In news about the Knights of Columbus, a group of Hispanic men took their first steps as members of the religious fraternal organization.

A Hispanic first degree was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, in Alpharetta, home of Council 6532 on Sunday, Feb. 9.

This is the first Hispanic first degree in North Georgia, according to a leader, Fred Velazquez.

The organization is founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. A first-degree ceremony, by which a man joins the Knights of Columbus, is focused on the virtue of charity.

Fifteen men attended the ceremony. The Hispanic first-degree team was put together from St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Peter Chanel Church, in Roswell, Councils 6532 and 13217, respectively.

“It was a great day for the Caballeros de Colon,” said Velazquez.