Knights of Columbus Council 6153 inducted seven first-degree
Knights during a private ceremony at St. Bernadette School in
Springfield Feb. 15. The ceremony, which was conducted in
Spanish, was the first of its kind in Virginia and is part of
a new effort on the part of the Knights of Columbus to bring
together Spanish- and English-speaking communities in the
Arlington Diocese.
For several weeks prior to the ceremony, Grand Knight Joe
Tiago led a major recruitment effort with Father William
Serrano, parochial vicar of St. Bernadette Church, after all
the Masses.
“What we try and do with this council is to bridge the gap
between the Hispanic and English communities and make
everyone feel like one,” Tiago said.
As the newly inducted Knights emerged from the ceremony, they
shared some of their motivations for joining the council.
Jose Torres, originally from Puerto Rico, sees this as a
great way to promote charity in the community.
“When I came here I started from very humble beginnings, and
it’s an opportunity to give back and help others. That is
what motivated me to join,” said Torres.
Many of the Knights also see the organization as a way to be
more involved in the church and participate in the charitable
works the Knights of Columbus are known for.
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