The Brotherhood of the Rooster, one of the oldest civil defense associations in Europe, has existed in Poland for over 750 years. Known as the Bractwo Kurkowe, its original responsibility was to defend Krakow and other major Polish cities against invaders. The Bractwo Kurkow and the Knightly Order of St. John Cantius have established an affiliate in the United States of America based at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, IL. It held its first investiture on Friday, May 5, 2023. The Grand Chancellor and other dignitaries from Poland were present for the ceremony, which was followed by Mass according to the 1962 Missal. We were grateful to welcome Bishop Andrew Wypich, auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
During the inaugural ceremony, Fr. Dennis Koliński, SJC was invested in the Bractwo Kurkowe and knighted into the Order of St. John Cantius.
The Brotherhood of the Rooster, one of the oldest civil defense associations in Europe, has existed in Poland for over 750 years. Known as the Bractwo Kurkowe, it’s original responsibility was to defend Krakow and other major Polish cities against invaders. In more recent times, however, it has assumed a role as guardian of Polish national identity and the preservation of its traditions. It’s motto, “God, Honor, and Fatherland,” reflects the obligation of its members to defend, not only the nation and its traditions but also the Catholic Church and Her pastors.
Within the Brotherhood of the Rooster there are also five Knightly Orders in Poland. One of them, the Knightly Order of St. John Cantius, is associated with the two cities under his patronage, Kraków and Lublin.
The Bractwo Kurkow and the Knightly Order of St. John Cantius are establishing an affiliate in the United States of America based at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago. It will hold its first investiture there at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5. The Grand Chancellor and other dignitaries from Poland will be present for the ceremony, which will be followed by Mass in the Extraordinary Form.
During this inaugural ceremony, Fr. Dennis Koliński, SJC will be invested in the Bractwo Kurkowe and knighted into the Order of St. John Cantius.
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