With the joyous celebration of the Mass for Beatification, Father McGivney joined the rolls of the Blessed on Oct. 31,2020, in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Conn. At that time, an Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis was read which recognized Blessed Michael McGivney’s humility, charity and concern for the welfare of all people. His beatification is a great boost to the priesthood and to the Catholic Church in America, and also for the 2 million Knights of Columbus throughout the world who look to the founder of the Order for inspiration, heavenly guidance and intercession for their needs.
The approved miracle involved the healing of a child in the womb from a fatal condition. While expecting their 13th child, Daniel and Michelle Schachle of Tennessee were told that the boy had Trisomy-21 (Down syndrome). A few weeks later, an ultrasound diagnosed fetal hydrops, in which multiple organs were filled with fluid. Doctors said that there was no hope of survival and abortion was the best option. As faithful Catholics, the Schachles refused abortion and began praying to Father McGivney for a miracle. An insurance agent with the Knights of Columbus, Daniel earned a trip to the Marian Shrine in Fatima, Portugal, and brought his wife for a prayerful pilgrimage. At Mass in Fatima, Michelle felt something change within her when she heard the words of Gospel about the Roman official whose son was healed by Jesus: “Go; your son lives.” A few days after returning to Tennessee, an ultrasound indicated that the unborn child was healed of fetal hydrops. Studied for years at the Vatican, the healing was declared miraculous by medical and theological experts. Today, Michael McGivney Schachle is an active 5-year-old, with Down syndrome, who is surrounded by a loving family.
As Supreme Knight Carl Anderson reported to the Supreme Convention in August 2020, the miracle underlines Father McGivney’s vision and mission:
- The family’s rejection of abortion corresponds to the Order’s longtime pro-life commitment.
- The diagnosis by ultrasound highlights the K of C Ultrasound Initiative, which has placed more than 1,200 machines in pro-life pregnancy centers, saving numerous lives.
- The family’s acceptance of a child with Down syndrome is in keeping with the Order’s long history with Special Olympics and children with developmental disabilities.
- The large Schachle family that values the Catholic faith underlines the importance of the domestic church.
- Daniel’s job as an insurance agent carries on Father McGivney’s goal of protecting Catholic families for generations.
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