The current leader of this body, Faithful Navigator Stephen Demeo said it’s a humbling experience to lead such an outstanding group of men who have dedicated their lives, and in the case of our veterans, may have given their lives, in the service to their families, church, community and our country. He went on to say that the members of the Fourth Degree (the highest degree) are the most visible arm of the Order because of the tuxedo uniforms they wear that includes colorful feathered chapeau hats, capes and swords, which they wear in public venues, such as funerals and parades.
While the Knights of Columbus had its beginnings in 1882, the Fourth Degree wasn’t instituted until February 1900 and the first class in New York, New York numbered 1,400 men. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights’ respective country. There are approximately 311,000 4th Degree members worldwide.
The Monsignor Flanagan assembly is named after Father Edward J. Flanagan of Boys Town fame. Currently, his case for sainthood is being reviewed at the Vatican. This assembly is made up of members from eight councils in Riverside, Corona, Norco and Eastvale. Of the 60 navigators who have lead this organization since its inception, there are currently 20 living navigators. Many of the leaders have served our country in the armed services, some doctors, and some public servants. The most notable member of the assembly is Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego of the Diocese of San Bernardino, and another member was a Pearl Harbor survivor, Leo Galica. Each year it hosts a patriotic essay contest in the five parochial schools in Riverside and Corona, and three years ago it started a wheelchair-walker-cane program to provide these mobility devices to veterans in the local community.