Editing Knights of Columbus (section)

== Emblem of the order ==

The emblem of the order was designed by Past Supreme Knight James T. Mullen and adopted at the second Supreme Council meeting on May 12, 1883.{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|pp=34–35}} Shields used by medieval knights served as the inspiration. The emblem consists of a shield mounted on a [[Cross pattée|Formée cross]], which is an artistic representation of the cross of Christ. This represents the Catholic identity of the order.<ref name="emblem" />{{sfn|Walther|Walther|2020|p=21}}

[[File:KofC emblem 145px.png|thumb|right|The K of C Emblem of the Order]]
Mounted on the shield are three objects: the [[fasces]], an anchor, and a sword. In [[ancient Rome]], the fasces was carried before [[Roman magistrate|magistrates]] as an emblem of authority. The order uses it as "symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly bonded and efficiently operating organization."<ref name="emblem" />{{sfn|Walther|Walther|2020|p=21}} The anchor represents [[Christopher Columbus]], admiral under the orders of the [[kings of Spain]] and patron of this partnership, here a symbol of the Catholic contribution to America.<ref name="Atlantic" /> The short sword, or dagger, was a weapon used by medieval knights. The shield as a whole, with the letters "K of C", represents "Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action."<ref name="emblem" />{{sfn|Walther|Walther|2020|p=21}}

===Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree===
Fourth Degree assemblies are separate from councils. They have their own officers and a separate emblem. This optional, patriotic degree was instituted in 1900.

[[File:KofC_4th_degree_emblem_175H.jpg|thumb|right|Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree]]
The Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree features a white dove, a red cross and a blue globe. The dove – a classic symbol of the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]] and of peace – is shown hovering over the globe. Both are mounted on a variation of the [[Jerusalem cross|Crusaders' cross]], the cross worn on the tunics and capes of knights of the [[Middle Ages]]. These three items are also representative of the [[Trinity|Blessed Trinity]]:

* The globe represents God the Father, Creator of the Universe.
* The cross represents God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind.
* The dove represents the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity.

The red, white and blue colors on the emblem are those of the flag of the United States, where the Knights of Columbus originated. They also help to underscore the value of patriotism that is the foundational principle of the Fourth Degree.{{Sfn|Walther|Walther|2020|p=24,40}}