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Fourth degree Knights from throughout California participated in a Mass June 29 at St. Mary's Cathedral to mark the order's transition from its longtime traditional regalia, left, of cape and feather-plumed chapeau to a modern uniform of suit, tie and beret, right. (Photo courtesy of Colleen Hera)
July 8, 2019
Christina Gray
More than 60 Knights of Columbus honor guards from throughout California gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral on June 29 for a Mass marking the passage of its fourth degree regalia of tuxedo, cape and feathered chapeau into the history books after nearly 80 years.
“We wanted to celebrate for the last time the rich history of the traditional regalia,” John Dooley of San Pedro Calungsod Assembly of Mater Dolorosa Council 14818, told Catholic San Francisco.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Assembly of Holy Angels Council 10948 and San Pedro Calungsgod Assembly sponsored the “Blessing of the Swords” Mass celebrated by Father Arturo Albano, a fourth degree Knight.
The Knights’ international board of directors adopted a new uniform for the fourth degree, consisting of a suit, tie and beret. July 1 was the official changeover date. The organization said their research showed the traditional regalia presented a barrier to membership, especially among younger men.
The Knights of Columbus fourth degree is the patriotic degree and the order’s highest, with members known as Sir Knights. The Color Corps honor guard is the visual arm of the fourth degree and is a fixture at clergy installations, funerals and vigils, civic marches such as Walk for Life West Coast and a variety of other liturgical and religious events.
Dooley said the ceremonial event marking the transition from the old to new uniform was initially for the Bay Area assemblies of the Knights of Columbus but gained statewide interest, with Knights from as far south as San Diego and as far north as Paradise attending.