Chaplain’s Message: Blessed Michael McGivney: One Faithful Step at a Time

September 2026

Dear Brother Knights,

On August 13, the Church celebrates the memorial of Blessed Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. It is a fitting opportunity not only toremember his life, but also to askourselves a simple question: What made Father McGivney the man he was?

We often think first about what he accomplished. He founded the Knights of Columbus, and through his vision millions of Catholic men have been united in faith and charity. But before he was a founder, he was a priest—a man who belonged to Jesus.

Everything else flowed from that. When Father McGivney looked at the struggles of the families entrusted to his care, he did not begin with a grand plan. He began by loving the people before him. He listened. He prayed. He served. Then he took the next faithful step.

That is often how God works.

We sometimes imagine that God asks us to do extraordinary things. More often, He simply asks us to be faithful where we are. One conversation. One act of kindness. One family

in need. One opportunity to encourage a brother Knight. One more moment spent with Jesus in prayer.

As members of a Council that gathers at our Carmelite Monastery, we are constantly reminded that every work of charity begins in prayer. Before our hands can serve, our hearts must first remain close to Jesus. Otherwise, even good works can become just another activity. But when they spring from a friendship with Jesus, they become a witness

to His love.

This month, let us honor Blessed Michael McGivney not only by remembering him, but by imitating him. Let each ofus ask Jesus:

"What is the next faithful step You are asking me to take?"

We may not change the whole world, but God has never asked us to do that. He asks us to be faithful today. And when ordinary men respond to His grace with generous hearts, He can accomplish far more through them than they could ever imagine.

May Blessed Michael McGivney pray for each of us and for our Council, that together we may continue to be men of prayer, charity, and faithful service.

Vivat Jesus!

Fr Robert M. Marciniak OCD