The Knights of Columbus is an order of “practical” Catholic men who seek Catholic Christian fraternity by giving back their time and effort to their 
Church, their Families and to their Community. The Order was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, CT in the late 19th century. A prospective candidate is asked to undergo several “exemplifications” of particular Christian tenets which are called “degrees.” After having undergone the 3rd exemplification, the man has now attained full Knighthood as a Third Degree Knight. The logo of the Third Degree is the one shown to the left. All Knights must join a “Council” which usually meets twice per month, and their fraternal and charitable activities are organized by the elected officers of that Council. It is not uncommon for a man to remain a 3rd degree Knight for his entire life and to enjoy the fraternity and charity he experiences as a “Brother” Knight. However, other men may wish to complete their journey into Knighthood by joining the ultimate and final degree — the 4th Degree which is the patriotic degree.
After experiencing the 4th Degree Exemplification, 4th Degree Knights then join an Assembly which is usually comprised of 4th Degree Knights from several or many Councils which meet once per month. The emblem of the 4th Degree is described below (as found on the Supreme Headquarters website). These 4th Degree Knights then may join the Color Corps which you have no doubt seen.
Emblem of the Patriotic Degree – Fourth Degree Emblem
The triad emblem of the Fourth Degree features the dove, the cross and the globe. The dove, classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and peace, is shown hovering over the orb of the Earth (globe). Both are mounted on a variation of the Crusader’s cross, which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading knights who battled to regain the Holy Land from the pagans.
Spiritually, the sacred symbols on the emblem typify the union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead, the most Blessed Trinity.
The Globe – God the Father, Creator of the Universe.
The Cross – God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind.
The Dove – God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity.
The colors of the symbols are:
- A blue globe with the land of the Western Hemisphere in white.
- A red cross with gold borders and gold knobs at the end of the points forming the ends of the arms of the cross, also known as the Isabella cross.
- A white dove.
Red, white and blue are the colors of the flag of the country in which the Knights originated. They are used to stress patriotism, the basic principle of the Fourth Degree.
If you are now a 3rd Degree Knight in good standing and wish to know more about a journey into the 4th Degree, please contact us!
