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.
Father McGivney's Path to Sainthood
A Message From Your KofC Insurance Field Agent - Michael McAndrew
This month marks one year under COVID-19 restrictions. I remember when the news of shutting the Supreme Office was announced. I, like many I think, thought this would last a couple of months and all of us would get back to normal. The reality is much different. Maybe some of you are working from home…maybe some will be working from home for the foreseeable future. I realize this has not been easy for many of you. When it began I wondered how I would be able to help my brother Knights. But as restrictions were put in place, we were provided with a new way to meet with members virtually on our computers and we were given a number of tools to ensure that you, our members and your families, were served.
Using these new tools I have found that I am more efficient. I save travel time and can have more meetings in a day. I’ve found that many of you like the idea of meeting virtually or through phone conference. It’s less stress for you to simply sit down in front of your computer or phone, click on a few buttons and we can have a confidential conversation about your needs, wants and desires. For service issues I can meet much more quickly and have all the forms I might need to help you right at my fingertips…No more running out to the car to grab my mobile printer. (I am not complaining about saving a couple of bucks on ink and toner either.)
We’ve had our eApplication process for a while, and with pandemic restrictions members have found it very valuable to be able to sign electronically from the safety of their own home.
It’s been a very different year: We missed much of the solemnity of Holy Week and Easter with many of us either social distancing at church or live-streaming Mass; by summer we were able to get outside as long as we didn’t get too close to others who were out. Vacations were pretty much out of the question—I know I had a “stay-cation” with my family. By fall we had figured out how to deliver candy from a socially acceptable distance to those few trick or treaters who braved the night. Thanksgiving traditions of large family gatherings were taboo and Christmas was so much smaller in 2020. Joyously we experienced the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney.
Now I hope we are starting to come full circle into 2021. The vaccine is on the way. Some of you have already received it. It looks like there is a light on at the end of the tunnel.
I am most thankful to all of you. Many of you met with me this year and wanted to make sure your desire for financial security was up to date. It was my pleasure to take the time to analyze your situation and give you my recommendations. I look forward to meeting with many more of you in the months ahead whether virtually or face to face. Take this time to pull out existing coverage from the Knights of Columbus or any company for that matter. Brush or blow the dust off them and review them to make sure what you thought you had is still what you actually have today. They say the mind is a funny thing, I know I do not remember what I ate for breakfast two days ago so how are you sure about a policy, coverage, or retirement you did more than one, two, or more than five years ago. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like a review; I am here to serve you, my members, and your families.
My family looks forward to the birth of our new child sometime in the next few days.
I continue to pray you will all be safe and healthy.
Vivat Jesus!
No Neighbor Left Behind
As communities around the world are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knights of Columbus is asking its vast volunteer network of members to help ensure that essential needs are met in communities from coast to coast.
For some individuals, buying essentials or leaving their homes to do so has become challenging. In addition, blood banks are in desperate need of donations. In response Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson has urged Knights of Columbus across the country to donate blood and to come to the aid of their neighbors in communities nationwide as part of its new “Leave No Neighbor Behind” initiative.
Knights of Columbus are encouraged to assist:
• one another, especially the elderly and those living alone.
• their fellow parishioners and their pastors during a time when many churches are closed.
• their neighbors, who have particular needs at this time.
• the hungry, by donating to and volunteering at local food pantries and food banks.
• with blood donations, especially in response to current shortages.
In Line with this initiative, Councill 551 is currently asking for Donations for our local St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Any amount is great appreciated and all funds will be given directly to the Food Pantry to aid them in buying necessary food for their clients. Please send donations to:
Knights of Columbus Council 551
Attn: Food Drive
PO Box 711
Altoona, PA 16603
We appreciate you and the support you provide to those in need during this time!