The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, Family, Fraternal Service International Organization, established on March 29, 1882 at New Haven, Connecticut.
It was founded by Rev. Fr. Michael J. McGivney together with Catholic gentlemen who realized the value of insurance protection to those families experiencing the loss of the breadwinner.

Why Knights?  
It signifies that the membership embodies knightly ideals of spirituality and service to Church, country and fellowmen.

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. Mc Givney, to an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow you Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Fr. Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor, I now present (here make your request) Through Christ Our Lord. Amen

Lord God, look down upon us, your children, who are  trying to  serve You   with all our hearts, in this beloved land, the Philippines. Deign to raise Father George J. Willmann, of  the Society of Jesus, to the honors of the altar. He is the wise, strong, cheerful, dauntless model that all  of our Filipino men  need in this new era, in this new millennium.  He was Your knight, Your gentle  warrior, especially  in his  ministry with the Knights of Columbus. A man  leading other men, in the war of good against evil, in the war of the Gospel of Life against the Culture of Death. Make him the lamp, on the lampstand, giving light to all in the house. Make him the city set on the mountain which can not be hid, so that all of us may learn from his courage, his integrity, his indomitable spirit in the struggle to lead men to God, and to bring God to man. We ask You this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.