Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service order founded on March 29, 1882, by Father Michael J. McGivney. The organization was initially established as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. Its headquarters is in New Haven, Connecticut.

Founding and Purpose

The Knights of Columbus was founded at St. Mary's Parish in New Haven, Connecticut. Father McGivney, an assistant pastor, aimed to address the financial instability faced by many Catholic families when the primary breadwinner died. At the time, many Catholics were excluded from other fraternal organizations and labor unions due to religious and ethnic discrimination. McGivney sought to create an organization that combined fraternalism with Catholic values, providing insurance benefits and social support to its members.

Activities and Outreach

Today, the Knights of Columbus is one of the largest Catholic fraternal service organizations in the world, with over 2.1 million members globally. The organization is based on four core principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Its activities include:

• Charitable Work: The Knights are actively involved in various charitable initiatives. They provide aid to refugees, victims of natural disasters, and support for people with disabilities. They have also donated extensively to persecuted Christians and other minorities worldwide.
• Education: The organization offers scholarships, particularly for seminarians and veterans. It supports Catholic education at institutions like the Catholic University of America.
• Insurance Services: The Knights operate a highly rated insurance program exclusively for its members and their families. The program includes life insurance, annuities, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance.

Impact and Leadership

The organization is led by the Supreme Knight, currently Patrick E. Kelly, and the Supreme Chaplain, William E. Lori. The Knights of Columbus have a strong presence in supporting Catholic causes and advocating Catholic viewpoints on public policy issues.

The organization also owns financial management firms that invest in accordance with Catholic social teachings.

In recent years, the Knights have been involved in providing humanitarian relief, particularly in regions affected by conflict, such as Ukraine, where they have delivered millions of pounds of relief supplies and provided significant financial aid.

Organisation Structure

The Knights of Columbus operate through more than 17,000 local councils worldwide, including councils on college campuses. Women can participate through auxiliary organizations like the Columbiettes, while young men can join the Columbian Squires. The Order's structure includes four degrees, each embodying one of the core principles of the organization.