Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Blessed Michael J. McGivney. Membership in the organization is limited to practicing Catholic men.

Formation and Purpose

The Knights of Columbus was founded on March 29, 1882, in New Haven, Connecticut, initially as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. The organization's primary goal was to provide financial support to its members and their families during times of need.

Core Principles

The organization is guided by four core principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. These principles serve as the foundation for its charitable work, international brotherhood, and support for the Catholic faith.

Charitable Activities

Charity is central to the mission of the Knights of Columbus. The organization engages in a wide range of charitable activities, including:

• Disaster Relief: Providing aid to those affected by natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes.
• Refugee Support: Offering assistance to refugees, particularly persecuted Christians and other minorities.
• Health Initiatives: Supporting initiatives like national blood drives and funding over 1,000 ultrasound machines to promote pro-life efforts.
• Education and Scholarship: Providing scholarships for seminarians and other students.

In 2023, the Knights donated $190 million and contributed over 47 million volunteer hours to various charitable causes.

Financial Services

The Knights of Columbus operates a significant insurance company underwriting more than two million insurance contracts, with over $121 billion of life insurance in force as of 2023. It also manages investments through Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, adhering to Catholic social teachings.

Membership and Structure

As of 2024, the organization has over 2.1 million members worldwide, with more than 17,000 local councils globally. Women can participate through auxiliary groups like the Columbiettes, and boys can join the Columbian Squires. The Order consists of four degrees, each highlighting a core principle.

Leadership

The organization is currently led by Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly and Supreme Chaplain William E. Lori.

Role in Society

The Knights of Columbus plays an active role in promoting Catholic values in public policy and supporting various social causes aligned with its principles.