ABOUT THE ORDER OF MALTA
| MISSION |  | The Order's mission is summed up in its motto "Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum" - defence of the faith and assistance to the poor. MORE | | | HISTORY | | The Order is a very old one, dating from before the first Crusade in 1098. Today it has National Associations all over the world and a total membership of 12,500. MORE | | | GOVERNANCE | | The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law with its own Government, an independent magistracy and bilateral diplomatic relations with 96 countries. The six Grand Priories, six Subpriories and 47 National Associations manage its operational activities in the five continents. MORE | | | MEMBERSHIP | | The qualifications for membership and the spiritual and other obligations are set out in the Code and Regulations of the Order. The main qualifications are to be a Catholic in good standing and to be committed to meet the spiritual and other duties of membership. MORE | | | THE EIGHT-POINTED CROSS | | The eight-pointed cross is the Order's religious symbol, worn by all members of the Order. The four arms of the cross symbolise the four cardinal virtues and the eight points of the cross symbolise the Beatitudes. MORE | | | FAQs | | Answers to frequently asked questions about the Order. MORE | | | SMOM AROUND THE WORLD | | Around the world, the Order of Malta has over 12,500 members. MORE | | | SELF-STYLED "ORDERS OF ST JOHN" | | Trading on the world-wide reputation of the Order of Malta, a variety of organisations, self-styled "Orders of St John", have unfortunately been brought into being falsely claiming historical descent from the genuine Order. It is prudent to be wary. MORE | |
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