The first child of Irish immigrants, Michael Joseph McGivney was born in Connecticut in 1852. His father worked in a brass factory, and like most Catholic immigrants of the day his family faced severe prejudice, social disadvantages, and poverty. To help his family, at 13 Michael left school to also work in a brass factory making spoons. Three years later he left home for the seminary, and was ordained at 25. He served as a parish priest at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, where he used his energy, kind-heartedness, and love for all people in the vibrant pastoral care of all he came into contact with. He contracted the flu while working with pandemic patients, and died in 1890 at the age of only 38.
CHALLENGE
Blessed Michael McGivney is most remembered for starting the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization to strengthen the faith of Catholic men and provide financial assistance to families in the event the family breadwinner dies. Today, the Knights have over two million members around the world. Men, if you’re not a Knight, join today at www.kofc.org. Ladies, volunteer to help at an upcoming Knights event.
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Want to learn more about the Order of Mercy, also known as the Mercedarians? Mercy, Ransom, Redemption is a compilation of short stories about Mercedarian saints, blesseds, brothers, priests, and third order members of the Order.
