Father McGivney

This Catholic stained glass graphic window is centered on the venerable Father McGivney, who founded the knights of Columbus.

Born in 1852 in Waterbury Conn., he entered St Mary’s seminary in Baltimore in 1873n and was ordained in 1877. His first assignment was at St. Mary’s parish in New Haven Conn. In 1882 He founded the Knights of Columbus. He died in 1890 of tuberculosis at the young age of 38. In 1997 his cause for Sainthood was opened and by 2008 was declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI, who approved a decree of heroic virtue of Father McGivney. Several miracles attributed to his intercession are be reviewed by the Congregation for the cause of saints in the Vatican. Father McViney was an idealist and a priest who poured himself out in the service of the poor, the youth and struggling families in his parish and beyond. His intense idealism is often expressed today in the titles ascribe to him as his cause for cause for canonization progresses: “Apostle to the young” and Protector of Christian Family Life.”

During his April 19 homily at the Mass for clergy and religious at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Pope Benedict XVI made special mention of “the remarkable accomplishment of that exemplary American priest, the Venerable Michael McViney, whose vision and zeal led to the establishment of the knights of Columbus. For further insight into the life and cause of Father McGivney go to:

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Above the central image of Father McViney is the Holy Spirit, who led Father McGivney in a heroic life of virtue and service. Above the Holy Spirit are seven winged shapes that represent the seven spirits that surround the throne of God mentioned several times in the book of Revelations. In the outer edge of the window are twenty bright blue circles that represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary. In between the rosary beads are eighteen stars that represent the many angels assigned to Father McViney and the Knights of Columbus.

Below the central image is the shield of the Knights of Columbus. To the right of the shield is an image of the Eucharist, which was the source and summit of Father McViney’s heroic priestly vocation. To the left is an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to which Father McViney conformed his own priestly heart with great suffering, courage and love.