The Ecclesiastical Orders of Knighthood

Book excerpt: The book, 'The Ecclesiastical Orders of Knighthood' is an informative account of the history, organization, emblems and membership requirements of the various Orders connected with the Catholic Church. The book mentions the two prominent groups—one which follows the Papal Orders of Knighthood and the other which follows chivalric orders that in turn derive from medieval military orders. In addition, Part One deals with the historical background—the origin and development of Knighthood in general. Parts Two and Three treat the Religious Military Orders which originated in the Holy Land—The Order of Malta, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the Teutonic Order—and the Military Orders of Spain and Portugal. Finally, Part Four treats of those Orders which are directly bestowed by the Holy See—the Order of Christ, the Order of the Golden Spur, the Order of Pius, the Order of St. Gregory, and of St. Sylvester. In addition the papal decorations are described.