Danielle Huber
Staff Writer
Knights of Columbus Council #9804 honored a first degree Knight who turned third degree during their initiation ceremony Saturday in Egan Hall.
Don Jordan, 79, Franciscan University of Steubenville rugby coach from 2008 to 2010, became a third degree Knight of Columbus during the ceremony, which consisted of seven knights, including four Franciscan students.
District Deputy Erol J. Hosdil, 50, opened the ceremony with a prayer, which was followed by introductions of the three principles that the Knights of Columbus live by: charity, unity and fraternity.
David Burton, faculty advisor for the Knights of Columbus, introduced charity, “the essence of Knighthood.”
Burton said that charity is more than good works or a feeling, but “the heart that sees Christ in our neighbor.”
Unity was introduced by senior Nicholas Resuta, who explained the ceremonious cord that symbolizes the unity of the Knights of Columbus. Jordan was handed a string pulled from the cord and was told to break it.
Grand Knight Josh Anthony, senior, said the singular string represents the weakness in a man who stands alone and easy to break, but with others he is made stronger.
Lastly, Anthony also spoke on fraternity. He quoted 1 John 4:20, “Whoever does not love their brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
Burton held up a rosary as he venerated Mary the Blessed Mother of the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights all had the opportunity to renew their vows around which Knights must live their lives.
The Knights will host a video program, followed by a guest speaker and discussion, to take place every week during Lent. Flyers are posted around campus, and the first event will be on masculinity and brotherhood, Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. in Egan 213.