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Emblem of the Order

The emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme Council meeting, held May 12, 1883. It was designed by then-Supreme Knight James T. Mullen.

The emblem is composed of a shield mounted upon the Formée Cross. The shield is associated with medieval knights. The Formée Cross is a traditional artistic design of the Cross of Christ and represents the Catholic spirit of the Order.

Mounted on the shield is a vertically standing fasces with an anchor and short sword crossed behind it. The fasces dates from the Roman Empire and is symbolic of authority, which must exist in any tightly bonded and efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the mariner’s symbol, symbolic of Columbus, patron of the Order. The short sword was the weapon of the knight when engaged upon errands of mercy. Together with the shield and the letters K of C, these symbols express Catholic knighthood in organized, merciful action.

The colors of red, white and blue in the background of the shield and the foreground of the Formée Cross are colors that represent noble aspects of the Order. Red is symbolic of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity and a full measure of devotion. Blue is symbolic of hope, of calm tranquility under God and of confidence in the protection of one’s country. White is symbolic of nobility of purpose, of purity of aim and of crucible-tried ideals to be carried out.