KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - Not What You Think

 SOME SAY: “CATHOLIC KNIGHTS ARE CULTISTS...” READ THIS TO DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF

Catholics Online Class 

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There’s a group of men in the Church, devout, organized, and deeply committed to their faith, but, when these men appear in wearing capes, gloves, swords, and badges, especially during big Masses or funerals, people begin to murmur.

Some look at them with wonder. Others with suspicion.

You hear whispers:

👉 “Is this a Catholic thing?”

👉 “Why are they using swords?”

👉 “Is this not cultism?”

First understand that The Church is not afraid of the word, "cult," itself... the world is afraid of it. Men have weaponized the word to use against others.  But The Church uses it by its original meaning.....

Cult: from the Latin, "cultus," meaning honor to a thing or person. It includes worship, veneration and devotion. It also loosely refers to organized liturgical activities, but in general, it is applied in the sense of unity

So calling something one sees in the Church, "cultism" is an error born of ignorance by those who dont understand what they're seeing. 

For many, especially those who have never been properly taught, the sight of Catholic Knights stirs fear and confusion.

And yet, these men, the Knights of the Church,  are not a secret society.  Rather,  they are a sacred society. Their mission is not hidden in darkness, or conspiratorial, but shining in the light of Christ and the teachings of His only Church.

THE ORIGIN OF CATHOLIC KNIGHTHOOD

Catholic Knighthood traces its roots back to the early centuries of the Church, when Christian men, especially in Europe, took vows to defend the faith, protect pilgrims, care for the sick, and serve the poor.

In those days, the Church was surrounded by war, political tension, and persecution. 

So, the Knights Templar, the Hospitallers, and other orders were formed to combine Christian devotion with brave service. These were men of prayer, and men of action.

Today, this spirit lives on, not in carrying weapons to fight enemies, but in using every strength to serve the Church, defend the truth, and promote justice.

In various places, they may be known them as:

The Knights of St. Mulumba

Los Caballeros de Colon

The Knights of St. John International

The Knights of Columbus

...and so on.

But these knights are not outsiders. They are Catholics, AND your neighbors,  coworkers and friends. Some are doctors, others are farmers, teachers, civil servants, tradesmen, students, even priests and bishops. They live among us, serve among us, and worship with us.

THE ROBES AND THE SWORDS

So why the regalia? Why the swords? Why the long processions?

Because The Knights are not a casual organization....everything has meaning.

The robes represent purity and devotion.

The gloves signify readiness to serve with clean hands. 

The sword is not a weapon for violence. It is a symbol of spiritual warfare, a reminder of what St. Paul wrote: “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the devil’s schemes… Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”(Ephesians 6:11,17)

The knight carries that sword not to harm, but to defend, not to shed blood, but to shed light..., the light of truth, service, and faith.

Nothing the Knights do is hidden. Nothing they do is strange. It is all rooted in now-ancient tradition - and Scripture.

WHY THE SUSPICION?

The answer is simple: ignorance.

Despite their public witness, transparent charitable work, and visible Catholic identity, many view the Knights with doubt, suspicion, even evil intent. They don't know what they're seeing, so they assume the worst. That is human nature.

In some regions, the word “Knight” is mistaken for “Night,” and this conjures up associations with darkness or secrecy. But “Knight” - with a "K," is a noble title, rooted in Christian chivalry, not occultism.

Others may see one misbehaving knight, and so assume the entire body is corrupt. That, too, is human nature.

But there is no group in the Church, not even the Twelve Apostles, without human weakness. Remember, Judas fell. Thomas doubted.

Ye, the mission of the Apostles continued. 

The same holds true for any group - including any church.  Unfaithfulness, hurtful actions, and individual bad actors cannot define the fidelity of many.

There are those who question why some Knights have worldly wealth or influence, suspecting them of ritual practices, or pacts with the devil. Back to ignorance, there.

Yet wealth, in itself, is not evil.  Much, if not most, of the charitable work in the world is performed by wealthy people.... because they have the means.  Thus, many knights use their resources to build churches, sponsor vocations, fund orphanages, and support the poor. Their influence, rightly used, builds up the Body of Christ.

Other people are disturbed that Knights call each other “brother.” But this is deeply biblical. Christ Himself said:

“You are all brothers” (Matthew 23:8).

Just like religious brothers or seminarians, knights affirm their spiritual unity in Christ.

Then there is concern over the use of the word “initiation,” when new members are received. But this term is not exclusive to a distorted view of cults. In fact, every Christian undergoes initiation, through Baptism, instruction, confirmations, and so on. In knightly ceremonies, initiation simply means a solemn and prayerful commitment to serve, under Church guidance.

Finally, some falsely believe that when knights die, they are buried with secret rites. But their funerals follow the normal liturgical order of the Church,  just with additional ceremonial honors, like any Church society might do. There is nothing occultic, only respect, prayer, and tradition.

WHAT DO THESE KNIGHTS ACTUALLY DO?

Catholic Knights are not just decorations during big Masses. Their mission is deep, sacrificial, and Christ-centered.

They:

- Organize charity outreaches to orphans, widows, and prisoners

- Sponsor seminarians and support vocations

- Build and maintain schools, hospitals, and mission houses

- Help with security and order during large Church gatherings

- Defend Catholic teachings and speak out against injustice

And they do all this quietly, without fanfare, offering their time, talents, and treasure for the glory of God.

WHY THE UNIFORMS MATTER

Every uniform has meaning.

Soldiers wear many types. 

Doctors wear lab coats.

Judges wear gowns.

So too, Catholic Knights wear their regalia as a sign of dedication and identity.

It’s not about showing off. It’s about reminding the world,  and themselves, of their sacred commitment to serve Christ and His Church.

A REMINDER TO THE KNIGHTS THEMSELVES

To every Catholic Knight reading this:

Your robe is not for show.

Your sword is not a toy.

Your gloves are not decoration.

You are called to serve, not to shine.

To pray, not to parade.

To lead, not to lord.

As St. Paul says:

“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.”

(1 Corinthians 16:13)

“Fight the good fight of faith.”

(1 Timothy 6:12)

Be the Knight the Church needs - humble, holy, disciplined, and devoted.

TO EVERYONE ELSE

Stop the ignorance. Stop the gossip. End the confusion. Learn and teach the truth.

The Catholic Church is rich in tradition. This bothers those who havè a sterile outlook on the matter..., although, they,  too, will have their traditions, even if they don't admit it.  But the symbols of The Church are not empty. Her uniforms are not evil. Her people are not perfect, but many strive every day to serve God with their whole heart.

So next time you see a Knight in full regalia, don’t be afraid.

🙏 Say a prayer for him.

🙏 Thank him.

🙏 And if you’re a man, maybe ask yourself:

“How can I serve too?”

✝️ God bless you.