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The Knights of Columbus were started by Bl. Michael McGivney, an American priest who wanted to help widows as well as strengthen the faith of the men in his local parish.
McGivney was beatified on October 31, 2020, and ever since then, August 13 has been celebrated as his feast day.
The Knights of Columbus prepared a variety of resources that can be accessed on their website.
Votive Mass
Bl. Michael McGivney’s feast day is only on the liturgical calendar of his local diocese, but a special votive Mass can be offered following these instructions:
According to a directive from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, August 13 is inscribed on the liturgical calendar as a memorial of Blessed Michael McGivney for the Archdiocese of Hartford. The congregation, however, noted that “it will be possible for gatherings of Knights [of Columbus] to celebrate a votive Mass in honor of Fr. McGivney with the permission of the local ordinary and respecting the rules of precedence laid out in the Table of Liturgical Days” (Prot. N. 436/20).
In accordance with this guidance, Knights of Columbus chaplains as well as priests with active councils in their parishes outside of the Archdiocese of Hartford may seek permission from their diocesan bishop to offer a Votive Mass of Blessed Michael McGivney on August 13. In this way, Masses honoring Blessed Michael McGivney may be offered for gatherings of Knights around the world, provided the permission of the local ordinary is obtained.
Liturgy of the Hours
Another liturgical option is honoring Bl. Fr. McGivney through the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours.
The Knights of Columbus have provided approved texts for the Office of Readings, as well as the collect prayer that can be used at the end of the various hours.
Prayers, devotions and more
Outside of various liturgical options, the Knights also provide devotions, prayers and even videos that highlight the saintly character of Bl. Michael McGivney.
And today we celebrate...