Father McGivney's Final Years

  In November 1884, Father McGivney was named pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, a factory town more than 30 miles from New Haven named for the clockmaker Seth Thomas. The parish served working-class parishioners who had few resources beyond their faith. With prayerful acceptance, Father McGivney put his seven years at St. Mary’s behind him and moved from the bustling city of New Haven to the smaller town of Thomaston.

   At his last Mass at St. Mary’s, Father McGivney offered a heartfelt farewell to an overflowing flock of parishioners: “For the past seven years I have been with you and toiled with you and no matter where I go the people of St. Mary’s will occupy the best place in my heart. Would that I could express my gratitude for the love and affection you have shown me. If I have offended anyone in the performance of my duty, I beg him to forgive me. People of St. Mary’s whom I leave now, good-bye. I trust that we may meet again in Heaven.” The large church was filled with grateful souls, some openly sobbing and heartbroken over his departure. They felt closer to God through his ministry and provided a printed testimonial that said that his courtesy, kindness and purity of life, despite burdens and afflictions, had “secured the love and confidence of the people of St. Mary’s, which will follow him in every future field of labor.”

    In his six years at St. Thomas, Father McGivney was an admirable pastor who built strong ties with parishioners and cared for their spiritual and temporal welfare. He also cared for a mission church, driving his horse and carriage to celebrate Sunday Mass in both locations. He continued to serve as supreme chaplain, but like a true “Father” and pastor of souls, he trusted the leaders of the Order in New Haven to carry on the work he began among them, as the Knights of Columbus continued to grow beyond Connecticut.

    Never robust in health, Father McGivney fell ill during the pandemic known as the Russian or Asian flu in late 1889. He developed tuberculosis and was stricken with severe pneumonia in January 1890. The young priest lost physical strength just as his Order was moving toward new vitality. After seeking respite and remedies, he was eventually confined to bed in the St. Thomas rectory, where his concern and prayers for his people only increased. After receiving the last rites from a fellow priest, he died on August 14, two days past his 38th birthday.  

    The funeral in Thomaston was an indication of the love and respect the people held for this hard-working, holy parish priest, drawing Catholics from across the state, including the bishop, more than 70 fellow priests, and civic leaders. The funeral cortege in Waterbury was the largest ever in that city at the time, with mourners renting every available carriage within miles for the procession to the McGivney family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery.    

    The funeral also reflected the deep personal appeal that Catholics found in the Knights of Columbus. Delegations came from almost every one of the 57 Knights of Columbus councils that had been chartered in the Order’s first eight years. Father McGivney’s holy example also inspired his two younger brothers, Patrick and John, who followed him into the priesthood and served the Order as supreme chaplains.

    Today, the earthly remains of Father McGivney are interred in a polished sarcophagus in New Haven’s St. Mary’s Church, where he founded the Knights of Columbus. His vision and mission are carried forth by more than 2 million Knights of Columbus throughout the world, who form a band of brothers under the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.