History

Saint Michael and Saint George are the Patron Saints of Council 2 which is the La Rochelle, Johannesburg based Council that is part of the Gauteng Region of the Order of the Knights of da Gama.  As the second Council formed, St Michael & St George is often referred to as the "Mother" council of the Order as all councils formed in the Gauteng Region were offshoots of Council 2.

The Council operates out of  the south of Johannesburg and have been closely linked to St. Patricks Parish in La Rochelle. The Council chambers are situated close to the parish church.
 
Other Parishes that Council 2 assists in the south are Turffontein, South Hills, Roberstsham, Mulbarton and even Daleside.

Our flag

The white and gold are taken from the Papal flag.

The pommelled red cross represents St Michael, the protector of Christians against all evil.

The plain red cross of St George is emblematic of knighthood.

St Michael & St George

Saint Michael the Archangel is referred to in the Old Testament and has been part of Christian teachings since the earliest times. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that: "The whole life of the church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of the angels. From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession." In his 1986 address, "Angels Participate in the History of Salvation", Pope John Paul II emphasized the role of the Archangels and stated that: "the angels who participate in the life of the Trinity in the light of glory are also called to play their part in the history of human salvation, in the moments established by divine Providence". Roman Catholic tradition calls Michael, Gabriel and Raphael archangels. Michael means "Who is like God?" (a rhetorical question), Gabriel means "Power of God" or "Strong One of God" and Raphael means "God has healed". Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are named in the Bible as angels. (Roman Catholics accept as canonical, the Book of Tobit, in which Raphael is named.) Only Michael is called an archangel in the Bible. The feast of these angels is celebrated on September 29. An angel of supreme power and the leader of God's army. Within the hierarchy of the angels, at the highest level, St. Michael is a princely seraph. The word archangel comes from the Greek words arche (prince) and angelos (messenger).

In Roman Catholicism Saint Michael has four distinct roles. First, he is the Enemy of Satan and the fallen angels. He defeated Satan and ejected him from Paradise and will achieve victory at the hour of the final battle with Satan. Secondly, he is the Christian angel of death: at the hour of death, Saint Michael descends and gives each soul the chance to redeem itself before passing. Saint Michael's third role is weighing souls (hence the saint is often depicted holding scales) on Judgment Day. And finally, Saint Michael is the Guardian of the Church. In the Catholic tradition, Saint Michael symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and he has been widely represented in Catholic art through the ages. Devotions to Saint Michael have a large Catholic following, and a number of churches are dedicated to him worldwide.

Saint George (Greek: Γεώργιος Geṓrgios; Latin: Georgius; AD 275–281 to 23 April 303), according to legend, was a Roman soldier and military officer in the Guard of Emperor Diocletian of the Roman army, who ordered his death for failing to recant his Christian faith. As a Christian martyr, he later became one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. On 24 February AD 303, Roman Emperor Diocletian issued an edict that every Christian soldier in the army should be arrested and every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods of the time. However, George objected, and with the courage of his faith, approached the Emperor and ruler. Diocletian was upset, not wanting to lose his best tribune and the son of his best official, Gerontius. But George loudly renounced the Emperor's edict, and in front of his fellow soldiers and tribunes he claimed himself to be a Christian and declared his worship of Jesus. Diocletian attempted to convert George, even offering gifts of land, money, and slaves if he made a sacrifice to the Roman gods; he made many offers, but George never accepted. Recognizing the futility of his efforts and insisting on upholding his edict, Diocletian ordered that George be executed for his refusal. Before the execution, George gave his wealth to the poor and prepared himself. After various torture sessions, including laceration on a wheel of swords during which he was resuscitated three times, George was executed by decapitation before Nicomedia's city wall, on 23 April 303. A witness of his suffering convinced Empress Alexandra and Athanasius, a pagan priest, to become Christians, as well, so they joined George in martyrdom. His body was returned to Lydda for burial, where Christians soon came to honour him as a martyr.

The current officers of the Local Executive of Council 2 include:

• Grand Knight: Gary Williams
  
• Chaplain: Deacon Errol Scot
• Deputy Grand Knight: Robert Duncan
  
• Secretary: O'Brien Drumatixs
  
• Treasurer: Dave Chandler
• Chancellor: Allan Logan
  
• Master of First Degree: Harry Rice
  
• Master of Second Degree: Matthew Augastin
  
• Master at Arms: Sam Motaung
  

Council 2 undertakes a number of initiatives each year to raise funds for worthy causes such as the Look Forward Creativity Centre. Some examples of these initiatives are shown below: