The fifth cardinal virtue of DeMolay stands simply for Fidelity (faithfulness). Fidelity is the main virtue inculcated in the DeMolay Degree through the heroic example set before us in the life and trial of Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar.
Jacques DeMolay gave up his life rather than betray the trust that was reposed in him. While we may never be faced with the same circumstances as Jacques DeMolay, we are called to emulate his example by doing the same should we be called upon to defend our country on the field of battle or to save another human life.
However, fidelity is not only limited to extreme acts of heroism and bravery. A young man need not face martyrdom to show his faithfulness. In our daily lives, we are called upon to be reliable, trustworthy, and men of our word. All too often, promises are made with no intention of keeping them. For a DeMolay, a promise made is a promise fulfilled unless circumstances beyond his control are involved.
A DeMolay is taught that it is faithfulness in these small things that leads to faithfulness in the larger, more weighty matters of life (Luke 16:10). He is called upon daily to defend the bulwarks and precepts of the Order that he might never fails as a leader or as a man.
Jacques DeMolay gave up his life rather than betray the trust that was reposed in him. While we may never be faced with the same circumstances as Jacques DeMolay, we are called to emulate his example by doing the same should we be called upon to defend our country on the field of battle or to save another human life.
However, fidelity is not only limited to extreme acts of heroism and bravery. A young man need not face martyrdom to show his faithfulness. In our daily lives, we are called upon to be reliable, trustworthy, and men of our word. All too often, promises are made with no intention of keeping them. For a DeMolay, a promise made is a promise fulfilled unless circumstances beyond his control are involved.
A DeMolay is taught that it is faithfulness in these small things that leads to faithfulness in the larger, more weighty matters of life (Luke 16:10). He is called upon daily to defend the bulwarks and precepts of the Order that he might never fails as a leader or as a man.