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A Message From Your KofC Insurance Field Agent - Michael McAndrew

 

Council Meeting Message— December  2021

 

What special celebrations we have in the month of December!  Our Lady’s feast, the feast of the Immaculate Conception when we honor Mary as having been conceived without original sin.  What an honor, too, for her mother, St. Anne, and father, St. Joachim, to have that blessing, literally the grandparents of our Lord!  Then we celebrate Christmas and the Word made flesh who dwelled among us.  “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,  Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:5)

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I’m sure your family, like mine, has its traditions at Christmas.  There is decorating a tree and the house both inside and out, shopping for that perfect gift, and the preparation of the special meal.  Maybe you start the real celebration by attending Midnight Mass.  And perhaps this year it will mean a return to a houseful of relatives around your Christmas dinner table.  I hope and pray that you and your family find peace and joy during this season!

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As we approach the end of the year I want to thank each of you for the trust you’ve placed in me.  I have been able to help so many brother Knights and their families with the services and products that the Order has available to protect Catholic families.  I consider it an honor to be able to serve you as your agent.  One way I may be able to serve you better is to make sure you respond to the survey that was sent from the Supreme Office recently.  While some snail mail is still delayed, you should have received it.  Answering the survey will help me serve you better.  If you like convenience you may want to complete the survey online.  Please be sure to check your contact information and make sure it is correct.  If you have not yet received your survey, please let me know.

Have a very Merry Christmas!  Let’s be thankful for all the graces and gifts that God has blessed us with, especially the gift of his Son!

Vivat Jesus!

 

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Michael

 

Beatification of our Founder, Father Michael McGivney

On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney and opening the way for his beatification. On Oct. 31, the Mass for Beatification was celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn. An Apostolic Letter was read from Pope Francis that declared Father McGivney would now have the title of Blessed Michael McGivney. He is the third priest born in the United States to be raised to this honor, and the first priest to be beatified who spent his whole priestly ministry in a US parish.

The pope’s Apostolic Letter stated that Blessed Michael McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.”

The Cause for Canonization for Father McGivney was opened in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1997, when he was given the title Servant of God. On March 15, 2008, his heroic virtue was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI, and Father McGivney was given the title Venerable Servant of God. This important step occurred after years of careful investigation of Father McGivney’s life, spirituality and holiness by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The declaration of Venerable confirmed what those who knew him in life, and others who call upon him since his death, have believed about Father McGivney: He lived a life of heroic virtue with an extraordinary love of God and neighbor.

Having been raised to the honors of the altar, Blessed Michael McGivney has an annual feast day of Aug. 13, the day between his birthday (in 1852) and the he passed into eternal life (in 1890). His cause has now entered the final phase toward canonization or sainthood. One more confirmed miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney is needed for him to be declared saint.