Catechetical Saints: The Venerable Father Michael McGivney

There was in Father McGivney a balance between the human and divine. His ability to mourn with those in sorrow and rejoice with those in need of joy and encouragement typified his priestly disposition. Every one of us, cleric or lay, married or single, need to achieve such a balance, an integration, in our own lives. www.fathermcgivney.org Fr. Michael McGivney is probably not familiar to most readers, unless they are connected to the Knights of Columbus. The Knights are known for their work for the poor, for Catholic education, and for the disabled. I attended a conference sponsored by a non-religious organization who work with and for people with severe disabilities. One session, focused on independent living for people with developmental disabilities and the life of one individual was highlighted. It was noted that part of the success achieved by this man in living independently stemmed in part from the invitation of his neighbor to attend a meeting of the Knights of Columbus. He joined the organization, worked very hard in the projects sponsored by them, and eventually became a member of the Catholic Church. I was surprised that a state run organization would highlight the religious life of a client, but I was not surprised that the Knights played a role in the man’s support group.