I just finished an excellent 5-star book, "Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism" by Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster. I'm not an avid reader, but this book was easy to read and captivating since page one. The book traces the life of Fr. Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, along with his impact on those around him. The book also looks at how the Catholic Church was assaulted by prejudice in the 1800s.
It was a great read, and it was very informative and inspiring. I had no idea the Knights of Columbus had such a hard time at the beginning. At the time of Fr. McGivney's death in 1890, there were 6000 members. Those were nearly all men from Connecticut. Today, the Knights of Columbus is made up of 1.7 million men from the US, Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam, and Saipan. Currently, they are expanding into Poland.
In 1997, Daniel A. Cronin, the archbishop of the Hartford Diocese, officially began the canonization process for Fr. McGivney. He is currently at the first step in sainthood as he has been given the title of "Servant of God."
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.
(Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. )
3 comment(s):
Wow from 6,000 to 1.7 mil... that's awesome! I didn't know a priest started the KOC.
Have you heard of another book called "The Sacred Heart and the Priesthood"? It seems like a a good book.
I haven't heard of that, but I'll try to read it this summer.
Moneybags,
I have seen the book you reviewed and considered reading it.
Now I will.
Not to overload you with reading material, but if you haven't read "The Priest is Not His Own" by Archbishop Fulton Sheen, you really should at some time. It's an eye-opening glimpse into the priesthood, and I would think it invaluable to anyone discerning a vocation.
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