Shriners Connect Across the Miles

Man on a Mission

Erik Knappman, a member of Irem Shriners in Dallas, Pennsylvania, was a man on a mission of humility. Traveling in Binan, in the province of Laguna, Philippines, Erik discovered that true happiness lies in the spirit of service to others.

“I was on a mission to humble myself. I wanted to appreciate what I have. I found out there is so much I don’t need. 1 John 3:17,” said Erik, referring to the Bible verse: “If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?”

On his trip, Erik met a 10-year-old girl whose family struggled to survive amidst constant floods. Moved by their plight, Erik set out to build them flood-resistant houses.

In his search for a place to stay, Erik came across a home bearing a Masonic symbol on its doorway. Upon meeting the owners, he found an instant sense of brotherhood. The fraternal connection between Erik and Limuel Pamintuan of Mabuhay Shriners led to a lowered rent, and eventually, the property was given to him. Three connected new homes were built on the site out of steel and concrete to protect the families from flooding.

To celebrate these new bonds of brotherhood, Erik was invited to a fez exchange ceremony, where he gifted his late father's cherished fez. “In that moment, I felt the true power of our fraternity,” Erik said. “The fez I gave was more than just a symbol – it was a promise that we are all brothers, united in our quest to make the world a better place.”

Good Vibrations

Meanwhile, in Germany, Noble Sven Bremer is an active member of Emirat Shriners, along with his wife Pia Klockmann Frandsen, who is a member of Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America.

As ambassadors for Emirat, Sven and Pia travel extensively to forge connections with fellow nobles. One place the couple had long dreamed of visiting was Mexico City and the Shriners Children’s hospital there. Last fall, their dream came true. In Mexico City, they were warmly welcomed by the Anezeh Shriners.

The highlight of their trip was visiting Shriners Children’s Mexico. As they walked through the colorful, child-friendly halls, Sven said he and Pia were deeply moved by the young patients’ joy and resilience. Despite the language barrier, they were showered with smiles, hugs and eager requests for photos.

“We felt, after my eight years as a Shriner, now was the time to visit. We needed to see a Shriners Children's hospital with our own eyes. We wanted to feel the vibrations at a hospital,” Sven said.

The couple also visited Casa Q, a loving home for families from remote areas to stay while their children receive treatment at the hospital. Sven and Pia were touched by the warm care provided by housemothers Pamela and Yolanda. “Casa Q is a true testament to the Shriners’ mission of helping those in need,” Sven said.

Cementing the new relationship was an exchange of fezzes, a cherished tradition for Sven. The ceremony served as a “gesture of friendship between the temples and mutual respect – it’s a thank you that you welcomed us and vice versa that you visited us.”