|
According to history books, the potato famine in Ireland during the 1840's caused the migration of hundreds of thousands of Irish Catholics to the United States. American Protestants at that time were infused with antipathy to the church of Rome. They considered Catholic Europe as undemocratic and therefore resented the influx of Catholics from Ireland. As a result, several decades of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish sentiment developed., not only in religion, but also in politics and business. A situation which made it nearly impossible for anyone Catholic or Irish, to find meaningful work, run for office or obtain insurance protection.
In 1854, a secret society called the "Order of the Star Spangled Banner", developed into what became known as the "Know Nothing Party", so called because no one ever seemed to know who was responsible for the atrocities performed.
Thousands of pamphlets and books, soap-box oratory, even from pulpits, lashed out at the "Catholic Menace" to American institutions. Anti-Catholic sentiment reached violent proportions. A convent was burned in Charleston, Massachusetts. A mob attacked an Irish neighborhood in Philadelphia, burning homes and bombing churches. Violence also occurred in Boston, New York, Louisville, New Orleans and other Catholic Settlements.
The organization "Order of the Star Spangled Banner" also greatly influenced American politics by attempting to exclude anyone who was Catholic or an immigrant.
Father Michael J. McGivney was born in the midst of this turmoil (1852) therefore, it is understandable that he was well aware of the neccessity for establishing an Order which would and could respond to the Catholic family's need for financial protection during illness and at the time of death. Also to bind Catholic men's loyalties to each other in a Catholic-oriented ritualistic Brotherhood.
On October 2, 1881, a small group of men met in St. Mary's church in New Haven, Connecticut, to discuss forming a Fraternal Benefit Society. The meeing had been called at the request of Father McGivney. As a result of that famous meeting, the foundationof what is now the largest body of Catholic laymen in the worls was laid. It is known as the Knights of Columbus, incorporated March 29, 1882. |
