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Grand Knight: The
anchor, indicative of Columbus, the Mariner. The anchor has also been a variant form of the Cross for Centuries.
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Chaplain: Isabella Cross in silver and Blue
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Deputy Grand Knight: The Compass; also used
by Columbus, the Mariner. The Knights of Columbus Compass is known as the Compass of Virtue, its 32 flame-like rays representing
the 32 virtues which may be possessed by men.
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Chancellor: The Isabella Cross, with Skull and Crossbones. The
skull and crossbones are symbolic of man's mortality.
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Recorder: Crossed quills, symbolic of his responsibilities
for letter and document (records) writing and preservation.
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Treasurer: Crossed Keys, symbolic of his complete authority
over funds, especially his responsibility for safekeeping.
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Advocate: The Scroll (legal literature and law) with sword
(the power to defend and enforce the law)
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Warden: An axe bound with rods,
known as faces, traditionally carried by the guards or protectors of Roman magistrates as a symbol of authority.
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Inside and Outside Guards: Crossed
Axes and Keys. Key is symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative
of authority even to the point of punishment to maintain it. Originally the axe was symbolic of power over life and death.
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Trustee: An anchor mounted on an axe bound with rods (fasces)
over crossed swords. Symbolizes Columbus, authority and power to defend and enforce the law.
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Financial Secretary: Crossed
Key and quill. The key has always been associated with an officer concerned with money, safekeeping and secrecy. The quill
is symbol of a "scribe" - a record keeper - one who writes letters, documents, etc.
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Lecturer: Lyre and Scroll. These are traditionally symbolic
of music and literature and the arts. Hence the lecturer is in charge of entertainment.
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Fourth Degree Emblem: 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 - that which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading knights who battled
to regain the Holy Land from the pagans.
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The colours of the symbol are: A blue Globe with the lands of the Western Hemisphere in white. 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). A white dove.
Red, white and blue are the colours of the flag of the country
in which our Order originated. They are used to stress the basic principle of the Fourth Degree: PATRIOTISM.
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The Seal of the Knights of Columbus
The emblem
of the Order dates from the second Supreme Council meeting May 12, 1883, when James T.Mullen, who was then Supreme Knight,
designed it
A quick glance at the emblem indicates a shield mounted upon the Formed Cross. The shield is that associated with
a medieval Knight. The Formed Cross is the representation of a traditionally artistic design of the Cross of Christ through
which 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 fasces standing vertically, and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword.
The fasces from Roman days are symbolic 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.
Red, White and Blue
Red is then the symbol of Faith, of belief in
Christ, in the Redemption and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
White is the colour of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of
God's Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God has for man and the overwhelming affection, which the God-man
has for each individual. White is then the symbol of Christ-like Charity.
Blue is the colour of Our Lady's mantle, in which she
wrapped her beloved Son, through Whom came salvation to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.
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