THE TEMPORAL DEFENDERS OF FAITH A knight is sworn to valor. His heart knows only virtue. His blade defends the helpless. His might upholds the weak. His word speaks only truth. His wrath undoes the wicked. - Old knight's code The Noble Company is an organization of knights and nobles under the Court of Saint Mary of Walsingham. The purpose of the Noble Company is to join together Christian Nobles throughout the world by encouraging service to their communities and to humanity and to recognize and encourage Christian and Catholic community leaders engaged in acts of chivalry. The College of Pontifical Honorees, an element of the Noble Company, is comprised of those members who have been awarded pontifical honors. Noble Companies were anciently formed as keepers of military skills and traditions. Companions banded together to assure the economic life and traditions of the Company and the villages and people they protected. Membership in a Noble Company has long been considered proof of nobility. Wives were also expected to be of noble rank. Today, members meet certain standards that include attainment of personal honors such as valid Orders of Knighthood. Ancestral pedigrees are also considered. Some may include ties or claims to ancient titles now in abeyance. Current or past membership in certain hereditary organizations may also supplement such applications. The Grandmaster acts in the capacity as a Justice with lawful authority to determine acceptance of Companions and operation of the Company, including appointments to various positions. Companions are obligated to live honorable lives and to actively assist the Company through service and example; and to aid their Companions and communities whenever possible. The purpose of life is to have a life of purpose. -- John Bryne. Membership is by invitation. Eligibility is exclusive to holders of titles of nobility and knighthood, and further membership in the College is restricted to those who hold pontifical honors. Associate membership may be selectively granted to persons who are outstanding members in their communities. Suggested Reading: For definitive information on Orders of Knighthood and the position of the Holy See regarding same, is Chev. Dr Peter Bander-van Duren’s Orders of Knighthood and of Merit (subtitled The Pontifical, Religious and Secularized Catholic-founded Orders, and their relationship to the Apostolic See) 780p, 1995 generally available via Amazon.com® at £65.00. Other works by the same author / editor are the late Archbishop H. E. +Cardinale’s Orders of Knighthood, Awards and the Holy See as edited by Chev. Bander-van Duren, 1985 and The Cross on the Sword, 1987, centered on Pontifical Orders of Knighthood. Also recommended is the late Bishop Brun Bernard +Heim's Heraldry in the Catholic Church.           Entire Contents Copyright © 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. ARRCC. All Rights Reserved.