The Columbiettes are women auxiliaries of the Knights of Columbus Councils. 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 Arc. 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. The primary requirements to be a member of this organization is to be a Catholic female in good standing with her parish and to be 17 years of age or older. Secondary purposes include the spiritual, social and charitable welfare of their members.