The Fourth Degree exemplification in the Knights of Columbus took place on June 6th 2026 at St Anne Catholic Church on the anniversary of D-Day.
The Fourth Degree exemplification in the Knights of Columbus took place on June 6th 2026 at St Anne Catholic Church on the anniversary of D-Day. The “Exemplification of Patriotism,” is the initiation ceremony that makes a Third Degree Knight a “Sir Knight.” It focuses on the virtue of patriotism, teaching how Catholic faith and responsible citizenship support each other.
The Key Elements of the Current (Revised) Ceremony
• Setting and openness: The ceremony happened in St Anne Parish Hall, with an honor guard, color corps in full uniform, processions, prayers, and music. Unlike older versions, this was open to family, friends, and parishioners.
• The Candidates gather first for a welcome, a short history of the Fourth Degree (started in 1900), the symbolism of the Fourth Degree pin (cross, dove, globe representing the Trinity and virtues), and review of the Patriotic Oath
• The main ceremony included
• Opening prayers, hymns like “America the Beautiful,” and posting of colors (U.S., papal, and others).
• Talks on the U.S. founding documents, Catholic contributions to American history, religious liberty, and heroes from the Revolutionary War to modern chaplains. (from Christopher Columbus to Father Kapaun priest, soldier and Korean war hero).
• Reflection on symbols like the Cross of the New Evangelization, an icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe (official patroness of the Order), and a large rosary (reminding the candidate of when it was officially presented to them during the First Degree).
• Singing of the national anthem.
• Candidates publicly took the Patriotic Oath, pledging loyalty to the Constitution, civic duty, ballot integrity, law and order, and living their faith publicly to honor the Church and country.
• Knighting: The highlight was the knighting ceremony, where officers dubbed each new Sir Knight on the shoulder with a sword. Families joined at the front for pictures after the ceremony. New knights received congratulations and were welcomed.
After the exemplification, there was a Mass, reception, and banquet. The whole event emphasized that true patriotism for a Catholic Knight means serving both faith and country with courage, unity, and moral grounding.
The official manual is available on the Knights of Columbus website for full details. (https://www2.kofc.org/en/resources/service/council/1354-exemplification-of-patriotism.pdf)
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