Knights of Columbus

From TinWiki.org

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic organization that started in New Haven, Connecticut. The KofC was founded by now Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882. The organization was created to promote the truths of the Roman Catholic Church, provide financial benefits and support between its members, as well as provide for their families. One of the ways in which the Order aids its members is through its insurance policy, on of the longest operating group policies today.

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Structure

The fraternity is only open to male members of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), and is part of the RCC itself. This is to say, that the membership is reserved for male Catholics while the projects, services, parties and other social occasions are to be celebrated with not only the member, but their family, i.e. wife and children.

Meetings occur in council homes, sometimes located in Churches, other times at Knights of Columbus Halls. There are said to be 4 levels within the organization, levels, called "degrees", and involve induction rituals.

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Symbols and Meanings

The name Columbus is in reference to the Catholic explorer Christopher Columbus. This is because Columbus was a man of great strength, faith, and patriotism. It has also been suggested that Catholics, reacting against bigoted charges of being anti-american agents of the Papacy, chose to emphasize their patriotic aspect in selecting the discoverer of the New World.

Some non-KofCer's interpret the diverse and various symbols used within the Knights of Columbus system as having pagan, possibly even satanic, meanings. It should be noted however that Roman Catholic clergy are also members of the order, this would contradict the claim for non-christian interpretations

The two most visible symbols include the Fasces and Anchor. The use of the Fasces long predates its use by Mussolini's Fascist movement. The Anchor is thought to be a reference to the maritime aspect of Columbus, although early christians also used the anchor as a symbol of their faith itself. As for the dove that is represented on occasion, it is logical to interpret this to represent the Holy Spirit. The order itself participates in many service projects to the Church and community. One of the most amazing things that they have done, was in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Immediatly after the attack, Knights of Columbus presented $3,000 compensation to every family of a firefighter or police officer killed in the attacks regardless of membership in the organization or membership in the Catholic Church. The order often participates in public parades, especially, not surprisingly, Columbus Day parades. When doing so, members will wear ceremonial costumes that appear to replicate the dress and paraphenalia of naval officers.

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