By Marte Clemente Nogot, State Deputy, Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus

Unlike the drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, a man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives.

As members of the Knights of Columbus, we live to make a difference in this world. The value of being a man makes us leaders in our family, in the society and in the church. We are a diversity of human beings and this is our identity.

Catholic men of this world are made up of an ethnically, racially, culturally, nationally and socially diverse group, that is universal in confession and particular in expression.

This particular expression is apparent in our worship practices and liturgical celebrations, especially evident in Catholics who have come here from other cultures.

From the Advent novena of Masses known as “Simbang Gabi” (night Masses) celebrated by the Filipino Catholic community, to the liturgical and devotional activities that occur during the Asian Lunar year celebrated by Chinese (Xin or Chun Jie), Korean (Seollal), Laotian (Pi Mai) and Vietnamese (Tet) communities, many have incorporated cultural elements into their Catholic worship.

Other practices that communities incorporate include the inclusion of Asian saints during the chanting of the Litany of Saints as well as the display of a statue or image of the Blessed Virgin Mary adorned with local native dress — such as Our Lady of La Vang in the Vietnamese Catholic Community or Our Lady of Guadalupe for Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

By doing this, Catholics of many cultures are able to incorporate Mary into their particular ethnic identity. In art, she has taken on Asian characteristics and other ethnic features. Through prayers, she is called upon to intercede on behalf of the people. She is the nurturing caretaker of a people whose identity is grounded deeply in their faith and culture.

A myriad of liturgical and devotional practices can stress the deep encounter of faith in a loving God who is glorified in diversity.

All people are immigrants since the beginning, and people migrate seeking greener pastures (as well as peace and safety) up to this very day. A person’s identity as a Catholic is always shaped by their Indigenous, colonial, and missionary history, as well as by their encounter with the diversity present in today’s culture.

For many Catholics, whether born here or in another land, their religious identity is intricately woven into their cultural upbringing and for them, their religious identity is best expressed through their native tongues. Home country languages are a vital part of who they are. It is not only a way to communicate, but it also gives expression to the depth of their being. Religion is essential to their lives.

Language is an identity marker that accentuates the character and personality of many newcomers, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples. Language is distinctive, especially when cultural expressions are not translatable into English and can only be expressed in their original language.

As St. Paul advocates: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male or female; for you are all in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28),

In addition, all are part of God’s family, “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)

Here in Saskatchewan, the State Council of the Knights of Columbus, promotes cultural diversity. Our faith encourages us to recognize all Catholics from every background in all local parishes and across the dioceses – and to encourage Catholic men of every background to become a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Last fraternal year, Catholics from other cultures who joined the Order made a big impact in our membership intake and all of them are seeking to grow their faith with the Knights, and to live the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Not only are their lives enriched and changed but, so is the society they live in.

Let us welcome all Catholics of every ethnicity to join us and to bring their intrinsic quality of Catholicism into our jurisdiction.  Being a Knight — like being in the Church — is being at home.

To join today, Catholic men are invited to visit: KofC.org/JoinUs and use the Free Membership Code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY – Jurisdiction – Saskatchewan

“The man who stands with us never stands alone.”

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Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.