The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. It is led by Patrick E. Kelly, the order's 14th Supreme Knight. The organization is named after the explorer Christopher Columbus.
Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus
Poster showing a man in Knights of Columbus uniform gesturing toward soldiers in battle
Knights of Columbus headquarters
The Knights of Columbus presented a check to Catholic University of America on the steps of the university's McMahon Hall in 1904 to establish a Chair of American History
Michael Joseph McGivney was an American Catholic priest based in New Haven, Connecticut. He founded the Knights of Columbus at a local parish to serve as a mutual aid and insurance organization, particularly for immigrants and their families. It developed through the 20th century as the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization.
Fr. Michael J. McGivney, c. 1890
Michael J. McGivney
Monument of Michael J. McGivney at the Church of the Ascension in Saratoga, California, U.S.
Fr. Michael J. McGivney monument in Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Church, Bauang, La Union, Philippines
