Knights and Squires/Uniforms or Costumes?

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Hereiam

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Let me preface my comments that I am a huge supporter (although not a member) of the Knights of Columbus.

However, on the occasions of their presence at the Mass, specifically when they escort the Blessed Sacrament to a place of adoration (i.e., Good Friday) the uniforms border on making me squirm…or laugh.

The KofC honor guard, with their formal attire, complete with hats, capes, and swords make me think of a reenactment of the days of Lord Nelson or John Paul Jones…a parade of the Admiralty…and the Squires…Oh my…some of their get ups remind me of officers of the Ku Klux Klan.

Go ahead, I can take my lumps for some thoughts.

Just wanted to know if anyone else had the same thoughts, on occasion?

Knights, Squires…I love you and respect you for your good works, regardless!
 
Actually, I had the exact opposite experience. The first time I saw the Knights in their full regalia, escorting the Blessed Sacrament, I was immediately struck by the seriousness and ceremony of what they were doing. It was the year I was joining the church, and it has never left me.
 
Saw something similar in Pisa cathedral, Italy. Didn’t follow why they were there as my Italian is limited.
 
Squirm? Laugh? That doesn’t don’t sound terribly mature to me.
 
FaithfulKnight said:
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Hereiam:
hats, capes, and swords
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It is called a Chapeau.
The Knights are currently in the process of changing from the current regalia to a new uniform style, See it here
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A year’s extension has already been granted to the old regalia. Given the low sales of the new uniform, and the overwhelmingly negative response from the 4th degree Sir Knights who wear the regalia, I’d be surprised if the current regalia went away.
 
OldCAFMember said:
A year’s extension has already been granted to the old regalia. Given the low sales of the new uniform, and the overwhelmingly negative response from the 4th degree Sir Knights who wear the regalia, I’d be surprised if the current regalia went away.
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I hope it doesn’t. I personally love to see our Knights in their regalia.
 
In the berets and suit jackets? The look like the secret police of a repressive dictatorship in them, IMO.
 
No, in the current (old) regalia, with the capes and chapeaus and everything. I don’t like the look of the new uniforms. They look rather non-descript.
 
OldCAFMember said:
Given the low sales of the new uniform
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If this were the case why hasn’t my order been filled? Most in my assembly pre-ordered in October 2017 and none have received notice of availability.
I think the problem is more a supply issue hence the extension.
 
Hereiam said:
The KofC honor guard, with their formal attire, complete with hats, capes, and swords make me think of a reenactment of the days of Lord Nelson or John Paul Jones…a parade of the Admiralty…and the Squires…Oh my…some of their get ups remind me of officers of the Ku Klux Klan.
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They updated the uniform recently to something that looks more like the US Special Forces beret, so that should take care of your concern.

I did notice however that at the recent Chrism Mass, only a few of the Knights had changed to the new updated uniform. The remainder, mostly older men, were continuing with the plumes and swords. Not sure if it was a preference on their part or if the new uniforms are either expensive or not widely available yet.

I’m just happy to see Catholic men willing to serve. I don’t get fired up one way or another about their outfit and those who do wear it seem to be wearing it with pride. Maybe focus more on the Blessed Sacrament and less on what people are wearing, mmmkay?
 
I would also add that if you’re like me and have spent time at ren faires, Goth clubs and watched a lot of 70s era “blaxploitation” films, the plumed hats and capes seem like just another day at the office. A lot of guys I know would actually find that outfit kinda cool.
 
OldCAFMember said:
Squirm? Laugh? That doesn’t don’t sound terribly mature to me.
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Fair enough…LOL…of course, I as much admitted that in my post…I’m kind of surprised it took so long for someone to put me in my place, rather than comment on the thread which asked what are your thoughts on the outfits.
 
Hereiam said:
Fair enough…LOL…of course, I as much admitted that in my post…I’m kind of surprised it took so long for someone to put me in my place, rather than comment on the thread which asked what are your thoughts on the outfits.
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You are entitled to your opinion and no one should make you feel like you where “put…in my place,” and “immature.” BTW, here, they do not raise the swords anymore.
 
The modernization of the KFC’s uniforms won’t be complete until 2020 when the swords will be completely phased out. The swords will be replaced with a sidearm. Testing of this novelty is currently underway in parishes which were identified as lacking in reverence for the Eucharist. One of the new tests involves Knights wearing the sidearms while they stand behind Eucharistic ministers, encouraging Catholics to receive on the tongue. 😝

I, for one, am glad to see that the Knights are taking their role as protectors of the Eucharist with this kind of enthusiasm.
 
They will also ensure that no liturgical abuses occur.

I am in favor of each Council having a M249 SAW with which to defend liturgical processions.
 
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