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Get ready to honor the founding of a remarkable fraternal organization on March 29, as we celebrate Knights of Columbus Founders Day! This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the Knights of Columbus by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882. Since then, this Catholic fraternal organization has grown into one of the largest and most influential in the world, with over 1.9 million members dedicated to serving their communities and promoting charity, unity, and fraternity. So let's take a moment to appreciate all that the Knights of Columbus have accomplished and continue to do for those in need.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1882</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Knights of Columbus</div><div class='timeline-text'>Father Michael J. McGivney founds Knights of Columbus in St. Mary's Church in Connecticut, offering financial and social aid to Catholic families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1890</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion Outside Connecticut</div><div class='timeline-text'>Knights of Columbus expands beyond Connecticut, establishing their first council in Brooklyn, New York, and growing across the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Insurance Policy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Knights of Columbus grants its first insurance policy. Its insurance program has since become one of the organization's pillars of support to families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1927</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>First council established in Mexico, marking the order's international expansion, and promoting the welfare of Catholics worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Cause for Canonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Benedict XVI declares Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of Knights of Columbus, "Venerable", marking a major step in the cause for his canonization.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of the Knights of Columbus</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to educate yourself and others about the founding of the Knights of Columbus, their mission, and their impact on the Catholic Church and communities around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a mass or service honoring the founders</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many local Knights of Columbus councils and Catholic churches hold special masses or services to honor the founders. Attend one of these events to pay tribute and celebrate their legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with your local Knights of Columbus council</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the core values of the Knights of Columbus is service to others. Take part in this by volunteering with your local council on a service project or event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraising event for a Knights of Columbus charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Knights of Columbus has many charitable initiatives and organizations that support various causes. Host a fundraising event to support one of these causes and honor the founders' commitment to charity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Celebrate with a Knights of Columbus themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family who are also members of the Knights of Columbus and celebrate with a themed party. Have everyone dress up in their best Knights of Columbus attire and enjoy food, drinks, and games that honor the founders and their organization.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the founding of a significant fraternal organization</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Knights of Columbus Founders Day celebrates the establishment of one of the largest Catholic fraternal service organizations in the world. This day is a reminder of the important work and contributions that members have made to their communities over the past century.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and brotherhood among its members</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Knights of Columbus is built on the values of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. On Founders Day, members are reminded of these principles and encouraged to continue working together towards bettering themselves and their communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It inspires service and philanthropy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Knights of Columbus is known for its charitable efforts and community service. On this day, members are encouraged to continue serving those in need and making a positive impact by giving back to their communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of service and philanthropy in our lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Knights of Columbus is a Financially Strong Organization</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Knights of Columbus, beyond its community services, also runs a successful insurance firm with more than $100 billion in life insurance policies in force today, ensuring financial security for numerous families.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Knights Have a Well-rooted Scholarship Program</h3><p class='facts-content'>To promote education and uplift the next generation, Knights of Columbus has granted millions in scholarships and student loans since initiating various scholarship programs in the 1960s.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Knights of Columbus Raise Funds for Religious Vocations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Knights financially assist seminarians and postulants, helping them to respond to God's call to join the priesthood or consecrated life through their "Refund Support Vocations Program" (RSVP).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Annual Contributions to Charity Exceed $175 Million</h3><p class='facts-content'>With the principle of charity at heart, Knights of Columbus members collectively raise and donate more than $175 million to charitable causes each year, making a substantial global impact.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Knights Efforts Against Christian Persecution</h3><p class='facts-content'>Knights of Columbus have made notable contributions in bringing attention to and helping Christians affected by genocide in the Middle East, ensuring the religious freedom and rights of minorities are respected.</p></div></div>
Knights of Columbus Founders Day is celebrated on March 29 every year. In 2024 Knights of Columbus Founders Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Mar 29
Wednesday
2024
Mar 29
Friday
2025
Mar 29
Saturday
2026
Mar 29
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2027
Mar 29
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