5 Noble
Knights of St. John International

Fifth Degree

The Noble Degree — summit of knightly honour

The Fifth Degree — the Noble Degree — is the highest rank of knightly achievement in KSJI, conferred upon officers and sir knights whose lifetime of uniformed service, Catholic fidelity, and Grand leadership has been truly exemplary.

Sacred virtue Nobility Noble Degree — pinnacle of honour
5th Noble Degree
10+ Years Uniform
Bishop Confers
Summit Of Honour
Fifth Degree
Knights Path
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
01

The Fifth Degree is conferred by the Bishop of the Diocese in solemn ceremony at the Cathedral or a designated church — in the presence of the Noble Grand Master, Temple Officers, and the Noble Degree Team. The liturgy, prayer, and ritual speak to a knight who has lived Catholic principles publicly for no fewer than ten consecutive years in uniform.

02

Preparation takes place within the Nobles Temple, where ritualists train with precision and degree teams rehearse under Temple Officers before the public ceremony.

03

Noble knights continue as counsellors to Grand officers, mentors to Chevaliers and commandery presidents, and living witnesses at conventions, memorial masses, and major ecclesiastical gatherings.

Eligibility

Gates of Advancement

I

Fourth Degree uniformed knight or commandery / Grand officer

II

Minimum ten consecutive years of uniformed service

III

Exemplary Catholic conduct and unblemished commandery record

IV

Selection through Grand degree authority and Noble Degree Team review

V

Episcopal approval and conferral by the Bishop of the Diocese

Pillars

Temple Pillars

Noble Rank

The highest degree of knightly achievement — a crown of distinguished service.

Episcopal Honour

Conferred by the Bishop with diocesan solemnity, prayer, and dignity.

Sacred Temple

Ritual home where the Order's deepest ceremonies are prepared and guarded.

Living Legacy

Noble knights whose fidelity shapes the future of the Grand Commandery.

Ceremony

Formation & Ceremony

  1. Rite 01

    Eligibility Review

    Grand officers and the Noble Degree Team confirm years of uniformed service.

  2. Rite 02

    Noble Formation

    Intensive preparation with Temple Officers, chaplain, and degree exemplifiers.

  3. Rite 03

    Temple Rehearsal

    Ritual perfection within the Nobles Temple before public ceremony.

  4. Rite 04

    Episcopal Conferral

    The Bishop confers the Noble Degree in solemn liturgy.

  5. Rite 05

    Noble Life

    Ongoing counsel, witness, and inspiration across Accra West Grand.

Degree Focus

What this degree calls forth

  • Lifetime fidelity to the Mother Church and the Noble Order
  • Leadership at commandery, district, regiment, and Grand levels
  • Mentoring Chevaliers, officers, cadets, and new knights
  • Noble witness at conventions, exemplifications, and major liturgies
  • Stewardship of Temple ritual and degree team excellence

Ready for exemplification?

Degree schedules and exemplification dates are announced through commanderies, auxiliaries, and the Grand Secretariat.