Fr John Arens Council
Sun Lakes, Arizona

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.

The Colors of the Knights of Columbus Emblem:
Red is the Symbol of faith, of belief in Christ, in the Redemption and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God's Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God has for each individual. White is then the symbol of Christ-like Charity.
Blue is the color of Our Lady's mantle in which she wrapped her beloved Son, through Whom came salvation to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.