THE JOURNEY TO
SAINTHOOD
Prayer for the Canonization
of Father Michael J. McGivney
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
Milestones: A Chronology of the Cause
1852 - Michael J. McGivney born Aug. 12,
1877 - Ordained by Cardinal James Gibbons on Dec. 22; begins ministry at
St. Mary's Church in
1882 - Founds Knights of
1890 - Dies Aug. 14 at age 38.
1982 - Reinterred in St.
Mary's Church; popular devotion grows.
April 1996 - Dominican Father Gabriel B.
O'Donnell named postulator of cause for sainthood. Father McGivney Guild
instituted.
June 1997 -
October 1997 - Vatican grants nihil obstat,
saying it finds no objection for the cause to proceed.
December 1997 - Hartford Archbishop Daniel A.
Crodioces
Investigation.
Eucharistic Adoration and
the Cause
Several members of the Guild have written or called to discuss the
possibility of developing a Father McGivney Holy Hour that could be celebrated
before the exposed Blessed Sacrament.
The
norms of the Church in this matter are very clear. Eucharistic holy hours are
to be encouraged, but when praying before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the
monstrance, all prayers should be directed to Christ, who is present in the
sacred host. The Church does not permit us to pray to Father McGivney in
our public worship.
You will note that all the prayer cards you receive from the Guild are
directed to God, not to Father McGivney. We are humbly asking God to hear our
petition for the canonization of Father McGivney. Only at a later stage, with
the permission of the Church, can we publicly address Father McGivney in
prayer.
A holy hour celebrated for the intention of Father McGivney's cause is
well in order, but directing prayer to him is not permissible and would violate
the very norms that we are attempting to follow so faithfully.
Father Michael McGivney was born in
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A good child, he was admired by his school
principal for "excellent deportment and proficiency in his studies."
He worked hard on subjects which would
prepare him to apply for seminary admission.
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In 1881 he began to explore with various laymen the idea of a Catholic, fraternal benefit society. In an era when parish clubs and fraternal societies had wide popular appeal, the young priest felt there should be some way to strengthen religious faith and at the same time provide for the financial needs of families overwhelmed by illness or death of the breadwinner. The Fraternal Order of Catholic Men, The Knights of Columbus was formed. William Geary, one of the Order's charter members, said that at the first council meeting in 1882, Fr. McGivney was "acclaimed as founder by 24 men with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving, recognizing that without his optimism, his will to succeed, his counsel and advice they would have failed."
FATHER
Michael J. MCGivney Guild
http://www.kofc.orgkofc/founder/founder.htm
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REGISTER TO JOIN THE FR. McGIVNEY GUILD
