Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney in 1882 at St. Mary's Parish in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. It was initially established as a mutual benefit society to provide insurance and support to Catholic immigrants facing discrimination in the late 19th century. Today, the Knights of Columbus is one of the world's largest insurance companies and a major philanthropic organization, promoting Catholic causes and supporting local and global social initiatives.

Founding and Early History

Michael J. McGivney, an American Catholic priest, gathered a group of men from St. Mary's Parish for an organizational meeting on October 2, 1881. The Order was incorporated on March 29, 1882, and initially named "Sons of Columbus," but James T. Mullen, the first Supreme Knight, changed it to "Knights of Columbus" to reflect the organization's ritualistic nature. The name was chosen to honor Christopher Columbus, seen as a Catholic hero in America, and to assert Catholics' place in American society despite ongoing discrimination.

The Knights of Columbus was designed to provide financial assistance to families left behind when the main breadwinner died, a common occurrence in the immigrant community before government support programs existed. Catholics were often excluded from labor unions and popular fraternal organizations due to religious and ethnic prejudices, making the Knights a vital alternative for Catholic men seeking communal support and social benefits.

Expansion and Growth

The organization expanded rapidly across the United States, establishing councils in New England and beyond. By the late 1800s, structural changes were implemented to create a federalist system, allowing for coordinated activities across local, state, and national levels. The Knights' first international council was established by 1905, marking the beginning of global expansion.

Principles and Activities

The Knights of Columbus is guided by four core principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Its activities include providing financial support to Catholic institutions, promoting Catholic education, and engaging in various charitable efforts worldwide. The organization also offers insurance services to its members and manages significant financial assets in line with Catholic social teachings.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

The Knights are renowned for their charitable work, including substantial support for programs benefiting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Over $382 million has been donated to relevant organizations over the past three decades, with significant contributions to the Special Olympics. Additionally, the Knights have established funds to support religious vocations and peace initiatives in the Middle East.

Political Involvement

While primarily a fraternal and charitable organization, the Knights of Columbus has been active in promoting Catholic views on public policy issues. They have lobbied for the inclusion of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and the establishment of Columbus Day as a federal holiday. The organization has also taken positions on Catholic family and life issues, advocating for what it terms a "Culture of Life."

Membership and Structure

Membership is restricted to practicing male Catholics aged 18 and above. As of 2024, there are over 2.1 million members worldwide, with the majority based in North America. The Knights of Columbus comprises more than 17,000 local councils globally, including those on college campuses. Women can participate through auxiliary groups like the Columbiettes, while young men may join the Columbian Squires.

The organizational structure includes councils, assemblies (for the fourth degree), and circles (for Columbian Squires). Each type of unit has its own leadership roles, mirroring the hierarchical structure of the Order as a whole. The Order is led by a Supreme Knight and a Supreme Chaplain, with Patrick E. Kelly and William E. Lori holding these positions, respectively.

Legacy and Influence

The Knights of Columbus have played a significant role in supporting Catholic causes and promoting Catholic values in public discourse. Its substantial financial resources and large membership base have enabled the organization to influence Catholic affairs and advocate for issues aligned with Catholic teaching. The Knights' commitment to philanthropy and community service has also contributed to its recognition as a leading global non-profit organization.