By Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News

The Knights of Columbus welcomed 29 men initiated to the “Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity,” marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journey during a ceremony Sunday, Feb. 8 in Saskatoon.

The exemplification ceremony was hosted by the Chaldean Knights of Columbus Council 2695 Saskatoon at Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church, supported by Fr. Bassim Shoni, parish K of C Council Chaplain and pastor of the Chaldean parish.

Fr. Isaac Atta Mensah, pastor at St. John Bosco Parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, joined the 28 other men to became a member of the Knight of Columbus.

Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot presents rosaries to his brother Knights during the exemplification Feb. 8. (Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Saskatchewan State Deputy Marte Clemente Nogot congratulated the new Third-Degree Knights as they continue their path of embracing the Knights of Columbus values of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, the four virtues that define the fraternal order founded by Blessed Michael McGivney.

“As Knights, you’re now the representatives of our order’s integrity, embodying the principles of compassionate service, solidarity, and faith. Remember that your actions will reflect not only your character as husbands, fathers, and Catholic men, but also the values of our brotherhood,” said Nogot.

“The integrity of our order is now your integrity. Today, you are no longer a simple man. The commitment you make will inspire others, strengthen our bonds, and illuminate the path to service, unity, and faith. As you begin this journey, may the spirit of service guide you, empowered by unity and illuminated by the light of our Catholic faith,” Nogot added.

Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot addresses his brothers after the ceremony. (Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Jorge Carvalho, originally from Brazil and a resident in Saskatoon for four years, said his decision to join the Knights was based on his feeling that he could do more than attend Mass and be active in other church activities.

“I want to help those in need; to contribute not only to the church but to the local community as a whole. I saw that passion with the Knights through its fraternal bond and unity,” said Carvalho, who does cancer research at the University of Saskatchewan and will be part of Council 1517 at St. Paul Co-Cathedral.

Abin Seby, originally from India and a member of the local Syro-Malabar Church, said he had heard of the Knights of Columbus more than a decade ago but did not join until two years ago. With the recent celebration, he is now a Third-Degree Knight.

“The Knights is a brotherhood focused on sharing and helping our brothers and sisters in need that reflects the community spirit. Our brotherhood also helps each of us to grow deeper in our Catholic faith, which is important,” added Seby, who will be part of Council 18012.

Former State Deputy Joe Riffle congratulates the newly-initiated Third Degree Knights of Columbus. (Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Past State Deputy Joe Riffle said that the range of members welcomed at the ceremony shows the diversity of the Knights of Columbus, which involves men from different social and ethnic backgrounds who each bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table.

“As I look around, I see a diverse group of individuals, by age, hair colour, and culture. As we stand here, we are surrounded by men of different cultures and backgrounds. Some being Chaldean, Filipino, Syro-Malabar, Ukrainian, Hispanic, English, French, First Nations, Indigenous Peoples, and more,” said Riffle.

“Diversity is described as the practice of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds, among other things. We all recognize that each man can offer a different perspective, suggestions, and solutions to various situations we may face in our daily lives.”

The Chaldean Catholic Church, Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and the Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church are among the different rites of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, which are autonomous but are in full communion with the pope, the Vatican and the Roman Catholic rite.

The exemplification was performed by the Saskatoon Degree team, composed of State Advocate Dale Meier (P.O.), State Faith Director Adrien Piche (Charity), Past State Deputy Joe Riffel (Unity), and Wardens Rick Devon, Dave Harden, and Frank Brown.

The event was supported by District Deputies of Saskatoon and North Battleford, as well as Grand Knights and Brother Knights from different Saskatoon councils, along with the wives and families of the newly initiated knights, and their friends.

For more information about the Knights of Columbus in Saskatchewan, see:  kofcsask.com/join-us

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Jon Perez is a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.

Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.

Captions/cutlines:

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Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus officials with the newly exemplified brothers.

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Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot addresses his brothers after the ceremony.

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Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot hands over rosaries to his brother Knights.

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Former State Deputy Joe Riffle congratulates his fellow brother Knights.