At the unveiling of the newly restored Parade Banner, during the Business Meeting on July 11, 2019, Worthy Brother Knight John Ring explained how he constructed the cases and the various symbols he incorporated into their design. Many of our brothers asked him to write everything down so that future Knights of Elder Council would know that background.
- In each corner the joint has three nails in reference to the three nails used to crucify Our Blessed Lord to the cross.
- The wood along the inside edges of the case were left unfinished to symbolize the wood of the cross.
- Each lid is secured with thirteen screws for those present at the Last Supper. The one at the top center, with the brass washer, represents our Lord. The other twelve screws represent the apostles – eleven are brass and one is steel for Judas, his betrayer.
- There are three hinges for each lid representing the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
- The white, wood molding is called a rope pattern and was chosen to symbolize both the priest’s cincture and the rope that bound the hands of Jesus.
- Seven triangle blocks hold the banner’s pad in place. These refer to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – and are triangles for the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
- The Plexiglas panes are held by a total forty screws (twenty in each case) referring to the forty days Jesus fasted in the desert.
- Finally, there are forty nails that hold the back of the case together symbolizing the forty days of Lent.
Note: There are some imperfections and mistakes that intentionally were not fixed as a reminder that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23.
In constructing the cases, SK John M. Ring prayed to the Holy Spirit asking for inspiration and guidance. They were finished on May 16, 2019. He installed the restored parade banner in the cases on July 3, 2019.
SK John Ring dedicated his work on the cases to all past, present and future Worthy Brother Knights of the Archbishop Elder Council 1195.
Vivat Jesus!