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OUR HISTORY
1882. At the age of 29, Father Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus on February 6th with a mission of charity at St. Mary's Chruch in New Haven, CT.
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He proposed establishing a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies antithetical to Chruch teaching, uniting Catholic men and helping families of deceased members.
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To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus, a recognized Catholic and discoverer of America, as their patron. The Knights of Columbus elected officer in February 1882 and assumed corporate status on March 29th.
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Father Michael J. McGivney Guild | Knights of Columbus (fathermcgivney.org)
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