Several men in attendance noted the cape and chapeau as drawbacks. It was one of the major points raised in a roundtable in March at the Archdiocese of Toronto chancery when the Knights gathered a number of the men to get input into their impressions of the Knights. “If I had to wear that regalia, I wouldn’t join the Knights,” is the refrain Heffernan said he has heard often. The Knights of Columbus’ new look retains their traditional sword and sash, but the cape and plumed chapeau are gone. “With close to two million members in the world in the organization, it is hard to hear the voice of every member,” said Lau.ĭan Heffernan, Ontario State Deputy, said the Knights have been doing extensive research and have heard one constant from men as to why they won’t join the order. and Yukon State Deputy Ming Lau said some Knights have expressed frustration that there wasn't enough consultation before they made the switch. Lim has heard complaints that the new outfit looks “too military,” whereas B.C. “The new uniform is a lot simpler, less cumbersome, and more practical to wear compared to its predecessor.”īut the change comes with its challenges. They consider it archaic and not in keeping with times,” said Arcie Lim, a Vancouver man and member of the Knights' Supreme Board of Directors. “Most young members are not joining the Patriotic Degree of the Order because of the regalia. It’s all part of the Knights’ efforts to attract new members, particularly younger men. The ceremonial swords will continue to be part of the Fourth Degree. The new uniform will be a jacket and beret, which bears a strong resemblance to the uniform of the Royal Canadian Legion. The preferred dress will no longer include the cape and chapeau. The Colour Corps, which acts as an honour guard at religious and civic functions, is distinguishable by its official regalia of tuxedo, cape, chapeau, white gloves and sword. July 1 will mark the end of a 79-year era when the Knights change the ceremonial regalia worn by the Colour Corps long associated with the fraternal Catholic order. There are mixed feelings about a longstanding tradition that is coming to an end this summer, as the Knights of Columbus discard the ceremonial capes and plumed chapeaus of their Fourth Degree members.
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