Parish Priest, Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism

What I like about this book is it's honesty.  It paints the picture of what it was like to be a Roman Catholic Priest in the 1880s New England.

Fr. Michael McGivney saw a need and moved to fill that by founding the Knights of Columbus fraternal benefit society. This well known lay organization of 1.8 million Catholic men offers life insurance benefits and gives millions of dollars and hours each year to charity.

He was hard working.  He tended to his parish with dedication, love of God and love of Church and, he tended to the community.  He directed volunteer benefit plays, ministered to the sick and imprisoned and delicately gave spiritual support to anyone who asked.

He succombed at age 38 to "priest fever", a combination of overwork, weakened immune system and complications from pneumonia and the flu.  It was not uncommon.

He drew himself up big in founding the Knights of Columbus and then returned to his calling as a parish priest, quietly serving.  He is being considered for canonization.  I think his cause is well deserved.  A great read, well researched and written book.

Why Are the Knights Not Canonical?

Having been involved in the Knights of Columbus for 15 years, I have wondered why the organization is not canonical in nature? i.e., approved by the Catholic Church. In rereading "Parish Priest Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism, I think I found my answer.

In 1885 when the K of C had some 50 Councils and was growing rapidly, the editor of the Connecticut Catholic John Scanlon, referred to the K of C in an editorial as a "secret society". This prompted a letter from an anonymous priest named Clericus who asked Scanlon to specify why he had labeled K of C as "secret".  Canon law forbids Catholics from joining secret societies.

Scanlon replied that the K of C in his mind was a secret society since it was a business and a business, particularly insurance, had to have its secrets. Furthermore since it was gotten up for a good purpose, the mere fact of secrecy does not bring condemnation to any society.

This exchange stirred Fr Michael McGivney to respond with his own letter to the editor. ..."It is an Order composed of Catholics and instituted for the welfare of Catholic families...It has no connection whatever with the Church, except that Catholic priests are among its members and Catholic Priests, whether members or not, can attend any of the meetings...the Order did not ask for nor does it need the approbation of the authorities of the diocese..." He signed the letter as Founder of the Knights of Columbus.  Hence, the K of C was never intended by Fr McGivney to be part of the Church owing to the nature of its specific purpose and business activities

Clearer now.