Emblem of the Order
The emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme
Council meeting on May 12, 1883, when James T. Mullen, who was then supreme
knight, designed it.
The emblem indicates a shield mounted upon the Formée cross
(having the arms narrow at the center and expanding toward the ends). The
shield is that associated with a medieval knight. The Formée cross is the
representation of a traditional artistic design of the cross of Christ
through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This then
represents the Catholic spirit of the Order.
Mounted on the shield are three objects: a fasces (a bundle
of rods bound together about an ax with the blade projecting) standing
vertically and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword.
The fasces from Roman days, carried before magistrates as an emblem of
authority, is symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bonded
and efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the mariner's symbol
for Columbus, patron of the Order, while the short sword or dagger was the
weapon of the Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Thus, the shield
expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action, and with the
letters, K of C, it proclaims this specific form of activity.
