Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. Its mission is to support Catholic men in living their faith and to provide financial security to members and their families. The organization is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, and is led by its Supreme Knight, currently Patrick E. Kelly.

Founding and Early History

The Knights of Columbus was established as a mutual benefit society to provide insurance benefits and support to working-class and immigrant Catholic men in the United States. During the late 19th century, such organizations were crucial as Catholics faced discrimination in labor unions and other fraternal societies. Father McGivney, inspired by his experiences and Catholic teachings, aimed to create a society that would encourage men to be proud of their American–Catholic heritage.

Core Values

The organization's principles are built upon the core values of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. These values guide the Knights in their charitable activities, fraternal support, and advocacy for Catholic views on social and political issues.

Charitable Activities

The Knights of Columbus are renowned for their extensive charitable work:

• Disaster Relief: They have provided aid to victims of natural disasters throughout history, including recent support for refugees fleeing the Ukraine conflict.
• Support for People with Disabilities: The Knights have supported organizations like the Special Olympics since its inception in 1968.
• Refugee Assistance: Between 2014 and 2018, they contributed over $20 million to support persecuted Christians and minorities in the Middle East.
• Coats for Kids: Over a million coats have been donated to needy children since the program began in 2009.
• Health Initiatives: The Knights have donated ultrasound machines to pregnancy centers and support various health-related projects.

Insurance Services

The organization operates a highly rated insurance program exclusively for members and their families. This includes life insurance, annuities, and other financial products, managed under Catholic ethical guidelines.

Global Presence

As of 2024, the Knights of Columbus have over 2.1 million members worldwide, with more than 17,000 local councils. The organization supports Catholic education, parishes, and dioceses globally.

Leadership and Structure

The Knights of Columbus is structured into four degrees, reflecting the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Women and youth are included through auxiliary groups like the Columbiettes and the Columbian Squires. The Supreme Knight, currently Patrick E. Kelly, leads the organization, while William E. Lori serves as Supreme Chaplain.

Impact and Recognition

The Knights of Columbus have been influential in both charitable and political spheres. Their commitment to charitable causes has made a significant impact globally. They also support the Vatican's initiatives and have been recognized for their humanitarian work, particularly in supporting persecuted Christians and refugees.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Columbus [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Knights_of_Columbus [3] https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-story/index.html [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charitable_activities_of_the_Knights_of_Columbus [5] https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/charity/index.html