To Grand Knights and Faithful Navigators:
We are proud to announce that the Florida District of the Degree De Soto Province will close the 125th anniversary year celebration of the KofC Fourth Degree with a unique outdoor Exemplification at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine.
You are urged to invite eligible Knights in your respective councils to register for the ceremony that will take place at dusk on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the giant outdoor cross at the Mission, which was originally built in 1609. The candidates – along with spouses and guests – have the opportunity to experience the revitalized Exemplification ceremony that debuted at New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Washington’s Birthday in 2025 – the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree.
Sir Knights who took the Fourth Degree prior to 2025 are also invited to experience the ceremony that stresses the importance of being a Patriotic Catholic Citizen.
The tentative schedule calls for registration beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a walking Rosary at 3 p.m., Mass at 4 p.m. and the Degree Ceremony at 5:15 p.m.
Father Timothy M. Lindenfelser, Rector of the Shrine, will be the Exemplification honoree.
Since there will be no banquet following the ceremony, the candidate fee is $70, and the fee for a Priest is $35.
The ceremony is free for family, friends and observers.
Councils begin by gathering the application Form 4 from their respective candidates and writing a check to the Financial Secretary of the target assembly,
Assemblies are required to send in a downloaded copy of the registration form (please do not write on the original), degree certificate, signed Form 4 (all four copies for each candidate), and check payable to the Master, Robert Urrutia. Forms are available on the Florida State website.
Please note the dress code for the exemplification. While tuxedos are no longer mandatory, candidates must sign the dress code paper, wear a dark suit (not brown!) and black dress shoes. Candidates are encouraged to write the number of their new assembly on the back of their KofC membership card.
Assembly checks are to be made out to: Robert S. Urrutia, Master, and sent to Robert S. Urrutia, Master, 339 Whisper Ridge Loop, Davenport, FL 33897.
The deadline is Friday, February 20.
Assemblies and Councils are invited to support their Candidates by purchasing an ad in the Exemplification program. The cost of a full-page ad is only $250 and will include your Assembly or Council name, number, current officers, and your message. We also have pre-made pages for your convenience. Half-page ads cost $150. The deadline is Wednesday, February 18.
Vivat Jesus!
Robert S. Urrutia, Master
