Fr. Michael J. McGivney declared "Venerable"

"Knights of Columbus Founder Declared Venerable" (ZENIT, March 16, 2008):

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, MARCH 16, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The founder of the Knights of Columbus was declared venerable by Benedict XVI, furthering his process toward possibly becoming the first American-born priest to be canonized.

The Pope approved Saturday a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael McGivney.

"All of us who are members of the Knights of Columbus are profoundly grateful for this recognition of the holiness of our founder," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "The strength of the Knights of Columbus today is a testament to his timeless vision, his holiness and his ideals."