“Father McGivney – An Irish Knight”
By
MUSIC:
UP ESTABLISH THEN UNDER NARRATION
NARR:
“The Catholic men’s
organization known as the Knights of Columbus is a fraternal benefit society
established in 1882 by a young Catholic priest assigned to a small parish in
New Haven, Connecticut. Today, this society has grown to over one and a half
million members around the world, active in the work of providing assistance
to the sick, disabled and otherwise needy members and their families. Their
work is recognized as an enormous community service wherever they operate.
The support they offer the Church and families overwhelmed by tragedy is
respected throughout the world.
In his first parish assignment at Saint
Mary’s Church in New Haven Connecticut, the group’s founder, Father Michael
J. McGivney recognized a genuine need for a fraternal organization to help
the poor. Then he did something about it. This is his story.
MUSIC: FADE DOWN AND THEN OUT
NARR:
“The McGivney’s had come to
America from Ireland as part
of the migration fleeing the potato famine that devastated Ireland during
the 19th century. While they found freedom and fairly steady
work in America, they also found an undercurrent of bitter antagonism
awaiting their arrival. This opposition toward Catholic immigrants weighed
heavily upon their fate. Oppression was commonplace in those days making
life for Irish Catholics a bitter-sweet proposition. Father Michael J.
McGivney was born into such a life in Waterbury, Connecticut on August 12th
in the year 1852. He was the first of thirteen children Patrick and Mary
McGivney would have. Of these, only seven would survive their childhood.
Infant deaths were a harsh reality for families living in those days.
Outbreaks of flu, fevers, pneumonia and respiratory diseases took their toll
at a time when antibiotics were unheard of. Michael’s father worked in a
brass foundry. It was dangerous and difficult work offering minimal pay.
But, despite their hardships, the McGivney household was one filled with
deep religious faith, steadfast love, and strong family bonds. This
background would shape young Michael into the devout and caring priest he
would become.”
MUSIC:
TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
MR. MCGIVNEY :
“Michael, I need to see you son.”
YOUNG MICHAEL:
“Yes dad?”
MR. MCGIVNEY: “Son,
you know the Civil War is over now and the foundries are back in full swing.
All the factories are hiring workers now and things are looking up!”
YOUNG
MICHAEL: “Yes,
dad. I heard the men from the Fighting 69th talking about it
yesterday.”
MR.
MCGIVNEY:
“Exactly Michael. Well son,
I’ve given a lot of thought and prayers about this. Michael, I think the
best thing for you right now, and for all of us, is for you to take-on a
full-time job. Your brothers Patrick and John aren’t old enough yet for
this kind of work, and I know that you’ll have to leave school for awhile.
But you’re an excellent student son, and I’m sure you’ll be able to finish
your education later. But right now there’s plenty of work to be had out
there son, and the pay you’d be bringin home would dearly help the family.”
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH
THEN UNDER AND OUT
NARR:
“So, at age 13, Michael took a job at the spoon factory and worked three
difficult years helping to support his struggling family. It was during
this time that Michael felt a persistent call to the religious life. And at
sixteen, he realized his vocation was to the priesthood.”
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH
THEN UNDER AND OUT
YOUNG
MICHAEL: “Dad, I have something to tell you.
MR.
MCGIVNEY: “Yes, Michael. What is it?”
YOUNG
MICHAEL: “Dad,
I want you to know that I’ll be leaving the spoon factory.”
MR.MCGIVNEY:
“Why would that be,
son? I know it hasn’t been easy for you, but you can’t imagine just how
much your working has helped us along. I know I should tell you more often
how proud I am of you. You’ve been doing a terrific job. Believe me Michael,
you’ll be moving up the ladder soon. You’re a bright lad, and who knows, one
day they’ll be making you a supervisor. Could be you’ll be wear’ in a tie to
work one day.”
YOUNG
MICHAEL: “Dad!
I want to be a priest.”
MR.
MCGIVNEY: “What
was that? Michael! Are you sure son? This is a very serious step, you
know.”
YOUNG
MICHAEL:
“I know dad. But I’ve never
been so sure of anything in my life! I feel Our Lord calling me all the
time. Our pastor wants to enroll me for studies at Saint Hyacinth College
in Quebec. It’s far away, I know, but he says he’ll take me there himself.
He said it’s a French college where I can take the courses I’ll need to
enter the seminary. He told me that when I finish at St. Hyacinth, I can
enter Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in New York. That’s what he said
dad.
MR. MCGIVNEY:
“Well now! (PAUSE) Is
that so, Michael? (PAUSE) May God in his heaven be praised! Just think of
it! My boy . . a McGivney . . to be a priest! To be serving Christ
and his holy Church! What good news this is! (PAUSE) You’ll make a fine
priest son!” You go on and do it. And don’t be worryin’ about us here. God
will provide for us as he always has. Your brothers and the girls are coming
along now and we’ll be getting by just fine. You have important work ahead
of you son. We must all give thanks now to God in heaven for your blessed
call! Imagine that! We’ll be have’n a priest in the family!
MUSIC:
TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
NARR:
“Michael went to Quebec and began his studies at St. Hyacinth. Three
years later
he enrolled in another two-year program at Our Lady of the Angels Seminary
in New York. Then, on to more courses at St. Mary’s Jesuit College in
Montreal. While there, at age 21, he received the devastating news that his
father, whom he dearly loved, had died at home in Waterbury. Distressed for
his family and lacking funds, he was deeply concerned about the future. He
returned home for his father’s funeral and then met with the Bishop of
Hartford.”
MUSIC:
TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
BISHOP:
“I was sorry to hear about the death of your Father, Michael. I know how
difficult it is to deal with the death of a loved one, especially a parent.
But, in times like these, we can find consolation in the certain knowledge
that the souls of the just are in the hands of God.
YOUNG
MCGIVNEY:
“Yes your Excellency. You’re right, of course. My father was indeed a just
man his whole life. I too am certain he’s in the hands of God. May his dear
soul rest in eternal peace! I appreciate Your Excellency’s kind condolences.
BISHOP:
“Michael, there’s another reason I sent for you. I want you to know that
arrangements have been made by certain benefactors for you to continue your
priestly studies at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. All expenses
relating to your room and board, your books and tuition, and your living
expenses; they’ve all been taken care of. It’s been difficult for you and
your family Michael, but rest assured . . . you will be able to continue
your seminary training.”
YOUNG
MCGIVNEY:
Your
Excellency! I hardly
know what to say! I’m quite speechless.”
BISHOP:
“There’s nothing you need to say now, Michael. Give your
thanks to Almighty God, who for his own reasons, has called you to the
priesthood. It appears he has something very special lined-up for you. And
it doesn’t look like he’s going to allow anything to interfere with that
plan. Go home now Michael and comfort your mother. Help stabilize things at
home. Then, in a few weeks, you can continue your studies at St. Marys. May
God’s blessing be with you Michael, and with your family as well.”
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH THEN
UNDER AND OUT
NARR:
“Michael completed his seminary training at St. Mary’s and on December 22 in
1877, he was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 25. The jubilation of
his ordination was radiant. But the reality of his mission soon came into
focus. His first assignment was to St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven,
Connecticut beginning on Christmas day. A new church had just been built
replacing the old one destroyed by a fire. His assignment wouldn’t be easy
because, at that time, a mixed community with anti-Catholic sentiments lay
in wait.
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP ESTABLISH THEN
UNDER AND OUT
FR.
MCGIVNEY:
“Dear, Lord. Thank you for bringing me to the priesthood and to your holy
service. Guide me on this assignment. One look at the headlines on today’s
New York Times tells me there’s much work to be done here! (Pause).
SFX: PAPER CRINKLE NOISE AS FR. MCGIVNEY PICKS UP A
NEWSPAPER
FR.MCGIVNEY:
“It
seems our neighbors are quite upset with us for rebuilding our church on
their fine residential street. Bold as you please, it says here on the
front page: ’How an Aristocratic Avenue Was Blemished by a Roman Church
Edifice.’ Lord, I know you sent me here for a good reason. Grant me wisdom
and strength to deal with the likes of these!”
NARR:
“Our Lord did give Father McGivney the wisdom and strength he
needed. He found himself able to deal with the most difficult situations.
His first challenge was counseling a 21 year old prisoner named James ‘Chip’
Smith. He was jailed and found guilty of first degree murder in the
shooting death of a policeman.”
He was sentenced to be hanged.
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL
UP ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
JAILER: “Smith,
wake up. There’s a preacher . . . a priest here to see you. As if
that’s gonna be any help for a cop-killer.”
FR. MCGIV:
“Hello, Jim, I’m
Father McGivney, from St. Mary’s Church. I thought I’d come by for a visit
in case you wanted to go to confession or perhaps have a talk.
SMITH:
“That’s a polite way
of sayin’ you’re here to prepare me for my hanging, ain’t it Father? I’m
sure you heard about the so called ‘fair trial’, right? There wasn’t a
single Irishman on the jury. All well-to-do men they were. I heard ‘em
mumbling before the trial. Talk’ in about teaching ‘us’ a lesson and
bringing ‘us’ law and order.’
FR. MCGIV:
“Jim, did you murder
that policeman?”
SMITH:
“No…well…it wasn’t exactly like the papers said, Father. You see …well…
yeah, I did drink way too much and all, and I heisted that store with the
other guy. But it was the other guy who did it! When that copper blew his
whistle we both stopped. I figured….well…at least in the slammer I’d have a
warm cot and a bowl of soup. The next thing I know, the guy I’m with pulls
out a gun, one of those little automatics they call ‘em, and before I know
it, I’m standin’ over this cop lying on the ground. My buddy drops the gun
and runs. Before I can run, another cop whacks me on the head. That’s the
truth Father. I know I ain’t no altar boy, but I would never kill no cop.
Honest.”
FR. MCGIV:
“Tell me about
yourself, Jim. What’s your background? Who were your parents?”
SMITH:
“Ain’t much to tell, Father. I been on the streets since I was fourteen. My
old man was in the Civil War. With the artillery he was. Saw some tough
battles too. He was O.K. Worked hard. But he was killed two years ago in
the factory where he worked. My mom remarried. I don’t think she liked the
guy, but what else could she do? He’d spend most of the money he made from
the railroad juice’n it up at the gin joints. Then he’d come home drunk. He
and I used to get into some real knock-down drag-outs. One day he beat me
until I couldn’t see. I made up my mind to leave and I ain’t been back
since.”
FR.MCGIVNEY: “Have you ever tried to find
work?
SMITH:
“Father, the way I see it, the Irish working around here don’t stand a
chance. We get the worst jobs and the worst pay. I told myself a long time
ago, that Chip Smith wouldn’t end up livin’ in no shanty working his fool
head off while his old lady turns gray worrying about how they’re gonna eat.
I ain’t working myself to death in one of those sweat shops and havin’ a
wife and kids beggin for food. Not me!. Never! (PAUSE) Come to think of
it though, it would be a lot better than this, huh, Father.
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP
ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
NARR:
“It was through his daily ministry to James Smith, and others like him,
that Father McGivney became convinced of the real need for some type of help
for the poor families in his parish and particularly the young people. A
Catholic benefit society perhaps. Something was desperately needed. He
wasn’t sure how to begin so he prayed for enlightenment and sought the
counsel of his Bishop.”
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP
ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
BISHOP:
“Yes, Father McGivney, I agree with you. The Church certainly could use an
organization of this sort . . . helping families in tragic situations.
The widows and orphans left from this terrible war are crying out for help.
So many of them face truly distressing hardships. They’re left penniless if
the father dies. Your idea of forming a group of lay people to help these
unfortunates has strong merit Michael. A dedicated group, structured to
assist those facing these calamities would bring a merciful relief. It’s a
most worthy project, Father.
FR.MCGIVNEY:
“Your Excellency, I recently visited a number of Catholic Societies. I met
with the Catholic Order of Foresters in Boston and the Catholic Benevolent
Legion in Brooklyn. They’re all good as you know, but none of them offer a
comprehensive program addressing the multiple needs of poor families.
BISHOP:
“Have you met with bank representatives, insurance companies, credit unions
and the like?
FR.MCGIVNEY.:
I have, your
Excellency. In most cases, the results were less than promising. As you
know, insurance companies still refuse to sell insurance to Catholics. And
there doesn’t seem to be a financial institution willing to work with new
Catholic organizations; especially one without any members.”
BISHOP:
“Michael, when you seek out a worthy program like this and it can’t be
found, God may be calling you to bring it into existence. (Pause). You
needn’t look so surprised. I can tell by your enthusiasm . . . your
interest in all this, that you’ve got the energy and drive to carry it
through. I’d say that God’s calling you to undertake this project yourself.
But go on. Tell me more about it.
FR.MCGIVNEY:
The most critical
need, as I see it, is a program offering immediate help to the needy in a
time of crisis. Laymen could run the whole thing. We could set up some type
of chartered organization offering financial assistance to members when they
need it most. And since Catholics can’t buy insurance, we could set up our
own insurance program with some type of collective pool where funds would be
available when a disaster strikes. A charter lay-out could serve as a
template for other parishes. Bishop, it could take this well beyond Saint
Mary’s. It could be used in parishes throughout the whole world.
BISHOP:
“Michael, this is most impressive!. The organization you propose falls right
in line with the words of Christ himself: “What you do for the least of
mine, you do for me.” Your idea of including laymen to respond to the
suffering poor is wonderful. A program of financial assistance strengthened
by their collective support could be most effective. So, your plan would
organize these members to assist each other when needs arise. Michael, this
is a blueprint straight from the Acts of the Apostles. Saint Paul would
surely approve. It’s a grand idea!
FR.MCGIVNEY: “Bishop, I don’t know where to
begin or how I should start.”
BISHOP:
“You may not know where to begin, Michael, and I don’t have a clear
direction to offer you at this time. But Our Lord knows the first steps you
should take with this. It will be quite an undertaking but one well-worth
the effort. Of course there will be resistance from those opposing any type
of new Catholic program. But don’t let that discourage you. The means will
always be there to start something God calls you to begin. Pray for
guidance. He’ll respond. God wants you to do this, Michael, I’m sure of
it. Your project, as with any journey, even though it be a thousand miles,
begins with a single step. Keep me informed on your progress.
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP AND
ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
NARR:
“Father McGivney began his task in earnest. He worked tirelessly on it
without letting up on any of his parish assignments. He said daily Mass,
heard confessions, and taught catechism classes. There was the daily stream
of funerals and weddings at St. Mary’s. His calendar was filled with
appointments for counseling, planning and reconciliations, allthewhile he
remained faithful to his daily jail ministry. There he brought the
sacraments, counseling and hope to those behind bars. Throughout all this,
Fr. McGivney met regularly with lawyers, insurance companies and devoted
laymen from his parish to develop a charter for his organization. Then, he
laid the groundwork to establish the insurance program for its members. The
speed and diligence of his efforts suggested he somehow knew that time was
running out. He pushed his health to its limits working well into the
nights. Eventually he had the organization formed and was ready for the
first meeting at his parish. On the evening of February 7, in 1882, five
years after his ordination, the Knights of Columbus held their first Meeting
at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven.
MUSIC: TRANSITIONAL UP AND
ESTABLISH THEN UNDER AND OUT
FR.MCGIVNEY:
“Gentlemen, I would like to officially open the first meeting of the Knights
of Columbus.”
SFX: APPLAUSE AND LOW CHEER
FR.MCGIVNEY:
“As most of you know, I initially named this organization ‘The Sons of
Columbus’, but at the good suggestion of many of you, it was changed to the
‘Knights of Columbus.’ And that is exactly what you are. All of you.
Knights! Knights of Columbus! Knights of the Church! Knights of Christ!”
SFX: APPLAUSE AND LOW CHEERS
FR.MCGIVNEY:
“Now to the business ahead ……....”
WILLIAM GEARY:
(INTERRUPTING FATHER MCGIVNEY)
“Just a second Father. Before we move on, there’s one bit of
business that needs to be put on the record. Gentlemen, will you all please
rise.’’
SFX: CHAIRS SCOOTING, ETC…
FR.MCGIVNEY:
“Well, it looks like I’ll relinquish control of this meeting to William
Geary, whether I want to or not.
SFX: LOW LAUGHTER FROM THE
AUDIENCE
WILLIAM GEARY:
“Father, this new organization has been a life-long dream for most of us
here tonight. What it will become is known only to God. Will it spread
throughout the diocese and be established across the state? Will it sprout
chapters throughout the United States? We pray that it does.
But,
whatever becomes of the Knights of Columbus, and however long it lasts, it
wouldn’t exist without your tireless efforts, Father. So, at this time, and
with the full agreement of all the members attending this first meeting of
the Knights of Columbus, we formally acclaim and acknowledge you, Father
Michael J. McGivney, as our founder. May God bless you and may he always be
with the Knights of Columbus.”
SFX: APPLAUSE AND CHEERS
MUSIC: UP AND EST UNDER SFX
THEN UNDER NARR. THEN OUT
NARR: “Our Lord was
indeed with the Knights of Columbus, and the organization spread rapidly.
Council Number One was established in May of 1882. Three years later, there
were thirty-one councils throughout the state of Connecticut. Enduring a
number of health problems, Father McGivney pushed himself still further with
grueling trips to other councils assisting with new charter formations. He
never let-up on his equally demanding duties as a parish priest. This
exhausting pace eventually took its toll when in January of 1890, he
contracted pneumonia. With his health deteriorating in a steady decline, he
died on August 14, 1890, at the age of 38, just thirteen years after his
ordination. His cause for canonization is now being considered by the
Vatican.
MUSIC: UP ESTABLISH UNDER
NARR:
“Father
McGivney was a true ‘Irish Knight” who heard and bravely answered his call
from God. His two brothers, Patrick and John, followed in his footsteps and
they too became priests. The ‘Knights of Columbus’ formed at that first
meeting of twenty-four members spread to a world-wide organization of 12,000
councils with one and a half million members. The dedicated Catholic men who
form its ranks today give strong evidence of their personal response to
God’s call to always help the poor and assist with generosity those most in
need.
MUSIC: UP ESTABLISH THEN DOWN
AND OUT