Knights of Columbus: Fourth Degree Exemplification

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, I was privileged to be exemplified as a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

The event, attended by nearly 2,000 Knights and their families, was held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

The ceremony took place on a memorable day, the 125^th Anniversary of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.  

It was also the Inaugural Presentation of the Revised Exemplification of Patriotism.

While living in Marrero, Louisiana as a theology teacher, I first became a Knight forty-five years ago, on Dec. 31, 1980.  

At that time, it was the early years of my service as a Salesian of Saint John Bosco which took place from 1975 - 1985. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CORE PRINCIPLES

“Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. 

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"Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

“Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that –together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So, we stick together…we support one another. 

"That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

“Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. 

"The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

“Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. 

"We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.”  

 

Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus

"Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus are the men who have chosen to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism. They lead efforts to reach out to veterans and active military and to embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and also be a faithful citizen.

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"When the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, three principles united its members: charity, unity and fraternity. 

"At that time people feared that members of the Catholic faith owed their entire allegiance to the Church and could not be trusted as citizens of their country. Patriotism was added to the Order’s principles in 1900, based on the idea that Knights are loyal to both God and country.

"Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join ‘the Fourth Degree.’ Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title ‘Sir Knight,’ participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. 

"They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world." 

Pledge of the Fourth Degree

I swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

I pledge myself, as a Catholic citizen and a Knight of Columbus,

fully to enlighten myself upon my duties as a citizen

and conscientiously perform them entirely in the interest of my country,

regardless of personal consequences.

I pledge myself to do all in my power to preserve the integrity

and purity of the ballot and to promote respect for law and order.

I promise to practice my religion consistently and faithfully

and to so conduct myself in public affairs and the exercise of public virtue

as to reflect nothing but credit upon our Holy Church,

to the end that she may flourish, and our Country prosper

to the greater honor and glory of God.

Program, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY Feb. 22, 2025

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Photos:

1. Vincent J Bove conferred a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 22, 2025, St. John Baptist de la salle shrine. (RALLC)

2. Congregation, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

3. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

4. Vincent J. Bove, Certificate of Recognition as 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

5. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Main Doors, Feb. 22, 2025. (RALLC)