02/08/2026
Warm Greetings, my Worthy Brother Knights!
I am pleased to announce that the Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli Assembly 3218 will be hosting a Blessing of the Swords Ceremony on Saturday, March 7th at 6:30 PM at the Schott Communities, located at: 6591 S. Flamingo Road, Cooper City, FL 33330. Our Events Committee is working hard to make this a memorable experience for all in attendance. The Florida District Master of the Fourth Degree, Sir Knight Robert Urrutia, PSD, will be presiding over the Ceremony.
For those of you who have not participated in a "Blessing of the Swords" event, it does not happen very often, usually just once a year. But, when it does happen, it is truly a special ceremonial for Knights of Columbus members, their families and anyone who is interested in joining us.
Oftentimes, when we think of the word Knight, we envision an armor-cladded warrior with a sword and shield. It is no secret that our Fraternal Organization, namely the Fourth Degree has chosen Patriotism as its motto. Originally founded in 1900 during a special Exemplification that took place in New York City, more than 1,200 Knights first joined the 4th degree. Members of the Fourth Degree optionally can join the Color Corp, which includes a uniform and a sword as part of the uniform. In fact, the Fourth Degree Color Corps, which is the Visible Arm of the Order and consists of Honor Guards and Color Guards, has been active in a wide variety of parish functions and public events including: Corporate Communion Masses, Ordinations, Weddings and Funerals, Sporting events and Parades that it is almost impossible to not recognize a Knight of Columbus in his uniform. The Ceremonial Sword that Sir Knights carry is a symbol of Christian Knighthood and the most prominent piece of the uniform. As men of Christ, the Knights of Columbus do not use the Sword as a weapon of aggression or war, but rather, as a symbolic reminder of our commitments to Patriotism, to honor Christ and to defend our Faith, Church and Country.
The annual Blessing of the Swords is typically conducted during the beginning of the new year, reminding us of renewal. The blessing is not only for the ceremonial swords but is typically imparted by the Celebrant to all present, including families, friends and the like. This activity is open and free to all who wish to attend, especially brother Knights of Columbus and their families. If you want to spend a delightful evening of faith and fellowship with Brother Knights, then come to this beautiful, reverent Ceremony. If you know some fellow Sir Knights with a sword and uniform, then come support them in our Ceremony. If you own a Knights of Columbus sword that you want to have Blessed, then come to our Ceremony. If you are a lower Degree Knight who is interested in the Fourth Degree or is already a Candidate, then come to our Ceremony to learn more about being a Sir Knight. There are so many more reasons to come and experience the Blessing of the Swords that you do not need to be in the Fourth Degree or Color Corps to attend.
Dress Code - This is a Semi-formal event, so be sure to dress appropriately. All Fourth Degree Sir Knights attending are expected to wear their official dress uniform or a business suit and Fourth Degree lapel pin. All Third Degree and lower Brother Knights should also wear a business suit. All Color Corps members must wear their full official dress uniform and gear.
The event begins with Holy Mass at the St. Jude Chapel of Schott Communities, at 6:30 PM. Following the Mass, we will have the Blessing of the Swords Ceremony. After the Ceremony, for those who wish to purchase tickets for the reception you are welcome to join us at the Reception in the Social Hall where food and drinks will be available. You can purchase tickets for the Reception with the QR code in the flyer or you can pay at the door. All profits from the reception will go to our Military Chaplain Charitable Fund.
Please refer to the attached flyer more for information and spread the word to all your fellow Brother Knights and to your Councils. We look forward to seeing you in this amazing event! Vivat Jesus and God Bless!
Fraternally,
SK Jimmy Fernández
Grand Knight - Saint John XXIII Council 14390
Faithful Navigator - Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli Assembly 3218
