George J. Willmann

George J. Willmann (June 29, 1897 - September 14, 1977) was an American Jesuit regarded as the "Father of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines". Born in the United States, he was granted Filipino citizenship due to his missionary work in the Philippines.

Early life and education George J. Willmann was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 29, 1897. His parents were William Godfrey Willmann and Julia Corcoran Willmann. George had two brothers, Edward and William Jr., and four sisters, Miriam, Dorothy, Ruth and Agnes. His sisters Ruth and Agnes became members of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in their later lives.

From 1902 to 1908, Willmann studied at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Grammar School in Brooklyn, from 1908 to 1913 and at the Boys High and Brooklyn Preparatory School. On August 15, 1915, Willmann entered the Society of Jesus Seminary at Poughkeepsie, New York. He completed his Novitiate and Juniorate by 1922.

Missionary work On June 20, 1928, Willmann was ordained at the Woodstock College in Maryland by Archbishop Michael Joseph Curley. Willmann took Tertianship in Poughkeepsie. Willmann served as Director of New York Jesuit Seminary and Mission Bureau from 1930 to 1936. Willmann returned to the Philippines in November 1936 continue teaching at the Ateneo de Manila. He also served as Prefect of Discipline & Treasurer at the same education institution from 1936 to 1937

On July 1, 1975, Willmann was granted Filipino citizenship by then President Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 740 for his "virtuous acts, compassionate and kind and loving service for the Filipino people,".

Willmann later went to New York presumedly to pay a visit to his sisters, Ruth, and Agnes Franciscan nun living in Flower Hill, and his nephew James and niece Mary Ruth. The priest was prone to falls because of his weak limbs and had a fall while he was in New York, and needed a hip-bone surgery. The priest was initially confined at St. Francis Hospital in Flower Hill. He was later transferred to Murray-Weigel Hall, a Jesuit infirmary at Fordham University in Fordham, the Bronx, New York City on September 8, 1977. Willmann was later discharged and stayed at the Jesuit House at Fordham. Willmann, died on September 14, 1977, due to cardiac arrest. Willmann's remains were interred at the Jesuit Cemetery in Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines.

Legacy The Knights of Columbus established its presence in the Philippines in early 1905, but Willmann was credited for cementing the organization's presence after he took leadership of the group after the World War II. The priest continuously resided in the Philippines since 1936. He also helped established the presence of various organization in the country such as the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) which was established as the Daughters of Isabella in 1951, Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association in the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI), KC Foundations, Columbian Squires, and the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO).

The National Executive Committee, led by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. and Pedro C. Quitorio as Vice-Chairman, was created to campaign for Willmann's beatification which may lead to the priest's sainthood.