Nearly 30 men received the Fourth Degree at an exemplification held during the Prince Edward Island State Convention on April 26, one of the largest Fourth Degree exemplifications to take place in Canada since the revised ceremonial format was introduced earlier this year.
It was also one of the largest exemplifications to be held in Prince Edward Island since the Order was established in the province 105 years ago. K of C leaders said the ceremony is a testament to the enduring impact of the patriotic degree — on the island and throughout Canada.
Supreme Master Michael McCusker was present for the exemplification, along with State Deputy Savio Dias of Prince Edward Island, Vice Supreme Master Richard Doucette, and Former District Master Dan Miller, who played an integral role in organizing the revised exemplification ceremony. Other Fourth Degree leaders from several jurisdictions were also present, including district masters from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
After the exemplification, the new Fourth Degree Knights and other convention participants attended Mass at St. Dunstan’s Basilica in Charlottetown concelebrated by Bishop Joseph Dabrowski of Charlottetown and several priests, including State Chaplain Father Andrew Handrahan and Associate State Chaplain Father Peter Wojakiewicz.
Dolphe Mazerolle, district master of Prince Edward Island, said that patriotism must begin with faith in God. “[Knights] can defend religious freedom through prayerful witness, finding strength in the Eucharist,” he said. “In Canada, the Knights of Columbus, alongside groups like the Royal Canadian Legion, proudly support our military and honor veterans who defended our freedom.”
To be patriotic and faithful citizens, noted Dias, also means defending values like peace, justice and compassion.
“Patriotism, for us as Canadian Knights of Columbus, is not just love for our country,” he said. “It is a commitment to serve it faithfully and with humility. Rooted first in our faith, our patriotism is lived through prayer, service and a deep respect for the common good.”
During the Order’s celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree in New York on Feb. 22, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly affirmed that Catholicism and patriotism can — and should — go hand in hand.
“The Church reminds us that patriotism is a duty that flows from a sense of gratitude,” the supreme knight said. “Gratitude to God, gratitude to our family and gratitude to our nation for the gifts that we have been given, the gifts that shape and sustain us: hearth and home, culture and community.”
The Order has played a key role in fostering patriotism across Canada for more than 125 years. The country’s first K of C council was established in Montréal, Québec, in 1897. Canada’s first Fourth Degree exemplification took place a decade later, also in Montréal, on July 14, 1907.
During World War I and World War II, the Knights spearheaded military recruitment efforts and supported veterans’ rehabilitation. Canadian Knights and state councils were instrumental in establishing Catholic Army Huts, offering places of recreation, relaxation and religious services to troops. Known for their slogan “Everybody Welcome, Everything Free,” the huts welcomed any Allied soldier, regardless of race or creed.
An additional component of patriotism in Canada, said Mazerolle, is to welcome and celebrate the more than 450 ethnic and cultural groups present throughout the country.
“[This] reminds us that we are all children of God,” he said. “We respect one another’s beliefs and celebrate freedom of expression. We remain inspired by our founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, whose example guides us in living out true Christian values.”