Knights
of Columbus
Bozeman Court #1413
KC Meeting
December 1 , 2008 at 7:00 PM
Holy Rosary Parish
The Knights of
Columbus, Bozeman Council
by Gene Miceli, Grand Knight, Bozeman Council
The
Emblem of the Order dates from the Second Supreme meeting, May 12, 1883,
when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was then the first Supreme
Knight. A quick glance at the Emblem indicates a shield mounted upon a
cross similar to a Maltese cross, turned sideways. The shield is that
associated with a medieval Knight. The cross of Malta is the
representation, in a traditionally artistic design, of the Cross of
Christ through with all graces of redemption were procured for mankind,
This, then, represents the Catholic spirit of the Order. Mounted
on the shield are three objects; a mace standing vertically, and crossed
behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword. The mace from Roman
days of authority, which must exist in any tightly - bonded and
efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the mariner’s symbol
for Columbus, patron of the Order, while the short sword or dagger was
the weapon of the Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy.
Thus the shield expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful
action, and with the letters K. of C., it proclaims this specific form
of activity. The red, white, and blue in the background of the shield
and the foreground of the Cross of Malta are the colors of our beloved
country. As such, red is the color of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing
activity and a full measure of devotion Blue is the symbol of hope, of
calm tranquillity under God, and of confidence in the protection of our
country, established under God. White is the symbol of nobility of
purpose, of purity of aim, and of crucible-tried ideals to be carried
out.
Faith, Hope Charity
But there is another symbolism of color in red, white, and blue.
This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes the reflection
of the drops of Christ’s redemptive blood, shed upon Calvary, and of the
Martyr’s blood shed in defence of the faith. Red, then, is the symbol of
Faith, of belief in Christ, in the Redemption, and in the mission of
every man to spread the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God’s Eucharistic
presence among men, of the infinite love God had for man, and of the
overwhelming affection which the God-man had for each individual. White
then is the symbol of Christ-like Charity.
Blue is the color of Our Lady’s mantle, in which she draped her beloved
Son, through Whom salvation came to a sinful world Blue is then the
symbol of Hope.
Brothers, be thus edified of the meaning of this, the noble Emblem of
our Order. Always wear it with Pride, Dignity, and Honor, and be
inspired to live the virtues it proclaims.
The Fourth degree emblem consisting of three overlaid objects
representing the Trinity. The Globe represents God the Father, Creator
of Heaven and Earth. The Crusader’s Cross, similar to the cross which
knights use to wear into battle during the Holy Crusades, represents God
the Son, Jesus Christ. The Dove represents the God the Holy Spirit,
Paraclete.
The colors, Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the American Flag
representative of the principle of the 4th Degree, Patriotism.
3rd Degree Emblem 4th Degree Emblem
Each year the Knights promote "Keep Christ in Christmas", a way of reminding everyone the true reason for celebrating this holiday. This year, the Knights are offering beautiful Christian themed Christmas cards for sale with proceeds to benefit the local Family Promise outreach program. The cards will be displayed in the basement of Holy Rosary after all Masses beginning November 3 & 4, through the last weekend before Christmas. Prices range from $4.00 to $7.00 per box. For more details, contact Mike Banville at 388-0455 or mike@verticalmedia.com