Father Michael J. McGivney

Founder

 Born  August 12, 1852  Died August 14,1890 (1852-08-12Waterbury, ConnecticutWaterbury, Connecti

 

The Knights of Columbus Emblem

The Columbian coat of arms consists solely of straight lines and angles, symbolizing the determination, tenacity, firmness and courage that the Order's founders had to demonstrate in the face of difficulties to surmount, problems to solve to defend their faith and their rights in a milieu ill-suited to the growth of their Movement.

Figures and Symbols

The Columbian Coat of Arms contains three symbolic elements: the sword, the anchor and the battle axe, recalling the noble and illustrious deeds of the Order's founders.

The sword and the anchor, placed one over the other, form a sort of "X" or St Andrew's cross.

The sword symbolizes honor, distinction, bravery and courage.

The anchor, an instrument designed to hold a ship in place, represents that which attaches, stops, consolidates and stabilizes.

The battle axe, placed on the shield, symbolizes action taken to overcome obstacles or ambushes on the road to accomplishing one's objectives.

The bundle represents the solid grouping of people come together to realize a common ideal under the guidance of a recognized leader. It symbolizes teamwork, the strength inherent in unity and fraternity.

The helmet, placed on the upper part of the Coat of Arms represents rank or degree of nobility. On the coat of arms of a warrior it is the noblest and principal ornament.

The little white triangle, above the helmet and pointing upward, symbolizes the flame which lights and guides.

The Colors

The blue (azure), represents the sky, that is, God who watches over the world. It is the symbol of hope, peace, and confidence.

The white (silver) is innocence, frankness and purity of intention.

The yellow (gold) denotes indestructible goods, the richness that comes with hard work.

The red symbolizes giving of one's self, courage, valor and heroism in the fight for one's faith, one's language and one's rights.

 The Fourth Degree Emblem

The Fourth Degree emblem is made up of three distinct symbols which represent the three persons of the Holy Trinity.

Figures and Symbols

The cross represents God the Son, redeemer of all men.

The globe represents God the Father, creator of the universe and all things visible and invisible.

The Dove represents God the Holy Spirit, sanctifier of the world, breath of life and inspiration for all men.

These three symbols remind the Knights that they have the faith and belief in the Trinity.

Colors

Blue (azure) symbolic of innocence.

White (silver) is the symbol of integrity.

Yellow (gold) is intended as the symbol for the riches acquired through hard work.

Red stands for courage, valor and giving of one's self.

The colors emphasize the basic principle of the Fourth Degree: PATRIOTISM.

 

History of the Knights of Columbus

On Oct. 2, 1881, a group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.

They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith.

These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.

The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

Father McGivney’s founding vision for the Order also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order’s insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights’ growing membership.

Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from outside ratings agencies. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits.

The Supreme Council is the governing body of the Knights of Columbus and is responsible for the development of the organization as a whole. Supreme Council duties include establishing the Order in new regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting awareness of the Knights’ mission worldwide, and protecting the families of members through its extensive insurance program. Members working in local, or subordinate councils, however, carry on the majority of the Knights’ beneficial work.

  

Our Mission --

The Knights of Columbus Council 5779 is a brotherhood of Catholic gentlemen committed to the virtues of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Central to our mission is the defense of the Catholic Church and its Priests. 
 
The Order of the Knights of Columbus is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We are unequivocal in our loyalty to the Pope and firmly committed to the  protection of all human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. 
 
It was on these virtues that our Order was founded over a century ago and we remain true to them today.

Why Join the Knights of Columbus?

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference!  Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place while supporting their Church.  Being a Knight si more than camaraderie; it is supporting your local Catholic Church while enhancing your own faith.  It is about protecting and enhancing your own family life.  Come and see what we are all about!

This web site will tell you about Knights today and what we do, and this site will give you answers to questions you may have about the Knights.


 "Tempus Fugit...Momento Mori"


"Time Flies...Remember Death"

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