Who We Are
A national network of Catholic women who share the same values dedicated to growing our faith and serving our communities.
What is a Columbiette?
As Columbiettes we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community. The membership shares their talents and support to a variety of projects to help those in need. We are so proud to witness how all the activities benefit our church, community, the Knights of Columbus, and our members. We work together, play together, and pray for each other! We build lasting friendships and crucial support systems in our lives while living our faith.
Our History
In 1939 the Columbiettes were started by Msgr. J. Francis McIntyre (later Cardinal), who conceived an idea of a ladies’ organization to work with the Knights of Columbus. John Leo Coyle, PFN and Charles Maruca, PGK, were appointed to formulate a plan for this future group of Catholic women. The Knights enlisted the aid of the Honorable Margaret Mary J. Mangan, an attorney who was the second woman to sit as a judge on the New York State Supreme Court.
Judge Mangan was elected the first President of the Supreme Council Columbiettes. She was a woman of greatness and humility and was dedicated to the Columbiettes. The Columbiettes were always dear to her heart, and she brought honor and glory to the Columbiettes in all aspects of her career as a Supreme Court Justice and a Catholic woman.
Our Patronesses
St. Therese, the Little Flower
In her great zeal to serve Almighty God, she welcomed any opportunity to make sacrifices.
Blessed Virgin Mary
Let us be ever mindful of the responsibility which is ours, by emulating her in her purity, and by imitating her as a Mother, for we, as Catholics know, that she is the foundation of all true motherhood
St Joan of Arc
She was always ready to give her aid unselfishly to those who defended a righteous cause.
Our Emblem
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The BLUE CIRCLE represents the World.
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The WHITE CROSS represents Christ’s love for us – by His Crucifixion He redeemed the World.
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The RAYS represent our zeal to serve God through the Mediums of Faith, Hope and Charity symbolized by the THREE WHITE STARS.