Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded on March 29, 1882. It was established by Blessed Michael J. McGivney, an assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, with the support of parishioners. The organization is headquartered in New Haven and is led by Patrick E. Kelly as the 14th Supreme Knight.

Mission and Purpose

The Knights of Columbus was initially formed as a mutual benefit society to provide financial aid to working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. Over time, it has evolved to offer a wide range of charitable services, supporting causes such as refugee relief, Catholic education, and disaster response. The organization emphasizes its core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

Charitable Activities

Charity is the primary principle guiding the Knights' activities. Their charitable efforts include:

• Disaster Relief: Providing aid to victims of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, since the early 1900s.
• Refugee Support: Offering assistance to persecuted Christians and other religious minorities, notably during conflicts in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• Coats for Kids: Donating winter coats to needy children, with over 1 million coats distributed as of 2023.
• Health Initiatives: Funding ultrasound machines to support pregnancy centers and promoting health through national blood drives.

Educational Support

The Knights of Columbus supports educational programs, including scholarships for seminarians and students at Catholic institutions. They partner with the Archdiocese for the Military Services to educate future military chaplains.

Financial Services

The organization offers financial security to its members through a wholly owned insurance company, which is a Fortune 1000 company based on its annual revenue. It also manages the Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, investing in accordance with Catholic social teachings.

Membership and Structure

As of 2024, the Knights have over 2.1 million members worldwide. Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. Women can participate through the Columbiettes, and boys can join the Columbian Squires. The Order consists of more than 17,000 local councils globally.

Leadership and Governance

The Knights of Columbus is currently led by Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly. The order has a Supreme Chaplain, presently William E. Lori, who provides spiritual guidance.

Historical Impact

The Knights have played an active role in supporting troops during major conflicts, such as World War I and II, by operating "huts" to provide relief services. They also offer spiritual pilgrimages for veterans, including the Warriors to Lourdes program.