Diocese to commemorate McGivney beatification, honor Knights

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, in commemoration of the Beatification of Father Michael J. McGivney.  Now named Blessed Michael McGivney, the priest was beatified in Hartford, Connecticut Oct. 31. The Mass in the Diocese of Trenton is by invitation only due to COVID restrictions but will be accessible to the public through a livestream video.  It can be viewed at youtube.com/trentondiocese.

Ordained in 1877, Father McGivney was a parish priest who started an outreach to young men to better their lives.  The result of his efforts was the founding of a Catholic fraternal organization which sought to promote the faith and do works of charity.  Now, with 2 million members worldwide, the Knights of Columbus is currently the largest such group in the world, contributing almost $200 million annually to various charitable and Catholic causes.  The Knights have also donated over 77 million (and growing!) hours of service each year in pursuit of their mission.
Beatification is a step of the sainthood process and recognizes the intervention of the individual up for sainthood in a miracle confirmed by the Church.  Beatification is the last step before canonization, in which an individual is made a saint.
The celebration will include the installation and blessing by Bishop O’Connell of a portrait of Blessed Michael McGivney as an expression of appreciation for the Knights of Columbus in the Diocese. The Bishop commissioned the 24x28 reproduction painted by Sulpician artist, Father Peter Gray, and directed that it be installed in the Co-Cathedral, where the Knights attend and support many diocesan events.

There are currently nearly 12,000 members of the Knights of Columbus forming 73 councils in the Diocese of Trenton.

In announcing the special Mass, Bishop O’Connell emphasized the valuable work and impact of the Knights across the Diocese.  He said, “They are very present in many parishes, offering support and assistance in the spirit of Father McGivney and the first Knights.”

The Bishop also mentioned the participation of the Knights at “so many diocesan and parish events, giving witness to the important role of Catholic laymen.”  He added, “The Knights have been a great ‘arm of the Church’ in so many ways.”