District Master

Brother Knight,

Congratulations on your joining the largest Catholic lay organization in the world! You are now an integral part of a charitable fraternity with 2 million other Brother Knights.

Having just observed the lessons on charity, unity, and fraternity you have only one more lesson to complete your full membership in the Knights of Columbus … the Patriotic Degree.

As you learned, the Knights of Columbus was founded by Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882. The Patriotic Degree was not begun until 1900 as an answer to those who questioned Catholics’ loyalty to their country. Over 1,000 Knights became Sir Knights in a ceremony held in New York City in 1900.

Sir Knights are patriotic men who are shining examples of Catholic American citizens that stand in support of their country. You will find Sir Knights at Veteran Administration hospitals serving food to our veterans, performing flag retirement ceremonies, serving as honor guards at cemeteries on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, carrying our nation, state, and papal flags at the front of parades, standing guard at Brother Sir Knight’s wakes and funeral and so many other patriotic events/activities in service to our church, country, and its citizens.

To see a presentation on the proud role in American history that Catholics have contributed in our formation and development as “one nation under God” please avail yourself to a Fourth Degree Exemplification. Contact us to request a membership form.

I invite you, my Brother Knight, to join our ranks and be knighted with the sword of the Fourth Degree and become a Sir Knight!

Vivat Jesus! Viva Cristo Rey!

SK Kenneth D. Franch, PFN

Master – BJPL Third Texas District
829 Hayden Lane, Savannah, Texas USA
kfranchkc@gmail.com

BISHOP JOSEPH PATRICK LYNCH
THIRD BISHOP OF DALLAS 1911-1954

Joseph Patrick Lynch served for 43 years (1911-1954), the longest term of any U.S. bishop. The Michigan native was ordained a priest in 1900 for the Dallas Diocese and was vicar general at the time of his predecessor’s death. Bishop Lynch was a great orator who was often called the “Lion of Texas.” He was much sought after as a speaker. As bishop he ordained more than 100 men to the priesthood and established churches in 108 places that had previously been without a Catholic church. During his years as bishop, the Dallas Diocese decreased in size three times with the creation of the Dioceses of El Paso in 1914, Amarillo in 1926, and Austin in 1953.

Joseph Lynch was born in St. Joseph, Michigan on November 16, 1872 to John Valentine and Veronica Jane (née Botham) Lynch. His father immigrated in 1866 from Newcastle, Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland and his mother immigrated from Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1856. At age 15, Joseph Lynch entered St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1887. After graduating from St. Charles College in Ellicott City, Maryland, in 1891, he studied theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore.  He changed his study to law and then practiced for several years near Chicago, Illinois. Joseph Lynch became acquainted with Bishop Edward Joseph Dunne, who convinced him to abandon his legal career and resume his seminary studies.

Bishop Joseph Patrick Lynch died August 19, 1954, at age 81, and is interred in the Mausoleum Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery, in Dallas, Texas.