Knights embrace the Exemplification of Patriotism at Sacred Heart Parish
By Mark Steffan, Recording Secretary, KofC Council #40309/15/2025
Last Saturday ten brother Knights from Council 403, chose to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism, known as: The Exemplification of Patriotism.
Gathering at Sacred Heart Parish in St. Mary’s, Pa. a Degree Team led by Sir Knight Kenneth E. Grugel, PSD Master PA West, brought sixteen Knights, ten from the Bradford Council into this order. Focused on faith, American history and patriotism; the program highlighted those Catholics who from the very beginning of this country contributed in every imaginable way to make this the greatest country the world has ever known.
As wives and friends watched, the Degree Team progressed these Knights through a two hour ceremony with great detail, resulting in an amazing historical and patriotic learning experience. Following the ceremony all were treated to a banquet at the parish center.
The Knights of Columbus, founded in 1882, by Father Michael McGivney focused on protecting the poor and defending widows and orphans. Originally with three principles: Charity, Unity and Fraternity. At that time the general population feared members of the Catholic faith owed allegiance to the church more than the country! Thus our founders added the Patriotic Degree in 1900, to show loyalty to both church & country.
Tracing the history of the Knights, it is interesting to note that President John Kennedy as well as President Ronald Reagan’s father were both 4th Degree Knights. Additionally President Eisenhower with support and encouragement from the Knights of Columbus added the phrase: “ONE NATION UNDER GOD” to the pledge of allegiance in 1954. Finally it was Christopher Columbus who first brought Christianity to this continent we call North America, we are and still remain one nation under God.