I am delighted to hear this wonderful news, not only for the Knights of Columbus, but the whole International Alliance of Catholic Knights, that Fr Michael McGivney is to be beatified later this year.

It was Father Michaels vision to found an organisation of Catholic laymen in the spirit of Charity Unity and Fraternity that led to orders being formed throughout the world and we are now present on all five continents.

And it is also very appropriate, given the commitment that all Catholic Knights give to the Prolife cause, that the miracle that will lead to his beatification is the healing of an unborn child.

On behalf of the Alliance I send congratulations and best wishes to Brother Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight and to all the members of the Knights of Columbus. I also ensure you of our continued prayers for his future canonisation.

I also hope that we will be able to represent the Alliance at the ceremony whenever it takes place after the present crisis.

Charlie McCluskey KSG

International President