Our Emblem
The emblem of Knights for Neighbors draws inspiration from the emblem for the Knights of Columbus. The Knights for Neighbors emblem visually represents the virtues and ideals that we strive for, with our motto emblazoned on a banner at the bottom. Although we primarily use a Latin rendering of the motto (see above right) we produce below a large English rendering so the emblem's elements can be seen in detail.
The cross represents a version of the cross of the Knights of Malta (formerly the Knights Hospitallers, known for their service to traveling pilgrims to the Holy Land).
The lamb and lion represent dual aspects of Jesus Christ and our aspiration to offer our lives in sacrifice and pursue manly virtue.
St. Joseph represents the ideal father and man who loves his family and neighbors and takes pride in his work. Click here to learn more about our patron saint.
The hammer and the sword represent the virtue of skilled craftsmanship in all we do and defending timeless Catholic principles.
The blue (azure) represents the sky, that is, God who watches over the world. It is the symbol of hope, peace, and confidence.
The white (silver) represents innocence, frankness and purity of intention.
The yellow (gold) cross denotes the central mission of our lives as well as indestructible goods, the richness that comes with hard work.
The text on the yellow (gold) banner is our motto, Leones Facti Sunt Simul Agni, Lambs Become Lions. Scroll down for more information on our motto.
The red symbolizes giving of one's self, courage, valor and heroism in the fight for one's faith, one's language,and one's rights.
About Our Motto: "Lambs Become Lions."
Our motto is inspired by the image of Jesus Christ as "the lamb of God and the lion of the tribe of Judah" taken from Old and New Testament writings. The lamb and the lion refer to two aspects of Christ's nature as both the conquering Lion King and the Lamb slain for our sins.
Our motto is also inspired by the main theme of a British/American film by Ridely Scott, Robin Hood: "Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions." In the scene below, Sir Robert Locksley is teaching his son, Robin Longstride, about the virtues of manhood and persistence.
In the key scene of the movie, Robin Longstride stands before a host of princes and King John (who abrogated rights under Magna Carta) and declares principles similar to the Catholic principle of subsidiarity that echoes the democratic imperative of "consent of the governed" and preserves the ideal of separation of powers between Church and state.
Video Excerpts:
"Kings need subjects and subjects need kings.... You build a country, like you build a cathedral-- from the ground-up. Empower every man and all will gain strength... Support a Charter of Rights where loyalty requires justice so to be safe from prison without charge, where a man can forage on his own land, hunt deer for his own hearth; work, eat, and live by the sweat of his own brow. Such a king who would allow men to be merry as he can would be great!"
King John: "What, would you have then? A castle for every man?" Robin: "No, every man's home is his castle... we ask his majesty for liberty, liberty by law."
