In 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney invited a small group of parishioners to gather in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His goal was simple—to establish an Order that would unite men in their faith as well as help provide for Catholic families in times of need.

It was in that humblest of beginnings that the Knights of Columbus was founded.

Guided by four core principles—charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism— these founding members strove to overcome the hardships of the time. Poverty. Unemployment. Even persecution.

Father Michael J. McGivney’s perseverance and foresight have resulted in the largest Catholic fraternal and humanitarian organization ever created. An organization that has endured for over a century because of the inspirational courage of so many.