Knights of Columbus
St. Malachy Council #5128
Morrow, Ohio
Emblem of the Patriotic Degree
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.
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The Globe – God the Father, Creator of the Universe.
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The Cross – God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind.
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The Dove – God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity.
The colors of the symbols are:
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A blue globe with the land of the Western Hemisphere in white.
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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.
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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.
Join the Patriotic Degree
If you are over 18 years of age; a citizen of the country in which you reside; a practical Catholic in union with the Holy See; and you are a Third Degree member in good standing, it’s time to consider joining the ranks of the Fourth Degree.
The Color Corps of the Patriotic Degree
Purpose of the Color Corps
When knighthood was in flower, knights carried the sword to defend their God, their Church, their country and their fellow man according to the code of chivalry. Today, Sir Knights wear regalia and carry the sword to honor Christ and His apostles, especially on religious and civic occasions specified in this manual. Hence, the primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large.
The Color Corps members exemplify all the principles of our Order:
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Charity - by the gift of their time and energies necessary to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonials and sword drill;
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Unity – by the united efforts of Sir Knights to practice and perfect a coordinated drill for the good of the Church and the Order;
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Fraternity – by expressing an “Esprit de Corps,” sharing a common desire for drill excellence and camaraderie; and
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Patriotism – by performing precision drill as a salute to God and to country and visually exhibiting a love for both.
The public appearance of Fourth Degree Knights as a Color Corps at religious and civic functions is an important activity of each assembly. Their colorful capes and chapeaux add dignity and the pride of Church and country to any event. By these public demonstrations their loyalties bring credit to themselves and to the Knights of Columbus.
