Catholic Order of the Knights of da Gama| Hosted by Pier29
PREFACE
The Code of Honour is the cornerstone of the Catholic Order of the Knights of da Gama. It is of fundamental importance to the vitality, unity and stability of the brotherhood, for it embodies the spirit and ideals upon which the security and welfare of the entire Order rest.
The Code is a body of precepts which regulates and directs the lives and actions of all the members. The points of honour specify the duties and obligations which each brother is bound in honour to fulfil. The Code truly constitutes a rule of life for each member, and upon his personal application of this rule depends the prosperity and progress of the Order.
The faithful observance of the Code of Honour will not only assist each brother to keep the solemn promises made at the time of his initiation, but will co ordinate and promote the activities of the Order as a whole, so that it will achieve the objects for which it was founded.
The profound significance and the salutary effect of the Code of Honour are aptly described in this pertinent passage from Sacred Scripture: "If thou followest justice, thou shall obtain it, and shall put it on as a long robe of honour; and thou shall dwell with it. And it shall protect thee forever; and in the day of acknowledgement thou shalt find a strong foundation." (Ecclesiasticus: 27:9).
IT IS A POINT OF HONOUR
.1... for each member to read this Code immediately after his initiation into the
Order.
The Code defines all that is required of a member. The first duty of a new
brother is to acquaint himself with the entire Code in order to mould his life in
accordance with its precepts. Unless a brother reads and learns the Code of Honour,
he cannot fulfil the obligations of his membership.
2... to study each point of this Code periodically.
We should be grateful for this
Code which is the key to true brotherhood. It merits our close and constant attention,
for it embodies all the essential characteristics of honour.
The passing of time and
the pre occupations of our daily lives, however, cause each one of us to forget many
important matters, and if the Code is not examined frequently it will ultimately
be forgotten by even the most zealous member.
The conscientious study of this Code,
and the sincere determination to abide by it, will ensure the success of all our
endeavours.
3... for the Grand Knight to have at least one point of this Code read at each general
assembly.
This practice emphasises the importance of the Code to the entire Order.
At each general assembly a member gives an appreciation of the point read in an effort
to deepen our love and appreciation of the Code. This reading and consideration will
broaden our concept of the Code and increase our devotion to the Order.
4... for each member to seek his personal sanctification.
Be ye therefore perfect,
as also your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). For this is the will of God,
your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). These texts clearly teach us that personal
sanctification is the only worthy end of human life. The Order assists brothers in
achieving this end by uniting them in the service of Christ.
Whole hearted devotion
to our Divine Saviour is the key to holiness and virtue. To be true to our Faith
and our brotherhood, we must constantly aspire to sanctify ourselves through the
generous service of Christ.
St John exhorts us in this salutary effort with the compelling
words: He that is just, let him be justified still; and he that is holy let him be
sanctified still (Apocalypse 22:11).
5... to cultivate a personal union with our Divine Saviour by receiving the Sacraments
frequently.
The Sacraments are the principal means by which we can participate in
the divine life of Christ, so we must strive to receive them frequently. Our Divine
Master's words: He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood abideth in Me and I
in him (John 6:56) assure us that through the worthy reception of Holy Communion
we foster that wonderful union with Him which will enable us to say with St. Paul:
I live now, not I, but Christ liveth in me. (Galatians 2:20).
6... to set a good example.
As Catholics we are obliged to lead exemplary lives. As
members of a Catholic Order, we have the additional responsibility of constantly
upholding the good name of the Order.
In all our relationships we must conduct ourselves
in a way which will be edifying to one another and to those who observe us. This
is our duty to our spiritual leaders who have encouraged the formation and growth
of the Order. It is above all our duty to God, Who commanded: So let your light shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in
Heaven (Matthew 5:16).
7... to spread Christ's kingdom on earth through evangelisation of self and society
and by defending and promoting the faith.
Lumen Gentium, Chapter 4, paragraph 31:
Just as clergy and religious have their own particular witness to give so the laity
have theirs. It is their mission to seek God's kingdom in the midst of temporal affairs,
to order these affairs according to God's plan. We must show the power of Christ's
message through our work and our daily lives in family and in society.
8... to attend the ritual assemblies of the council.
Our attendance at the ritual
assemblies is a manifestation of our interest in, and our concern for, the progress
of the Order. It is at these assemblies that we learn of the activities of the council
and are given the opportunity of participating in its work.
This association with
our fellow members also fosters a fraternal spirit, so necessary for the cultivation
of those deep and lasting friendships which are vitally important to all of us.
9... to attend initiation and elevation ceremonies.
The progress of each brother is
marked by these solemn ceremonies. Although they are primarily for the benefit of
the brother being admitted or elevated, their effectiveness is enhanced by the presence
of all brothers of the degrees concerned.
It is a fraternal duty to welcome a newly
initiated or elevated brother and an act of love to demonstrate by our presence that
we are truly members of one another.
10...to conduct all ritual ceremonies in a dignified manner.
The ritual of the Order
has been designed to make a deep and lasting impression on each member. It will effect
that purpose only in proportion to the solemnity and dignity with which it is performed.
It
is imperative, therefore, that those responsible for conducting a meeting should
make adequate preparation. The message of the ritual is for the benefit of all members,
but it can only be fully appreciated when the ceremony is enacted in a becoming manner.
11...to participate in the social functions of the Order.
The Constitution states
that one of our objects is the promotion of a common social life among members and
their families; for sociability is an expression of fraternal unity. Attendance at
social functions of the Order engenders closer bonds of understanding between the
members themselves and their families and friends.
Holy Scripture testifies to the
advantages of social life in the words: A man amiable in society shall be more friendly
than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
12...to promote goodwill.
The hallmark of a true and lasting brotherhood is harmony
and peace, and these are the direct fruits of goodwill. When Almighty God became
Man to re establish the brotherhood of man His heavenly heralds filled the midnight
air with those wonderful words: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to
men of good will (Luke 2:14). It is obvious that our Order can only thrive and prosper
if each one of us is imbued with an abundant spirit of goodwill.
When our Divine Master
said: Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart, He told us how best to
conduct ourselves towards one another, for His exhortation points the way to mutual
and sympathetic understanding.
Meekness and humility will help us to make sacrifices
for the good of the Order and will dispose us to overlook the faults and failings
of others.
13...to preserve the good name of the Order.
The preservation of our good name is
a matter of grave importance, for the Wise Man asserts: A good name is better than
great riches (Proverbs 22:1). We are a recognised and approved body of Catholic gentlemen,
and we enjoy the trust and respect of our spiritual leaders and fellow Catholics.
Our brotherhood is dedicated to the service of God and country. It is committed to
the performance of works of a profound and far reaching nature, and exerts a widespread
influence.
These weighty considerations compel us to appreciate the need to protect
and uphold the high reputation of the Order. We must take great care to observe the
rules of decorum and fraternal respect in all that pertains to the life of the Order,
so that we shall becomingly and worthily represent the brotherhood at all times and
in all places.
From the words of the Gospel: And they watched Him (Mark 3:2), we learn
that our Divine Lord was constantly watched to discover whether or not He lived up
to the sacred ideals of His ministry. We must remember that we too are under constant
observation with regard to our fidelity to the ideals of the Order.
14...to preserve the unity of the brotherhood.
During our initiation into the Order
we were each given an effective example of the importance of unity. The Order will
prosper as long as our unity is maintained.
This can be accomplished by following
the teaching of St. Paul who says: You must always be humble, always gentle, patient
too in bearing with one another's faults as charity bids, eager to preserve the unity
the spirit gives you, whose bond is peace. You are one body with a single spirit
(Ephesians 4:2-4).
15...for each member, on changing his domicile, to transfer to a local council in
the new area of residence.
The analogy of the Mystical Body can reverently be applied
to each member and the Order. St. Paul stresses that the body depends on the co operation
of all of its organs to function as a homogeneous unit. There was to be no want of
unity in the body, all the different parts of it were to make each other's welfare
their common cause. Each member of our Order is a vital organ of our body.
Co operation
between members in the commercial and professional world is a mark of fraternal consideration
and will serve to promote the moral standards which should govern all business transactions.
16...to show hospitality.
Hospitality is a tangible expression of charity, and Holy
Scripture gives numerous examples of the practice of this commendable virtue. Acts
of hospitality are characteristic of a true brotherhood and manifest our love for
one another.
Wherever the Order is established, visiting members must be assured of
a warm and hearty welcome. This will entail receiving brothers from other centres
into our homes and sharing with them the joy and happiness of our family circle.
May
our actions be always guided by the words of Scripture: Let brotherly love be firmly
established among you and do not forget to show hospitality. (Hebrews 13:2).
17...to endeavour to support the professional and business undertakings of other
members.
The material welfare and security of one another must be a matter of concern
to all brothers, and the Constitution is most emphatic on this point. Brothers should
try to patronise other members in their respective spheres of business, for in this
manner they contribute to the common good of the Order.
Co operation between members
in the commercial and professional world is a mark of fraternal consideration and
will serve to promote the moral standards which should govern all business transactions.
18...to increase the membership of the Order.
Growth is a sign of life and vigour,
and this Order can only grow whilst the existing members persuade worthy Catholic
gentlemen to join our ranks. This can be achieved either by appropriate propaganda
or, more effectively, by good example.
As soon as we appreciate the wonderful scope
of the Order, we are bound to enlist as members those capable of assisting us in
realising our objects.
The steady expansion of the Order enables us to become a tremendous
power for good, speaking with one voice in support of our spiritual leaders.
19...to assist those in need.
To assist those in need is one of the three eminent
good works. Our Constitution demands that we offer material aid to a brother in distress
in a true spirit of practical brotherhood.
The poignant scriptural question: Am I
my brother's keeper? must always be answered in the affirmative by each of us.
Our
Divine Saviour set His seal of approval on those who perform charitable deeds, when
He declared: For whosoever shall give you to drink a cup of water in My name ...
he shall not lose his reward (Mark 9:40).
20...to visit the sick.
It is a striking truth that our eternal salvation depends
greatly on the performance of works of mercy. The Gospels show our Lord constantly
engaged in acts of compassion. The sick were fond objects of his loving care. And
all that were sick He healed (Matthew 8:16).
A corporal work of mercy is here commended,
and we must lovingly assume the task of visiting our sick brethren. The noblest incentive
for fulfilling this fraternal obligation is the realisation that our Divine Master
identifies Himself with the sick when He says: I was sick and you visited Me. As
long as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me (Matthew 25:36).
21...to attend the funeral of a brother.
Holy Mother Church surrounds Christian burial
with solemn and reverent ceremonies in order that we may learn to respect the mortal
remains of those who have departed this life in God's friendship. Moreover, she teaches
us that the burial of the dead is a work of mercy, which when undertaken with sincere
devotion will not go unrewarded. Our attendance at the funeral enables us to pay
our last respects to the departed, prayerfully to commend his soul to Almighty God,
and to console the bereaved.
22...to perform all duties faithfully.
Our membership implies a constant readiness
to undertake duties in the furtherance of the objects of the Order. The well being
of the brotherhood depends upon the fidelity of each brother to his allotted task.
Our
work for the Order is work for God and if carried out to the best of our ability,
will earn for us His approbation and reward, expressed in the familiar words: Well
done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of my Lord (Matthew 25:21).
23...to give timely notice when it is impossible to perform a duty.
The work of the
Order must proceed irrespective of the difficulties which may confront individual
members. Occasions will undoubtedly arise when a member will be prevented from carrying
out his duty. In such circumstances, it is essential that he give timely notice.
This
act of courtesy will prove a brother's concern and sense of duty for the affairs
of the Order, and will enable those in authority to re allocate the work, thereby
ensuring its fulfilment.
24...to elect to a higher degree only those who endeavour to live in accordance with
this Code.
Steadfast fidelity to this Code must be the test of the worthiness of a
member for advancement.
The full dignity of Knighthood is conferred after a period
of probation in the first and second degrees, during which time the contribution
of each member to the welfare of the Order is carefully observed and recorded. This
record is made available to those responsible for the elevation of aspirants and
will disclose the extent to which each member has lived in accordance with the Code.
As
gold is tested by fire to determine its genuine worth, so the eligibility of a candidate
for elevation is tested by his devotion to the Code of Honour.
25...to elect to office only those who possess the necessary qualifications.
The officers
of the Order are normally elected from the ranks of the third degree, for each member
of this degree has qualified by virtue of his devotion to the Code of Honour.
Officers
must have a keen appreciation of all the requirements of the Constitution and Laws.
They must also be endowed with the ability and personality to perform with efficiency
the duties of the office to which they are elected.
The administration of the Order
should only be entrusted to Knights who will inspire the respect and confidence of
those they are chosen to govern.
26...for each officer to perform his duty in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
Our
Laws define the duties of the officers, and these duties are known to all members.
In accepting election officers accept these duties unreservedly and have a solemn
obligation to fulfil them. They must be conscious at all times of the effect of their
actions on the reputation and progress of the Order, and be constantly aware of the
trust that has been placed in them.
The successful government of the Order demands
officers who, through their fidelity to the Code of Honour, will inspire to greater
effort and nobler achievement all who serve under them.
The shining example of officers
giving cheerful and wholehearted obedience to their respective superiors, will do
much to ensure the rapid progress of the Order.
27...to obey lawful authority.
Every soul must be submissive to its lawful superiors;
authority comes from God only, and all authorities that hold sway are of His ordinance
(Romans 13:1).
These words declare that all lawful, human authority comes from God,
and demands our obedience.
Our Order was established under the authority of our ecclesiastical
superiors, and in conformity with the laws of the country. Within the Order, authority
is vested in those duly elected to office, and they have a right to the respect and
obedience of their subjects.
The unity of strength of the entire Order is founded
on willing obedience, which must be practised throughout, from the most recently
initiated to the Supreme Knight.
28...to be patriotic.
To love our country is an obligation imposed on us by Almighty
God. Its basis is similar to that of the obligation to love our parents.
The debt
we owe to our native land is twofold: a debt of love and respect; a debt of service.
Our love, respect and service should be expressed through our contribution to the
betterment of all the peoples of the country. Loyalty to our country demands that
we be active and conscientious citizens. We should show our readiness to promote
our country's welfare by making full use of our constitutional rights. These rights
should be exercised in an effort to elect representatives and rulers, endowed with
wisdom and imbued with Christian principles.
Our duties as citizens are most appropriately
summarised in the words of St. Peter: Live as free men, yet not using your freedom
as a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God. Honour all men; love the brotherhood;
fear God; honour the king (1 Peter 11:17).
29...to be loyal to the Hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church in all matters pertaining
to faith and morals and to provide it with such assistance as the Board of Directors
in consultation with the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference may determine
from time to time.
Lumen Gentium, Chapter 3, paragraph 27: The bishops have the right
and duty to make laws, to pass judgment and to regulate everything connected with
worship and the Church's mission.
The bishops are completely responsible for the people
entrusted to them. They are not simply the Pope's deputies. The power they exert
is theirs by right and they are truly the heads of their people.
All that man does
has a reference to the faith and the law of God.
The bishops must be concerned with
the complete human being. The work of salvation is inextricably bound up with the
task of improving and raising the conditions of human life.
CONCLUSION
Brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of His power.
Put on the armour of God. that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers; against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirit of wickedness in high places.
Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day. and to stand in all things perfect.
Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice. And your feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace.
In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.
And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit (which is the word of God). Ephesians 6:10-17