Ten men were last year admitted into Western Australia’s oldest Catholic lay organisation, the Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross (KSC).
The traditional grand admission ceremony was held at St Joseph Convent Chapel, South Perth, where a Mass was co-celebrated by Mgr Timothy Corcoran and Fr Jean-Noel Marie.
Over the years, the Order in Western Australia has welcomed Catholic men from across the community into its membership. The Order’s broad-based Catholic membership and its ensuing influential position in many sectors of the State can be traced to the foresight of the 53 men who attended the first meeting on 12 February 1922.
“It is an honour and privilege to be present at the grand admission ceremony that witnesses the faith demonstrated by those practising Catholic men declaring their wish to join the Order,” said KSC State Chairman George Sekulla.
“During a time of intense scrutiny of our faith and the Church, these men serve as a source of the continuing strength of our Catholic faith,” he added.
Admission to the Order is by invitation and recommendation by members of the organisation.
As a member of the Order, Catholic men have the opportunity to support their parish, give back to the Western Australian community, and grow in their Catholic faith.
In essence, members are dedicated to providing a Christian service and to build Christ’s Kingdom on Earth.
The Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross is a foundation member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights; a non-governmental organisation officially recognised by the Vatican in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
The Order promotes vocations, provides financial support for seminarians and assists with the implementation of projects in local parishes.
Within the wider community, the Order supports and assists the aged, infirmed and youth through financial and non-financial means.