Knights of Columbus Founders Day is celebrated on March 29 every year throughout the U.S. The day is of particular importance to the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal order of service that celebrates the day they received their charter from the State of Connecticut. The organization does a lot of work for Catholic causes, from education and refugee relief to other Catholic and social-political causes. They provide financial support to individuals and organizations in need, who also espouse the Catholic church’s political views. Knights of Columbus Founders Day is when the order reinforces its mission to support the Catholic church.
History of Knights of Columbus Founders Day
Knights of Columbus Founders Day is celebrated on March 29 every year. The day is celebrated by the members of the Catholic order known as the Knights of Columbus and individuals and organizations that support or are supported by the Knights. Celebrated across the U.S., the Knights of Columbus Founders Day commemorates when the founder of the organization, Michael J. McGivney, received the charter for the organization. The State of Connecticut granted Father McGivney the charter for his new organization that consisted of him and a small group of laymen, all of whom were Catholic. The organization was founded in New Haven and today is one of the largest Catholic organizations in the world.
The organization began as a mutual benefit society for Catholic immigrants in the State of Connecticut that offered financial services and other financial support to its members. Over time, the organization expanded its services into soldiers’ welfare during World War I, then into occupational and educational services. The order dedicates itself to the principles that it calls Degrees. These Degrees are patriotism, charity, unity, and fraternity. Among these, charity is considered the most important, and the Knights focus on offering aid to the communities in which they are established.
The majority of the charitable work undertaken by the Knights of Columbus includes refugee aid and aid in cases of natural disasters. The Knights also financially support the Catholic church’s causes.
Knights of Columbus Founders Day timeline
Father Michael J. McGivney receives the charter for the Knights of Columbus from the State of Connecticut in March.
The handbook contains the details of the principles of the Knights of Columbus.
During World War I, the Knights reach out to support soldiers, then expand further into occupational and educational support for veterans.
The Knights of Columbus work against animosity against religious and racial minorities by publishing a series of books.
Knights of Columbus Founders Day FAQs
What is the motto of the Knights of Columbus?
Two of the well-known mottos of the Knights are “In Service to One, In Service to All” and “Vivat Jesus!” meaning “Jesus lives!”
Can a woman join Knights of Columbus?
A woman cannot join the Knights of Columbus. However, women can join a Columbiette Auxiliary that the Knights of Columbus Council sponsors.
What does S.K. mean in Knights of Columbus?
The abbreviation stands for Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. A Supreme Knight’s status is similar to an executive officer or board chairman.
How to Observe Knights of Columbus Founders Day
Serve up Lenten fish fry
A traditional aspect of celebrating Knights of Columbus Founders Day with the Knights is sharing the Lenten fish fry. The council organizes the meal, so you can just join in.
Share information about the Knights
Knights of Columbus Founders Day is a great day to talk about the charity and service work of the Knights. Give out prayer cards and speak to your community about the Knights.
Host a parade
Get the parish together and host a parade through town to get everyone involved in the celebrations. End the parade with a picnic.
5 Facts About The Knights Of Columbus That You Probably Didn’t Know
Christopher Columbus is the patron
The order is named after Christopher Columbus, the Knights' patron.
The K.K.K. tried to discredit them
The Ku Klux Klan spread a conspiracy theory about the Knights of Columbus, claiming that they would exterminate protestants and Freemasons.
They wear color guards
Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus may wear color guards when attending important events of the church or State.
Membership is restricted to men
Only adult male Catholics can be members of the Knights of Columbus though women may participate through the auxiliary Columbiettes.
It has a lot of members
The Knights have over two million members, making it one of the largest Catholic organizations in the world.
Why Knights of Columbus Founders Day is Important
We appreciate the work
The Knights of Columbus do an incredible amount of charity work. We can appreciate this, and their founders' day is a great way to show our appreciation!
It contributes to their causes
The Knights do a lot of important work for refugees and people in crises. So, on this day, you can contribute to the Knights’ causes and support them by celebrating this important day.
It brings the community together
Knights of Columbus Founders Day is a great way of bringing people from different walks of life together. You can use this as an opportunity to bring the community closer to each other.
Knights of Columbus Founders Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 29 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 29 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 29 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 29 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 29 | Thursday |
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