Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

  The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual

aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.

Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families

through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief

works.

  The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney,

whosecause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has

become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped

families obtain economic security and stabilitythrough its life insurance, annuity and

long-term care programs, and has contributedtime and energy worldwide to service in

communities.

  The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more

than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada,the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, theBahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.