They are religious according to Canon Law but are not obliged to live in community. Members of the First Class are Knights of Justice, or Professed Knights, and the Professed Conventual Chaplains, who have made vows of “poverty, chastity and obedience aspiring to perfection according to the Gospel”. The members are to conduct their lives in an exemplary manner in conformity with the teachings and precepts of the Catholic Church and to devote themselves to the assistance activities of the Order. Members must demonstrate dedication to these principles and are admitted country-by-country through Priories and national Associations.Īccording to the Constitution, the members of the Order of Malta are divided into three Classes. The 13,500 Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta remain true to its inspiring principles, summarised in the motto “ Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” – nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick – which become reality through humanitarian projects and social assistance in 120 countries. While members of the Order of Malta in former times traditionally belonged to the aristocracy, the emphasis today is on a nobility of spirit and conduct. Throughout the centuries the number of members coming from all over Europe continued to grow and contributed to the strengthening of the Order during its presence in Rhodes (1310-1522) and in Malta (1530-1798). The Pope identified the Hospitaller Gerard as the Order’s founder, together with an established group of monks – the ‘Professed’ – who are still at the heart of the Order of Malta today. The work of the hospitallers grew in fame and in 1113 Pope Paschal II officially recognised the monastic community as a lay religious order. In the 11th century the Knights of Malta, known then as ‘Knights Hospitaller’, established a hospital in Jerusalem to care for pilgrims of any religious faith or origin. 1113 Papal Recognition 1113 – The Bull ‘Pie Postulatio Voluntatis’ Orders of St John.The Grand Masters Ancient Langues of the Order Names of the Order The eight-pointed cross.1048 to the present day Over 900 years of history.Order of Malta Publications In the news Press releases.Latest Publication Order of Malta Activity Report 2021.Latest interventions Diplomatic Activities Lieutenant of the Grand Master News.Six months war in Ukraine: Humanitarian aid from the Order of Malta reaches 65 locations throughout the country Bilateral relations Multilateral relations.The diplomatic relations which the Sovereign Order of Malta enjoys exist to facilitate its humanitarian activities. Humanitarian Diplomacy Linking diplomacy with aid.Malteser International Volunteers The Global Fund for Forgotten People Bethlehem’s Hospital Youth for Lebanon.Aid for refugees Disaster relief & prevention Diseases & epidemics Medical facilities Social assistance.The Order of Malta is permanently present with medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries in the world.
Hospitaller mission Humanitarian, medical & social assistance.Magistral Villa Magistral Archives and Library Stamps & Coins
Flags & Emblems Anthem Order Pro Merito Melitensi Seats of the Order of Malta.Governance Sovereign Council Government Bodies.DunlapĪccording to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order. Lieutenant of the Grand Master Fra’ John T.The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. Mission Upholding human dignity and caring for people in need.