Founded in 1882 in New Haven by Blessed Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus began as a small Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to charity, unity, and support for families in need. Father McGivney created the order to provide financial assistance and spiritual support to Catholic immigrants and widows during a time of hardship and discrimination.

The organization chose the name “Knights of Columbus” to honor Christopher Columbus and to emphasize Catholic heritage, patriotism, and service. What started with a handful of parish members quickly grew into an international brotherhood committed to faith, family, and community service.

Over the decades, the Knights expanded across North America and around the world, supporting churches, schools, disaster relief efforts, pro-life initiatives, youth programs, and charitable causes. The order also became known for its strong support of veterans, people with disabilities, seminarians, and local communities in times of crisis.

Today, the Knights of Columbus is one of the world’s largest Catholic service organizations, with millions of members united by the principles of:

• Charity

• Unity

• Fraternity

• Patriotism

Through volunteer service, faith leadership, and charitable outreach, the Knights continue Father McGivney’s mission of strengthening families, serving the Church, and helping those in need.

Blessed Michael J. McGivney was a Catholic priest and the founder of the Knights of Columbus. Born in 1852 in Waterbury to Irish immigrant parents, Father McGivney grew up understanding the struggles faced by working-class Catholic families during a time of economic hardship and anti-Catholic discrimination in America.

Ordained as a priest in 1877, Father McGivney served at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, where he became deeply concerned for widows, orphans, and families left vulnerable after the loss of a breadwinner. To provide both spiritual support and financial protection, he founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882.

Father McGivney envisioned an organization built on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. His leadership inspired Catholic men to strengthen their faith, support their families, and serve their communities through acts of charity and brotherhood.

Despite his short life, Father McGivney’s impact grew far beyond his parish. He died in 1890 at the age of 38, but his mission continued to expand worldwide through the work of the Knights of Columbus.

Recognized for his faith, compassion, and service to others, Father McGivney was beatified by the Catholic Church in 2020 and is now known as Blessed Michael J. McGivney. Today, he is remembered as a model of Christian charity, family devotion, and Catholic leadership.

Formed March 17th, 1912

Based on the council number we are the oldest council in Kamloops.