On June 30, 2019, 65 members of the Knights of Columbus donned the iconic feathered chapeaus and capes one last time. The Supreme Knights of Columbus have discarded the ceremonial capes and plumed chapeaus of its fourth-degree members as of July 1, 2019.
The Knights had traveled from different councils and assemblies throughout the state (and beyond) to be a part of the procession. Six members of Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 traveled to Waterbury for this historic event. All the Knights in colors gathered in front of the Father Michael J. McGivney statue at the intersections of Meadow and Grand streets in Waterbury.
Click to view WTNH video of the event.
The Rev. James Sullivan, the new pastor at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, led the Knights in prayer. Then, processing behind a bagpiper, the group walked through a soaking rain toward the historic Basilica for one final Mass in the full regalia.
The Supreme Knights of Columbus made the change in an attempt to modernize the fraternal group, and to attract new younger members. The new uniform consists of a blue blazer with the fourth-degree emblem, dark gray slacks, a blue tie and a black beret.
