Blessed McGivney: An Outstanding Witness

Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt recounts the life of Waterbury native son and priest Blessed Michael J. McGivney, whose patronal feast in the Archdiocese of Hartford is annually marked on Aug. 13. Blessed McGivney, who founded the Knights of Columbus, demonstrated how to live a life of service and faith. Pray for his intercession and for a second miracle that will lead to his canonization as a saint. Read more about Blessed McGivney in the upcoming issue of the Catholic Transcript.  

These days, I am re-reading the biography of Blessed Michael McGivney. I am sure you agree that he shines as a champion of the Gospel’s works of mercy. In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus presents a powerful image of the final judgment, separating the righteous from the unrighteous based on acts of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me,” he says. This Gospel passage is not merely a list of good deeds, but a roadmap to holiness, a path that Blessed Michael McGivney, as an example to all, walked among us with quiet courage and deep conviction.

As many of us know, Father McGivney, born in 1852 in Waterbury to Irish immigrant parents, was a highly skilled yet humble parish priest whose ministry reflected the corporal works of mercy through everyday acts. During a time when many Catholic families—especially widows and orphans—faced social prejudice, economic hardship, and spiritual marginalization, he shared their pain, recognizing in them the suffering face of Christ. A bright man, rather than furthering his priestly career due to his many talents, Father McGivney dedicated his priesthood to being present, compassionate, and proactive in caring for his flock.

Founding the Knights of Columbus in 1882 serves as a concrete expression of this mercy that he had already demonstrated in his pastoral assignments in New Haven and Thomaston. He recognized the vulnerable position of Catholic men, many of whom died young due to harsh labor conditions, leaving their families destitute. The Knights began as a mutual aid society, providing financial and spiritual support to widows and orphans. In this initiative, Father McGivney reflected the very heart of Matthew 25: loving Christ in the “least” among us.

Moreover, his mercy extended beyond material assistance. As a parish priest, he acted as a shepherd, offering counsel, encouragement, and sacramental grace to those who suffered. He made himself available to his parishioners, as well as to the poor, the unemployed, and the young men tempted by crime or despair. His compassion was not sentimental; it was active, personal, and rooted in the Eucharistic love of Christ.

Today, the witness of Blessed Michael McGivney speaks urgently to our times. In a society marred by division, indifference, and isolation, he calls us to rediscover mercy as the defining characteristic of Christian life. His legacy is not confined to statues, museums, or badges; it lives on in every act of compassion inspired by faith.

To honor this local saint means to take seriously the words of Christ in Matthew 25, not only as a future judgment, but also as a daily calling. Blessed Michael McGivney shows us that holiness is possible in ordinary life and that mercy is the most reliable path to Christ.

Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed McGivney

Our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we  may continue his work of caring for the needy and  the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify  Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.