Columbiettes
Encyclopedia
History
In 1939, Monsignor J. Francis McIntyre, Chaplain of the New York Chapter Knights of Columbus, later a cardinal, suggested formation of the group. He had seen great numbers of women coming out of a Communist rally at Madison Square Garden. He conceived the idea of a ladies organization to work with the Knights of Columbus (KofC). The New York Chapter KofC formulated a plan for such an organization. Their plan called for the establishment of Auxiliaries in each Council and to coordinate the efforts of all under the direction of one parent group. On March 2, 1939 the first Columbiettes was instituted in New York City.Since then, other auxiliaries were formed. State Councils and a Supreme Council were established.
Purpose
Spiritual patronesses are the Blessed Virgin Mary, Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Joan of ArcJoan of Arc
Saint Joan of Arc, nicknamed "The Maid of Orléans" , is a national heroine of France and a Roman Catholic saint. A peasant girl born in eastern France who claimed divine guidance, she led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War, which paved the way for the...
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A Columbiette Auxiliary must be sponsored by a Knight of Columbus council. One of its purposes is to aid that Council spiritually, socially and financially in all its endeavors.
Secondary purposes include the spiritual, social and charitable welfare of their members.