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THE PRAYER OF THE ORDER & THE EIGHT POINTED CROSS

The Daily Prayer of the Order of Malta

Lord Jesus, thou has seen fit to enlist me for thy service among the Knights and Dames of Saint John of Jerusalem.

I humbly entreat thee through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin of Philermo, of Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Gerard and all the Saints and blessed of our Order, to keep me faithful to the traditions of our Order.

Be it mine to practice and defend the Catholic, the Apostolic, the Roman faith against the enemies of religion; be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, especially the poor and sick.

Give me the strength I need to carry out this my resolve, forgetful of myself, learning ever from the holy Gospel a spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion, striving ever to promote God's glory, the world's peace, and all that may benefit the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Amen.


The Eight Pointed Cross

The eight-pointed cross is the Order's religious symbol, worn by all members of the Order. Besides being a general symbol of the crucifixion of Christ, it is white to represent purity.

The four arms of the cross symbolise the four cardinal virtues.

Prudence - Good Judgement
Justice - Fairness
Temperance - Moderation in all things
Fortitude - Courage to stand up for what is right

The eight points of the cross symbolise the Beatitudes, the Christian principles blessed by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10).

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

And blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you, falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven.
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