Knights of Columbus: Patriotism

[Kesalop]

I am a Canadian university student and people keep encouraging me to join the KofC but I have some questions about their forth pillar, Patriotism.
This is their description
“Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.”

My understanding of this is that we should put OUR country above other. I am not totally comfortable with this, I believe that the actions taken should be in the interest of everyone, not just those of one country. To devote ones self to a country when we are very much a part of a larger world community seems silly, especially when in Canada 3 of the 4 major political parties are pro-choice and the other one chooses to ignore the debate.

What does this say about the KofC and if I were to join, then what does this say about me?
Could anyone share their interpretation or thoughts on this and maybe clear this up?

Thanks

 

[Corki]

I don’t read that statement to be a statement of nationalism - putting one’s own country ahead of all others - but rater patriotism which includes active citizenship (voting, volunteering, being knowledgeable about the running of the country) and support for good causes within the structure of the country.

 

[the_phoenix]

The world needs a Canada
filled with good, strong Catholic men.
I hope you will join the Knights of Columbus …
In doing so,
you will serve God
and Canada
and help the world.

 

[FaithfulKnight]

I am a Canadian university student and people keep encouraging me to join the KofC but I have some questions about their forth pillar, Patriotism.
This is their description
“Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.”

My understanding of this is that we should put OUR country above other. I am not totally comfortable with this, I believe that the actions taken should be in the interest of everyone, not just those of one country. To devote ones self to a country when we are very much a part of a larger world community seems silly, especially when in Canada 3 of the 4 major political parties are pro-choice and the other one chooses to ignore the debate.

What does this say about the KofC and if I were to join, then what does this say about me?
Could anyone share their interpretation or thoughts on this and maybe clear this up?

Thanks

Go ahead and join, you will become part of a worldwide fraternity that is always willing to reach out to those in need.

The following was taken from kofc.org/un/en/about/index.html

Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world’s foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

After you have become a member you will learn all you need to know about the various degrees including the Patriotic or the 4th Degree.

Best of luck