The Emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme meeting, May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was the first Supreme Knight. A quick glance at the emblem indicates a shield mounted upon a Cross of Malta. The shield is that associated with a medieval knight. The CROSS of MALTA is the representation in a traditionally artistic design of the Cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This, then, represents the Catholic spirit of the Order. Mounted on the shield are three objects, a MACE standing vertically, and crossed behind it, an ANCHOR and a DAGGER or short sword. The Mace from Roman days is symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization. The Anchor is the mariner's symbol for Columbus, Patron of the Order, while the short sword or Dagger was the weapon of the Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Thus, the shield expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action with the letters K of C, it proclaims this specific from of activity.

The RED, WHITE, and BLUE in the background of the shield and foreground of the Cross of Malta are the colors of our beloved country. As such, RED is the symbol of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity and a full measure of devotion. BLUE is the symbol of hope, of calm tranquility under God and of confidence in the protection of our country, established under God. WHITE is the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity of aim and of crucible-tried ideals to be carried out. But there is another symbolism of color in red, white, and blue. This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes the reflection of the drops of Christ's Redemptive Blood shed upon Calvary, and of the Martyr's blood shed in defense of our Faith.

FAITH - HOPE - CHARITY

RED is then the symbol of FAITH, of belief in Christ, in the Redemptive and in the mission of every man to spread the knowledge and love of Christ. White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God's Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God had for man and of the overwhelming affection which the God-man had for each individual. WHITE is then the symbol of Christ-like CHARITY. Blue is the color of Our Lady's mantle in which She draped her beloved Son, through Whom salvation came to a sinful world. BLUE is then the symbol of HOPE.