Knights of Columbus get their swords blessed

By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic

MIAMI | The blessing of the swords is an annual event for Knights of Columbus in the fourth-degree color corps. It usually takes place separately in each assembly. But this year, Archbishop Thomas Wenski blessed all their swords during a ceremony at St. Mary Cathedral.

“This was the first time the archbishop has brought us together to bless our swords,” said James Kelly, Florida District vice marshall. “The archbishop, who is a Knight, asked us to come to the cathedral where he would bless our swords. This is an historic event.”

In attendance were 96 Archdiocese of Miami Knights in full color corps regalia. Several others wore black tuxedos, white gloves and social baldrics � a white sash bearing stripes with the colors of the United States flag which is worn inside the tuxedo jacket.

Knights in full regalia wear service baldrics outside the jacket. Baldrics are worn from the right shoulder to the left hip. The color of a Knight’s chapeau and cape denotes his rank within the fourth degree. The sword, with a cross-shaped handle, is symbolic of defending the Catholic faith.

“This was an awesome experience,” said Kelly, who wore a green cape and chapeau with a green plum. Kelly represented Robert Read, Florida District fourth-degree master, who was unable to attend the May 14 ceremony.

“The archbishop was very pleased with the turnout. He wants us to do this again next year and get more Knights involved. He believes that Miami’s cultural diversity unites us. My mantra is Miami united, Miami strong,” Kelly said.

There are about 2 million Knights of Columbus in about 15,000 councils worldwide. Fourth-degree Knights make up assemblies. The Knights are the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization.

Father Michael J. McGivney founded the group in 1882 in Connecticut, and named the organization after Christopher Columbus. The organization is based on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

Knights must be at least 18 years old and practicing Catholics. They can progress from first-degree up to fourth-degree. The Knights also sponsor a youth organization, the Columbia Squires.

In his homily, Archbishop Wenski thanked the Knights for fostering charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

“I thank you for your constant support of your bishops and your priests, for your promotion of vocations and your defense of the values of marriage � understood correctly as a permanent union between a man and a woman �, for your protection of life and your work with our Respect Life ministries,” he said. “The Holy Spirit is truly at work in his Church and in this fraternal organization of Catholic gentlemen that is almost 2 million strong.”