Fourth degree Emblem

The Fourth Degree emblem is a dove, a cross, and the globe. The dove is over top of the globe. A dove is the symbol for the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove and globe are mounted on the Crusader’s cross, of the knights who battled to regain the Holy Land from the Pagans. If you are Catholic, the emblem would symbolize the Trinity. The globe for God, the cross for Jesus, and the dove for the Holy Spirit. The colors of the emblem are red, white, and blue for patriotism. Patriotism being the basic principle of the Fourth Degree.

The Fourth Degree Emblem

emblem

Artifacts: Emblem

The Knights of Columbus emblem is a national symbol for the Knights of Columbus group. It was designed in 1883 by James T. Mullen, who was the Supreme Knight of the time. The emblem is a shield mounted on a Formee cross. The shield corresponds with the shield of a medieval knight. The Formee Cross has the arms narrowing at the center, and extending on the ends. It is a representation of the Cross of Christ, "through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind."(www.kofc.org) The cross and shield represent the Catholic spirit and commitment of the Knights of Columbus order.
There are three objects on the shield: a vertical fasces (medieval ax bound by rods) and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger. The ax represents strong leadership, authority, and a efficient operating organization. The anchor is the symbol for Christopher Columbus, the patron of the order. The dagger is the weapon of a knight. The letters K of C are on top of the shield represent the knighthood of the Catholic man. Each Knight receives a lapel pin of this emblem when initiated.