Statement by the Holy See, issued from the Vatican on 16^th October, 2012

Vatican City, 16 October 2012 – In response to frequent requests for information concerning the recognition by the Holy See of Equestrian Orders dedicated to the saints or to holy places, the Secretariat of State considers it opportune to reiterate what has already been published, namely that, other than its own Equestrian Orders (the Supreme Order of Christ, the Order of the Golden Spur, the Pian Order, the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester), the Holy See recognises and supports only the Sovereign Military Order of Malta – also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta – and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The Holy See foresees no additions or innovations in this regard.

All other orders, whether of recent origin or mediaeval foundation, are not recognised by the Holy See. Furthermore, the Holy See does not guarantee their historical or juridical legitimacy, their ends or organisational structures. To avoid any possible doubts, even owing to illicit issuing of documents or the inappropriate use of sacred places, and to prevent the continuation of abuses which may result in harm to people of good faith, the Holy See confirms that it attributes absolutely no value whatsoever to certificates of membership or insignia issued by these groups, and it considers inappropriate the use of churches or chapels for their so-called “ceremonies of investiture”.

Such are they whom God chooses for Himself and gathers from the furthest ends of the earth, servants from among the bravest in Israel to guard watchfully and faithfully His Sepulchre……, sword in hand, ready for battle
St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

Links to other websites

Disclaimer: Links to Third Party Sites: Some links in this area will let you leave this site. The linked sites are not under the control of EOHSJ and EOHSJ is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. EOHSJ is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by EOHSJ of the site.