Knights of Columbus in Arkansas held Spiritual Reflection opportunities over the last year for Catholics to see and pray with a first class relic of Blessed Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. (Courtesy Lloyd Cambre)
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Founder of Knights of Columbus still inspiring Arkansans

Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, holds a significant and revered place in the hearts of the Knights of Columbus in Arkansas. 

His vision and dedication laid the foundation for a fraternal organization that has grown to become one of the most influential and charitable Catholic organizations globally. For the Knights in Arkansas, McGivney’s legacy is not only a source of inspiration but also a guiding principle in their efforts to serve their communities and uphold the values of faith, charity and unity.

Born in 1852 in Waterbury, Conn., McGivney was the son of Irish immigrants who faced the hardships and prejudices common to many immigrant families of that era. Despite these challenges, McGivney was determined to make a difference in the lives of those around him. 

He was ordained a priest in 1877 and soon recognized the need for a Catholic fraternal organization to provide spiritual support, financial aid and a sense of community to its members. In 1882, he founded the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Conn., with the mission of offering financial assistance to widows and orphans of deceased members, promoting Catholic values and fostering social unity.

For the Knights of Columbus in Arkansas, McGivney’s life and mission resonate deeply — his vision provides a clear blueprint for how to navigate these challenges while staying true to Catholic principles.

Lloyd Cambre, past state deputy in the state council, is excited to work with other Knights to bring a first-class relic of McGivney’s to the state. 

In January and February, McGivney’s first-class relic made its way across the state in a Knights of Columbus-led pilgrimage, which stopped in 21 parishes. More than 4,500 people  had the opportunity to view the relic and listen to the miracle attributed to McGivney’s intercession. 

In 2015, a family from Tennessee learned during a routine ultrasound that their unborn child had a life-threatening condition. The child was diagnosed with a condition known as fetal hydrops, which involves an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the baby’s body. Doctors informed the family that the condition was grave, and there was little hope for the survival of the unborn child.

The family, devout Catholics, prayed fervently for a miracle through the intercession of McGivney, whom they held in high esteem for his founding of the Knights of Columbus and his example of charity and faith. They reached out to their local Knights of Columbus council and asked for prayers and support.

Despite the prognosis, the family continued to pray for McGivney’s intercession. Over time, the condition of the unborn child began to improve inexplicably. Subsequent medical tests showed a gradual and complete resolution of the fetal hydrops, which doctors could not explain through medical intervention alone.

The healing of the unborn child was recognized by the Church as a miraculous event attributed to the intercession of McGivney. This miracle was a key factor in the process leading to his beatification.

McGivney was beatified on Oct. 31, 2020, in a ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Conn. 

“For many, this was the first time they had heard of the founder of the Knights of Columbus and the incredible miracle, a miracle for a brother knight,” Cambre said. “For me and my wife, it was a very moving experience taking the relic to each church. The love, faith, inspiration and hope that so many individuals expressed during their moment with the relic are memories we will treasure forever.”

Katie Zakrzewski

Katie Zakrzewski joined Arkansas Catholic as associate editor in 2023 after working in local media and the environmental sector. A member of St. Mary Church in North Little Rock, she recently completed her master’s degree in public service from the Clinton School.

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