Knights of Columbus 2544 at 647 Grove St , Dunellen, NJ 08812 US - Father Michael J. McGivney

When we reflect on our history, it is inspiring to see how Father McGivney’s dedication has given rise to an organization that has touched so many. Decades later, councils number in the thousands and our members in the millions. In total, the Knights of Columbus have raised over a billion dollars for charitable causes. Our hopes and dreams for tomorrow are greater, because the need is, too.  The knowledge that, as a Knight, you can make a difference.  Through fearless service, heartfelt perseverance, and, above all, through unfaltering fellowship

Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus during a time of great social change and difficulty. His sole goal was to provide spiritual and material support to families. He spent his short time on this earth worrying about and providing for others: his widowed mother and his siblings; his parishioners; inmates in the New Haven jail; widows and orphans, and those first brother Knights. He had a youthful optimism and practical, problem-solving approach to life's difficulties that should inspire us. No matter the situation, and even in failing health, Father McGivney's hope never diminished. Surely, this is rooted in his life of prayer and his openness to the workings of the Holy Spirit. Father McGivney left us more than the Knights of Columbus as an organization. He left us his work, his vision and his spirituality. These live on in us today. It is up to us, however, to make sure his legacy carries on to the next generation and beyond. We need Father McGivney's model to guide and inspire us. We need more Knights and Guild members to keep his vision alive for the Church and the world.