2008 Woodie Awards
Knights of Columbus rise again
Christina Moran '07
Issue date: 11/17/06 Section: Features
What do Joe Paterno, Babe Ruth, and John F. Kennedy have in common? When they weren't winning football games, hitting home runs, or running for office, all three joined the Knights of Columbus.
This semester, some of your friends might be doing the same.
With 12 men confirmed as taking the first steps on the road to becoming a Knight, the Saint Joseph's University Chapter of the Knights of Columbus is being reactivated and rejuvenated.
The Knights of Columbus, famous for their honor guard complete with flashy attire and swords, was named after Christopher Columbus for his zealous Catholicism. The organization is a men's Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to the ideals of unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism.
It was founded in 1881 by Fr. Michael McGivney to offer financial assistance to struggling members and their families in the form of a life insurance program while also offering a fraternal bond to young Catholic men. At the time, Catholic men were largely barred from labor unions and other fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons. The Knights of Columbus offered a Catholic alternative to struggling Catholic men.
The group dedicates itself to charitable works and donations along with social activities. The 1.7 million members worldwide have raised over a billion dollars and volunteered over 400 million hours of service in the last decade, according to the official website.
In addition to the commitment to service, the group prides itself on welcoming "practical Catholics" or Catholics united with the Pope and acting out their faith. This mission often combines with its commitment to patriotism. The Knights of Columbus are largely attributed with the addition of the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance by successfully lobbying Congress. In 1937, the similar political activity contributed to naming Columbus Day, October 12, a federal holiday.
It was this dual commitment to faith and service that first attracted St. Joe's students.
This semester, some of your friends might be doing the same.
With 12 men confirmed as taking the first steps on the road to becoming a Knight, the Saint Joseph's University Chapter of the Knights of Columbus is being reactivated and rejuvenated.
The Knights of Columbus, famous for their honor guard complete with flashy attire and swords, was named after Christopher Columbus for his zealous Catholicism. The organization is a men's Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to the ideals of unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism.
It was founded in 1881 by Fr. Michael McGivney to offer financial assistance to struggling members and their families in the form of a life insurance program while also offering a fraternal bond to young Catholic men. At the time, Catholic men were largely barred from labor unions and other fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons. The Knights of Columbus offered a Catholic alternative to struggling Catholic men.
The group dedicates itself to charitable works and donations along with social activities. The 1.7 million members worldwide have raised over a billion dollars and volunteered over 400 million hours of service in the last decade, according to the official website.
In addition to the commitment to service, the group prides itself on welcoming "practical Catholics" or Catholics united with the Pope and acting out their faith. This mission often combines with its commitment to patriotism. The Knights of Columbus are largely attributed with the addition of the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance by successfully lobbying Congress. In 1937, the similar political activity contributed to naming Columbus Day, October 12, a federal holiday.
It was this dual commitment to faith and service that first attracted St. Joe's students.
Be the first to comment on this story