Origins of the Core Values of the Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, chose the core values of charity, unity, and fraternity to reflect both the spiritual and practical mission of the organization he established in 1882. These values were grounded in his desire to address the needs of immigrant Catholic families, who faced economic hardship, discrimination, and social isolation in the United States at the time. Here's why he focused on each value:
Charity: As a parish priest, Blessed McGivney witnessed firsthand the economic struggles of his parishioners, many of whom were poor immigrants. Charity became the first and most important principle because he wanted to create an organization that would provide financial assistance to widows, orphans, and families in need. It reflects the Catholic teaching to love and serve others, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized.
Unity: Blessed McGivney believed that the Catholic community needed to stand together to face the social challenges of the time, including anti-Catholic sentiment and the pressures of assimilation. Unity was essential to strengthen the Catholic identity and provide mutual support. By fostering unity, members could create a stronger, more resilient community.
Fraternity: Fraternity emphasized brotherhood and mutual aid among men in the Catholic faith. Blessed McGivney wanted to establish a group that not only provided material support but also emotional and spiritual fellowship. The value of fraternity ensured that members cared for each other, promoting a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Together, these values shaped the Knights of Columbus into an organization focused on charitable works, mutual support, and the defense of the Catholic faith, all while promoting brotherhood and solidarity among its members.
The Knights of Columbus added patriotism as a core value in 1900 to address concerns about Catholics’ loyalty to the United States and to further demonstrate that Catholic faith and American citizenship were fully compatible. This was a time when Catholics, particularly immigrants, faced significant discrimination and suspicion, including the false notion that their allegiance to the Pope made them less loyal to the U.S. Here’s why patriotism was added:
Combating Anti-Catholic Sentiment: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Catholics were often viewed with suspicion in America, with claims that they could not be loyal to the country because of their loyalty to the Pope. By adding patriotism as a core value, the Knights of Columbus showed that Catholic men could be both devout in their faith and patriotic citizens of the U.S., helping to counter these prejudices.
Supporting the Nation: The Knights wanted to demonstrate that their mission went beyond serving the needs of the Catholic community—it included service to the country as a whole. Patriotism reflected the members' commitment to public service, supporting civic engagement, and promoting national unity and well-being.
World Events: In the decades leading up to the 20th century, there was a growing emphasis on national unity, especially as the country expanded and faced challenges such as war and immigration. The Knights saw an opportunity to further encourage their members to be active, responsible citizens who would contribute to the greater good of the country, especially in times of need, such as during wars.
Adding patriotism as a value solidified the Knights of Columbus as a force for good in both religious and civic life, showing that the Catholic faith encouraged service to both God and country. This new focus helped integrate Catholicism more deeply into American life while promoting the idea of Catholics as loyal, engaged, and contributing citizens.