Beyond the Sword: The Knights of Columbus in Our Time

I admired their uniforms and swords/Sr. Charito.

As a child, the sight of men dressed like knights, with swords in hand, always caught my attention during the great liturgical celebrations of the Church. They seemed larger than life—guardians of the sacred. Back then, I never knew who they truly were. 

Today, I know them not just as ceremonial figures but as the Knights of Columbus—ordinary men with extraordinary faith, serving God and the Church in noble ways.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney. From their beginnings in Connecticut to their presence now in our parish, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Quipayo, Calabanga, Camarines, Sur Philippines, their mission has remained the same: to live out the values of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. They are modern-day knights, not wielding swords in battle, but carrying the cross of Christ through service, prayer, and dedication to the Church.

Knowing them personally, and working with them closely, made me see that the word KNIGHTS is more than just a name. 

For me, it describes who they are: Kind, Noble, living with Integrity, Generous, Humble, with Trust in God, and faithful Stewards of God’s gifts. Each of these words reflects not only their character but also the mission they live out daily. Let me share how the Knights of Columbus Council #12094 in our parish embody what it means to be KNIGHTS of Christ in the modern world.

K – Kindness

The Knights of Columbus are men of kindness, sensitive to the needs of the people, especially the children. In our parish, they organized feeding programs for the pupils of three public elementary schools and extended help to families in dire need. Their kindness is not limited to big projects but is also seen in simple acts of compassion during parish activities and community outreach. In all these, their service reflects the very heart of Christ, who showed special love for the poor and the vulnerable.

N – Noble Service

The Knights of Columbus serve everyone wholeheartedly, without discrimination. For them, no work for the Church is too small to be considered noble. Whether it is cooking, providing maintenance to Church facilities, parish clean-up drive, assisting at the funerals of their brother knights, or rendering honor guard service during feasts and solemnities, they perform each task with dignity and devotion. To them, nobility means standing firm in faith and values, serving the Church with honor, and protecting life, family, and truth.

I – Integrity

The Knights of Columbus are men of integrity. In a time when compromise comes easily, they remain steadfast in honesty, faithfulness, and moral courage, becoming examples for younger generations. They work quietly, allowing their sacrifices, commitment, and love for the Church to speak on their behalf. Their service is not done for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to be brothers to all.

G- Generosity

The Knights of Columbus are men of generosity. They give not only from their surplus but even from the little that they have. They willingly share their time, talents, and treasures to help others experience God’s love. During Christmas, they organize gift-giving activities, and on Valentine’s Day they distribute flowers after Mass to spread joy among the parishioners. Whatever service they can offer, they give wholeheartedly according to the gifts they have received. From fundraising for parish needs to reaching out to disaster victims, their generosity flows freely, proving that faith without works is dead.

H – Humility

The Knights of Columbus are men of humility. They work quietly behind the scenes—organizing, assisting, and serving—without seeking praise or recognition. In their hidden yet faithful service, they embody Christ’s humble leadership, reminding us that greatness is found in serving others.

T – Trust in God

The Knights of Columbus are men of faith whose lives are anchored in trust in God. Amid challenges, they remain steadfast, believing that with God nothing is impossible. They pray together, lead devotions, and faithfully attend Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation. Their deep trust in God strengthens their mission and inspires others to rely on Him in all circumstances.

S – Stewardship

The Knights of Columbus have a strong sense of stewardship. They are genuine caretakers of God’s gifts, watching over their families, supporting the parish, and safeguarding the blessings entrusted to them. Their active participation in parish life and their initiatives to provide much-needed services show that they are not just members of an organization but true stewards of God’s mission—faithful servants who use their time, talents, and treasures for the greater glory of God.

Through Kindness, Noble service, Integrity, Generosity, Humility, Trust in God, and Stewardship, the Knights of Columbus./Charito.

Truly, they are modern Knights of Christ, showing us that holiness is not in titles or attire but in living faithfully for God and for others. Under the leadership of Sir Grand Knight Cipriano Compuesto, may Council #12094 continue to shine—not through armor, but through their good works.