Vatican City, Mar 17, 2008 / 08:05 am
This past Saturday, March 15, Pope Benedict XVI approved a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. If Fr. McGivney is recognized as a saint, he will be the first American-born priest to be so honored.
The Pope’s declaration significantly advances the priest’s process toward sainthood and gives him the distinction of “Venerable Servant of God.” The progress of the Fr. McGivney comes as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, promised last August at the Knight’s annual convention to personally advocate his cause.
“All of us who are members of the Knights of Columbus are profoundly grateful for this recognition of the holiness of our founder,” said Carl Anderson, the head of the Catholic fraternal organization. “The strength of the Knights of Columbus today is a testament to his timeless vision, his holiness and his ideals,” he added.
His Life