For complete details regarding the life and times of Venerable Michael McGivney, his cause for sainthood and how to join the Father Michael J McGivney Guild, please visit:
http://www.fathermcgivney.org/en/index.html
Listed below are excerpts from the web site outlining the life and time of Venerable Michael McGivney. Please take the time to visit the web site for much more detail regarding his life and legacy.
His Faith
Father McGivney was an idealist. He was a man whose youthful vision and creativity expanded and matured even as his physical well-being diminished. His intense idealism is often expressed today in titles ascribed to him as his cause for canonization progresses: “Apostle to the Young” and “Protector of Christian Family Life. “These provide an outline for a spiritual portrait of Father McGivney”.
His Legacy
Through the Knights of Columbus, Father McGivney gave Catholic laymen a new opportunity – the chance to grow in holiness while contributing to their parishes, communities and the security of their families. Today, more and more Church leaders are recognizing his spiritual genius in animating the laity.
Process for Sainthood
Father Michael J. McGivney was given the title “Venerable Servant of God” by the Holy See in March 2008.
The bestowal of the title “Venerable” marks another important step on the journey to beatification and canonization. It signals that the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has carefully considered the positio on Father McGivney’s life and virtue, and after consulting with historical experts and theologians, has judged it to be valid and convincing.
Once the members of the congregation make a positive judgment on the positio, the matter is referred to the Holy Father for his approval. His positive response makes possible the issuance of a “decree of heroic virtue” and the bestowal of the title “Venerable.”
A decree of heroic virtue indicates a pastoral judgment on the part of the Church. For the good of the Christian people, the Church recognizes that Father McGivney was a man who went beyond what is required of a good Christian. His life was one of outstanding virtue, in which he “heroically” practiced charity, humility, and prudence. Father McGivney went above and beyond the ordinary call to Christian perfection, much as a martyr lays down his or her life for Christ and for the Gospel.
Father McGivney’s “martyrdom” was the daily giving of his life in fidelity to the duties of a typical parish priest, in an extraordinary and selfless manner. When we recall all that he undertook in spite of his youth, inexperience and his lifelong battle with poor health, his heroism is unmistakable.
If you would like to join the Father Michael J McGivney Guild, please visit the web site at:
http://www.fathermcgivney.org/mcg/en/contact/register.html
Ronald E Bernt
