Father McGivney Guild

Father McGivney was a very selfless shepherd, always attentive to his flock. Whether it was listening to a family’s hopes and aspirations for education or job security or whether it was listening to stories of disappointment or betrayal in love, he heard and advised them to the best of his ability.    

His spirituality flowed from his priestly identity and the primary work of bringing Christ to his people in the sacraments. His example of being ever ready to listen, advise and console, stirred the idealism and generosity of his young parishioners to imitate his virtue in their own lives and in their proper vocations.

The uniqueness of Father McGivney’s spirituality of pastoral action lies less in its piety, which was typical of the age and religious climate, and more in the fact that he fostered collaboration between priests and layman in addressing the serious issues Catholics faced in the second half of the 19^th century. The spirit of cooperation and a certain sense of equality must be considered a unique aspect of Father McGivney’s pastoral action

While always considered a man of exemplary virtue, Father McGivney was always approachable. He was loved by his people, especially his young parishioners, whose souls he carefully nurtured and formed. His other activities were visiting the sick, teaching catechism and the huge task of founding the Knights of Columbus. One can well understand why he had little stamina to fight off tuberculosis which carried him off from this world.

Brother Knights I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to join the Father McGivney Guild www.fathermcgivney.org and say the prayer for his canonization located at the bottom of this section.