Early last week, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center welcomed Sam Safino and TJ Pluff from the Thomas B. Austin Knights of Columbus, Council 4958. Sam and TJ were the bearers of great news as they brought a donation in the amount of $5,000 from the Austin Knights Club.
The Knights of Columbus began thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some 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 McGivney (whose cause 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 stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time 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 to 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, The Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, and Saipan.
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center would like to express our sincere gratitude for the caring generosity and ongoing support of the Knights of Columbus, Council 4958.
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and the Autism Research Institute invite you to submit your artwork to the 2014 Bountiful Art show.
