select a Godparent? Each child must have at least one, but may have two godparents or sponsors. If there are two godparents, they must be a godfather and godmother. One godparent must be a practicing and believing Roman Catholic who has received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation, be at least 16 years old, and (if married) in a valid Catholic marriage recognized by the Church. Canon Law sets these expectations and expects godparents to be good witnesses of Catholic faith, because it is through baptism that one enters the Church. If someone close to the family is a great example of Christian faith, but is not Catholic, there is the possibility of having such a person act as a witness to the ceremony in a role similar to that of a godparent, but distinct from it. Godparents may be represented by proxies if they are unable to be present for the ceremony. Those serving as proxies must fulfill the same requirements as godparents. Catholics serving as godparents must contact their parish and obtain a sponsor letter or certificate. Please bring the letter or certificate to the baptism. What is the offering cost? Please contact the church you are scheduling the Baptism at to inquire about a Baptism Offering using the "Contact Us" button above. What if I am an adult and would like to receive Baptism? You are invited to find out more about the Roman Catholic Church by participating in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). More information can be found here. Contact Us

Join Our Parish If you're new to the New Haven, CT, area or have been attending any of the churches of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish for awhile, consider registering as a parishioner or updating your family information. Adult children living at home are encouraged to register separately . Church You Most Frequently Attend Church Name First Name Middle Name Address City/Town State State Zip Email Last Name Birthday Sacraments Received: Baptism Confession First Communion Confirmation OCIA None Marital Status: Single Married Divorced Separated Home Phone Phone New or Existing Parishioner? New Existing Job Position Would you like contribution envelopes? Yes No If married, please select correct marital status above. Spouse First Name Spouse Middle Name Spouse Last Name Spouse Email Spouse Date of Birth Spouse Occupation Spouse Cell Phone Marriage Date Is your spouse joining Blessed Michael McGivney Parish? Yes No Spouse Sacraments Received? Baptism First Communion Confirmation None Other (OCIA) Were you married in a Catholic Church? Yes No Next

Baptism Space Usage Request Form For events being held at St. Mary or St. Joseph campuses. Any questions, feel free to contact the Parish Office. Once submitted, a member of the Parish Staff will contact you. Name of Group or Individual Primary Contact Name (First & Last) Primary Contact Email Primary Contact Phone Number Secondary Contact Name (First & Last) Secondary Contact Email Secondary Contact Phone Number Person Responsible for Cleaning Up the Space Request Type Choose an option Usage Description Date Location Choose an option Start time(s) for each date End time(s) for each date Frequency (e.g., every Tuesday, second Saturday of the month) List all dates Dates you know usage will not occur (Important: Please check a calendar for holidays, holy days, etc., e.g., Christmas Week, Holy Week, Thanksgiving for Thursday Meetings, Ash Wednesday for Wednesday meetings, etc. If there are no dates when usage will not occur, please enter "None") Facility Needs (choose all that apply) Tables Chairs Audio/Visual Equipment Oven Kitchen Serving Food Communication Needs (choose all that apply) Poster Bulletin Social Media Set-Up Needs Expected Number of Participants Serving Alcohol? Choose an option Does this event require the additonal LIQUOR LIABILITY COVERAGE? (If liquor is to be sold or cost included with the ticket price, and/or license or permit is required in order for you to furnish alcohol, you must obtain Liquor Liability coverage by separate application) Choose an option Additional Notes Request the Space Thank you for your request! We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Blessed Michael McGivney Michael Joseph McGivney was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on August 12, 1852, the first child of Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney. His parents came to the United States in the great 19th-century wave of Irish immigration and were married in Waterbury. Young Michael thus experienced from an early age grief, anti-Catholic bigotry, and poverty. But his faith sustained him. At home and in church, he learned and embraced love, faith, fortitude, prayer, and putting love of God above any earthly rewards. Father Michael J. McGivney was ordained on December 22, 1877, and assigned to St. Mary Church. It was here in 1882 he founded the Knights of Columbus with the intention that this group would strengthen the faith of the men of the parish and care for the widows of members. Today, the K of C is the largest Catholic fraternal benefit society in the world. Father McGivney spent seven years at St. Mary’s, being assigned pastor of St. Thomas in Thomaston in 1884, where he died in 1890 at the age of 38. In 1982, his remains were re-entombed at St. Mary Church. In 1997, Archbishop Daniel Cronin opened the cause for Father McGivney. In April 2008, Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable. On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree for a miracle attributed to his intercession , opening the way for Father McGivney to be beatified on October 31, 2020. A second approved miracle is needed for him to be canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church. Beatification Fr. Michael McGivney became Blessed during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Rite of Beatification on October 31, 2020, an event that was broadcast around the world. Learn More Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service order. Founded on the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy members and their families. ​ As of 2019, there were nearly two million members around the world. There are more than 16,000 local Knights of Columbus councils around the world, including over 300 on college campuses. Learn More The Tomb A special place of prayer and pilgrimage is the sarcophagus where the bodily remains of Blessed Father McGivney are entombed, near the entrance of St. Mary’s Church. Knights and families from many parts of the world, as well as visitors from New Haven and beyond, come to St. Mary’s to pay tribute to Father McGivney. They recite the prayer for canonization (as seen below) and thank God for favors received through the intercession of the holy priest. ​ The mortal remains of Blessed Father McGivney were reverently placed in the polished granite sarcophagus on March 29, 1982, the centennial of the founding of the Knights of Columbus. The remains had been exhumed from the McGivney family plot in his hometown of Waterbury, where his parents and some of his siblings are still buried in Old St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The Bl. Father Michael McGivney Guild The Blessed Father Michael McGivney Guild serves as a source of information about the life, works, and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild distributes informational materials about him, receives reports of favors granted through his intercession, and oversees the distribution of relics. There are more than 155,000 members of the Blessed Father Michael McGivney Guild. ​ The purpose of the Guild is to inspire greater personal holiness and cooperation with God’s grace by disseminating information about Blessed Father McGivney. The Guild’s goal, as stated by Dominican Father Gabriel B. O’Donnell, guild director and vice postulator of Father McGivney’s cause for canonization, is to, “spread the good word about Blessed Father McGivney’s holiness of life, to encourage devotion to his memory, and to seek his intercession before the throne of God.” Learn More Prayer for Canonization 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 your venerable servant Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. ​ Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.)