The
existence of the Columbian Squiresis due to the vision of the Knights of Columbus
and the experience and determination of Brother Barnabas McDonald, a Christian
Brother, whose entire adult life was devoted to the welfare of young men.
Largely because of his previous work with youth, Brother Barnabas
was charged by the Knights of Columbus with the development for the Catholic
young men, which would have the immediate objective of developing each member's
leadership abilities.
On August 4th, 1925 the first official investiture
took place during the 43rd annual meeting of the Supreme Council of the Knights
of Columbus held in Duluth, Minnesota. Barnabas Circle #1, sponsored by Duluth
Council #447, thus became the first Columbian Squires circle. Other circles
followed under the sponsorship of a Knights of Columbus council or fourth degree
assembly. Each was granted it's own charter and known by it's own name and number.
Four years after the first investiture Brother Barnabas McDonald
died in New Mexico.
"The boy is the gem of God's creation"Brother Barnabas
Brother Barnabas once urged the Knights of Columbus,"...give
(a boy) the greatest possible help in making himself the sort of Christian citizen
he wishes to become, and so urgently need." Over 300,000 young men have been
Columbian Squires in more than 4,000 circles in the United States, Canada, Mexico,
the Philippine Islands, and Bahamas, Guam and Puerto Rico-a fitting testament
to the insight and compassion displayed by both the Knights and Brother Barnabas
for the welfare of the young men and everywhere.
A Timeline of The Squires
1925 First investiture of the Columbian Squires held at the
43rd Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus in Duluth, Minnesota.
1926 First circle instituted in Canada: Montreal Circle #3,
sponsored by Council #284.
1930 Columbian Squires Herald begins publishing as
monthly newspaper; first "Best Circle" competion, international bowling tournament,
and state circle convention of squires (California); crusade for increased participation
in Mass and communion is initiated.
1940 Squires membership numbers 11,000 young men in 368 circles;
first circle is established in Cuba: San Cristobal de la Habana Circle #312
in Havana, sponsored by Council #1390. Former Squires give their lives in World
War II (Jim Gillis, Richard Dempsey, robert Norby); Squires join Knights in
$25million war bond drive; first circle established in Mexico: Torrean Circle
#408, sponsored by Council #2348.
1950 Silver Jubilee of the Squires' founding; first circle
established in Philippines: Cebu Circle #623, sponsored by Council #3106; Boy
Life Bureau becomes "Columbian Squires Department;" Board of Directors votes
to affiliate Squires Department with youth department of the National Catholic
Welfare Conference; 100 new circles developed in a single year; Columbian
Squires Herald observes 25th publication anniversary (1955);
Supreme Knight's "Special Service citation Award" begins (first recipients:
Henry Dengel, Joseph Bivens, and Edwards Ramsden); Oratorical contest topic,"Should
Mass be Said in English?" predate authorization by ten years; first circle instituted
in Panama Canal Zone, Reverend William E. McKeon's Circle #707, sponsored by
council #1376.
1960 In "Operation Rose," a sterling silver rose was brought
by Canadian Squires to American Squires, relayed to Mexican Squires, and delivered
to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where a special Mass was celebrated
on December 12 and the rose was permanently ensconced; J.Edgar Hoover, Director
of the F.B.I., addresses special commendation to the Columbian Squires; Pope
John XXIII imparts special "fatherly Apostolic Benediction" in appreciation
of Squires' "spiritual bouquet;" Squires promote the cause of sainthood for
Bishop Neuman; Squires make $5000 gift to Propagation of the Faith: former Squire
Terry McDowell wins 500-meter speed skating championship at 9th Winter
Olympic Games (only U.S. gold medal in 1964): Mexican Squires hold their first
state circle convention; Peter Hornyak and Stephen D'Armato first recipients
of Knights of Columbus Pro Deo and Pro Patria college scholarships; former Squire
"Sudden" Sam McDowell, Cleveland Indians pitcher, named to American League All-Star
Team; former Squire Milton Ockman, New Orleans, awarded 1st and 2nd
place gold medals by Marine Corps for bravery in combat in Vietnam.
The
existence of the Columbian Squiresis due to the vision of the Knights of Columbus
and the experience and determination of Brother Barnabas McDonald, a Christian
Brother, whose entire adult life was devoted to the welfare of young men.
