As many people as were allowed due to present health restrictions were present in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday to attend the Mass of the beatification of Venerable Father Michael McGivney. Despite the limits, pageantry and joy marked this historic celebration, the first beatification of a parish priest held on U.S. soil.
A first-generation American, Father McGivney was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut, the eldest of Patrick and Mary McGivney’s 13 children. His parents had emigrated from Ireland. The holy priest is best known as being the founder of the Knights of Columbus.