Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service organization founded on March 29, 1882, by Michael J. McGivney, an American Catholic priest. The organization was established as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. Today, it is a major international nonprofit organization known for its charitable activities and financial services.

Founding and Early History

Michael J. McGivney conceived the Knights of Columbus with the intention of providing financial support to families, particularly widows and orphans, following the death of a breadwinner. This was a time when government social support systems were lacking, and Catholics faced discrimination in joining many popular fraternal organizations. McGivney drew inspiration from existing Catholic organizations, such as the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, to create a unique society that combined fraternalism with Catholic values.

The organization's name, "Knights of Columbus," was coined by James T. Mullen, leveraging the positive historical associations with Christopher Columbus to emphasize the group's ritualistic and noble nature. It rapidly expanded beyond its origins in New Haven, Connecticut, establishing its first international councils by 1905.

Mission and Activities

The Knights of Columbus operates under the core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. The organization provides extensive charitable support globally, including disaster relief, aid to refugees, and support for people with disabilities. It also sponsors scholarships and educational programs.

One of the Knights' significant contributions is their work in disaster relief, dating back to early disasters like the 1903 Kansas flood and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. In recent years, they have provided substantial aid to victims of the Haitian earthquake and refugees fleeing war zones, such as those in Ukraine.

Insurance and Financial Services

The organization is known for its highly rated insurance program, offering life insurance, annuities, and other financial products exclusively to its members. The Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors manage investments according to Catholic social teachings. Their insurance program has consistently received the highest ratings from organizations like A.M. Best.

Membership and Structure

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men. The organization has more than 2.1 million members worldwide and over 17,000 local councils. Women are involved through auxiliaries like the Columbiettes, and boys can join the Columbian Squires.

Leadership

As of the latest updates, the Supreme Knight is Patrick E. Kelly, and the Supreme Chaplain is William E. Lori. The organization is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut.

The Knights of Columbus plays a significant role in promoting Catholic causes and advocating Catholic views on social and political issues globally. Through its extensive charitable contributions, including over $190 million and 47 million volunteer hours in 2023 alone, the organization continues to uphold its founding mission of serving the Catholic community and broader society.