Franciscan Reflection on Fr. Michael McGivney

[JReducation]

I was watching some footage of the gathering of the Knights of Columbus and happened to hear some of the story behind their founder the Servant of God, Fr. Michael McGivney. As a Catholic and a Franciscan I could not be helped but be moved by this man’s great love for the Church and the poor. It should serve as an inspiration to all of us.

Father McGivney was not only a man of great faith, but also of great heart. He understood the mission of the Gospel. “Go out and make disciples of all men.” But his approach was much akin to that of St. Francis of Assisi. He brought men to the Church through brotherhood, charity and Christian patriotism, which is very different from secular patriotism.

Christian patriotism is rooted in a deep love of country, but it is a humble love. It is the desire to see one’s country excel in justice, holiness and charity toward all. No other project has been closer to the Knights of Columbus than Respect Life Ministry. Their latest contribution to the Church is the donation of ultrasound equipment to Respect Life Pregnancy centers around the country. Their donation of this equipment has saved thousands of lives. Mothers who have seen their unborn children living and moving within their wombs have changed their minds and have decided to allow the blessed gift of life come to full term.

Father McGivney must be rejoicing in the faith and charity of his sons. While we are focused on debating over so many silly points on these threads, there are Catholics who are living the Gospel of Life in action. Maybe we should take the example of Father McGivney and his sons and unite in charity, brotherhood and humble patriotism, always searching for new ways to make our nation holier, more generous, more just and more humble.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[tobinatorstark]

I was watching some footage of the gathering of the Knights of Columbus and happened to hear some of the story behind their founder the Servant of God, Fr. Michael McGivney. As a Catholic and a Franciscan I could not be helped but be moved by this man’s great love for the Church and the poor. It should serve as an inspiration to all of us.

Father McGivney was not only a man of great faith, but also of great heart. He understood the mission of the Gospel. “Go out and make disciples of all men.” But his approach was much akin to that of St. Francis of Assisi. He brought men to the Church through brotherhood, charity and Christian patriotism, which is very different from secular patriotism.

Christian patriotism is rooted in a deep love of country, but it is a humble love. It is the desire to see one’s country excel in justice, holiness and charity toward all. No other project has been closer to the Knights of Columbus than Respect Life Ministry. Their latest contribution to the Church is the donation of ultrasound equipment to Respect Life Pregnancy centers around the country. Their donation of this equipment has saved thousands of lives. Mothers who have seen their unborn children living and moving within their wombs have changed their minds and have decided to allow the blessed gift of life come to full term.

Father McGivney must be rejoicing in the faith and charity of his sons. While we are focused on debating over so many silly points on these threads, there are Catholics who are living the Gospel of Life in action. Maybe we should take the example of Father McGivney and his sons and unite in charity, brotherhood and humble patriotism, always searching for new ways to make our nation holier, more generous, more just and more humble.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

Fr. McGivney was a real charitable man. I love this post mainly you quite understand the purpose that Fr. McGivney had set forth. While Fr. McGivney died at an early age, many all around observe charity, unity, faternity and patriotism. We also believe in service to all. I couldn’t agree with you more. I am always looking for new ways to serve people of all types especially the poor. I also believe in living my life according to poverty, chastity and obedience. I carry all virtues with me wherever I go. I am starting to make my journey to becoming a Secular Franciscan and it is nice to hear a Franciscans point of view on Fr. McGivney’s ideas. I am also 3rd degree Knight and serve as advocate in my local council.

 

[samovila]

Amen, Brother! What a fine example of someone not only of great faith, great heart, but also of great deeds and legacy of great deeds done in his name.

 

[Epistemes]

Christian patriotism is rooted in a deep love of country, but it is a humble love. It is the desire to see one’s country excel in justice, holiness and charity toward all. No other project has been closer to the Knights of Columbus than Respect Life Ministry. Their latest contribution to the Church is the donation of ultrasound equipment to Respect Life Pregnancy centers around the country. Their donation of this equipment has saved thousands of lives. Mothers who have seen their unborn children living and moving within their wombs have changed their minds and have decided to allow the blessed gift of life come to full term.

This is an important point because, as can be the case, the separation of Church and State is taken to its complete, literal integration so that matters of faith and even the charitable organizations of faith should be segregated from matters of local, state and federal policy. It’s good to remain balanced in acknowledging that decisions and actions on a local level greatly affect decisions and actions on a greater, broader level. From a Franciscan point-of-view, I cannot help but think about St. Francis’s attempts at serving the lepers in one community and then, finally, by the end of his life, having the Order serving the “lepers” in multiple countries. It only took a small number of humble, charitible brother to change the face of Christendom forever, affecting nations through charity rather than fierce and empty debates.