Knights of Columbus members from throughout Florida and beyond will gather at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Davie on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for a special Fourth Degree Exemplification commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Presented by the Florida State Council of the Knights of Columbus and Archbishop Ambrose dePaoli Assembly 3218, and hosted locally with the support of St. Bonaventure Council 12440, the event marks the return of an in-person Fourth Degree Exemplification to South Florida following the COVID-19 pandemic. The gathering is expected to draw Catholic leaders, clergy, Sir Knights, candidates, families, and guests from throughout Florida, across the United States, and internationally.
The Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, is the honoree for the ceremony and is expected to serve as principal celebrant of the Holy Mass. Supreme Master Michael McCusker and the Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau, Bahamas, are also expected to participate, along with additional clergy, Knights of Columbus leaders, authors, speakers, and distinguished guests from Florida and beyond.
Among those expected to receive the Patriotic Degree are laymen, deacons, priests, and seminarians from across South Florida, underscoring the widespread participation anticipated for the event.
Families and guests are encouraged to attend. Introduced during the 125th anniversary celebration of the Fourth Degree in 2025, the current exemplification format allows family members and loved ones to witness and share in this important milestone in a Knight's journey. This will be the first Fourth Degree Exemplification conducted in South Florida using the new format.
Family members and guests are welcome to attend the Exemplification and Holy Mass. Advance registration is required for banquet attendance; candidates should indicate any banquet guests during registration. Other attendees interested in attending the banquet should consult the Exemplification website for registration information.
Several invited authors, speakers, clergy, and other distinguished guests are expected to participate in fellowship activities associated with the event weekend, providing opportunities for informal interaction beyond the formal program.
SCHEDULE
Registration: 9:30 a.m.
Exemplification Ceremony: 11:00 a.m.
Holy Mass: 1:00 p.m.
Banquet (advance registration required): 2:00 p.m.
St. Bonaventure Catholic Church
1301 SW 136th Avenue
Davie, Florida 33325
A social gathering hosted by St. Mark Council 13045 is scheduled for the evening before the Exemplification, providing attendees with an opportunity to meet fellow Knights, candidates, clergy, speakers, authors, and invited guests before the formal events begin.
Friday, June 26, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
5601 S Flamingo Road
Southwest Ranches, FL 33330
ATTENTION THIRD DEGREE KNIGHTS
If you have ever considered becoming a Fourth Degree Sir Knight, this is your opportunity.
Fourth Degree Exemplifications are held only in person and are not available online. Opportunities to receive the Patriotic Degree are limited and are not regularly available in every area. This special South Florida Exemplification offers eligible Third Degree Knights a unique opportunity to join the Fourth Degree while participating in a historic event commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
Eligible Third Degree Knights are encouraged to register promptly to ensure adequate processing time and event planning. The easiest and most effective way for interested candidates to begin the process is by contacting their council Financial Secretary. Additional event information and registration details are available at the links below:
Florida State Council June Exemplification website:
https://www.floridakofc.org/June-Exemplification
Application forms:
https://floridakofc.org/fourth-degree-forms
For more information about the Fourth Degree, visit:
https://www.kofc.org/resources/news/latest-news/who-are-the-4th-degree-knights
ABOUT THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic lay men's fraternal service organization, with more than 2.2 million members worldwide. Guided by the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, Knights serve their parishes and communities through charitable works, support for families, service to the Church, and faithful Catholic citizenship. For more information, visit
https://www.kofc.org.
