By Natalie Romano
With his rosary in hand, Knight of Columbus (KofC) David Bowman walks to the end of the long line and patiently stands still.
The chance to venerate the relic of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, his organization’s founder, is one he’s willing to wait for.
When Bowman finally reaches the first-class relic, he approaches with a reverence you’d expect from someone who’s been around the Knights his whole life.
“I touched the relic with my prayer cards and I’m going to go home and give them to my family,” said a smiling Bowman. “We talked about [Fr. McGivney] growing up and it’s been a pleasure to now serve in the Knights of Columbus.”
Some 500 people passed through the doors of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga to honor Fr. McGivney’s feast day on August 13th, the date between his birthday in 1852 and his death in 1890.
The first diocesan-wide event recognizing Fr. McGivney included Adoration, veneration and a Votive Mass celebrated by Father Romeo Seleccion, M.S., Episcopal Vicar for the San Bernardino Pastoral Region. Father Cristobal Subosa, VF, Sacred Heart’s pastor, and Father Jonathan Garcia, parochial vicar, concelebrated the Mass.
The Knights say this feast day is a special opportunity for faith renewal and maybe even a miracle. Past State Deputy Joseph Salaiz is the Curator of the KofC museum in Fontana where the relic is kept.
“This event allows the people of our diocese to pray for intercession and, hopefully, favors will be granted,” said Salaiz. “We don’t know whether it’s a physical or spiritual miracle that could happen and to me, that’s the blessing.”
Family harmony was on the mind of Patty Pacheco as she attended Adoration in the parish chapel. Next to the altar with the Blessed Sacrament stood a table showcasing the relic.
“I have twin boys who are 15. We’re going through some hardships with them right now,” shared Pachecho, parishioner of Sacred Heart. “I’m praying for them and hopefully one day they can become Knights.”
Initially, Allyson Vergara came to retrieve a forgotten water tumbler but once inside, she decided to stay.
“It was all God,” insisted Vergara, parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Upland. “I think He knew that I needed to be here…The room was so peaceful.”
Since the relic is bone from Fr. McGivney’s body, it is designated as first class. Anything that touches it becomes a third class relic. Fr. Subosa says venerating sacred objects and holy people helps us strive for sainthood.
“It reminds us they are the heroes of God, of our faith and in spite of their weaknesses, or sinfulness, they were able to overcome it with the grace of God,” explained Fr. Subosa. “So it is important for us to put in the presence of our minds and hearts that we are called to become saints.”
While Fr. McGivney isn’t a saint yet, he’s on his way.
In 2020, Pope Francis recognized a miracle of the priest’s intercession when a baby in the womb was healed. Fr. McGivney was then beatified and given the title of “Blessed.” A second miracle through intercession is needed for him to become a saint.
In 1882, Fr. McGivney was a young parish priest when he founded the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Connecticut. While serving mostly working class Irish immigrants, he saw a need for a lay group that fosters the faith of men and financially assists their widows and children. His vision led to a brotherhood that today boasts over two million members making it the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. At 8,000 strong, Salaiz considers the diocese’s membership numbers “terrific.”
Gilbert Camacho joined the ranks six years ago and as Grand Knight of Sacred Heart’s parish council had the honor of escorting the relic from the chapel to the church. Camacho says his fellow Knights make him a better Catholic.
“We pray together, we talk, we want to make sure we’re on the right track. So for me, it’s my faith formation,” stated Camacho. “The other thing is bonding with these brothers, I met some really good friends.”
By Camacho’s side was Raul Acosta, one of the Knights protecting the relic. Despite feeling a strong sense of duty, Acosta says he found the whole experience uplifting.
“Just being a part of this, I feel like the Holy Spirit is with me,” described Acosta, Deputy Grand Knight, Sacred Heart parish council. “It brings me great joy.”
Camacho says he wants to repeat the event in the future but hopes by then, he can call their founder a saint.
Natalie Romano is an award-winning freelance writer based in Southern California.