|
Papal
Knights : The Temporal Defenders of the Faith
by
H.R.H. the Hereditary
Prince of Etruria
Many
in the Catholic Church have heard of Papal Knights, Papal Counts,
Gentlemen of His Holiness, and other such honors that fall under the
general name of Papal Decorations, yet many also are not familiar
with the origins of these titles and their role in the modern Church
and society. In order to understand their modern role, it is
beneficial to look at the history and structure of Papal Decorations.
Papal Decorations, which may be granted to Catholics and
non-Catholics, men and women, fall into three principal categories,
i.e., Orders of Knighthood, Titles of Nobility, and Other Honors.
Most of these honors can be given to both priests and laymen. Today
the Vatican Secretariat of State has the authority and responsibility
of conferring Papal Decorations.
There are five Orders of Knighthood given by the Vatican. The
highest is the Supreme Order of Christ. Next is the Order of Pius IX,
followed by the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, the Order of Saint
Sylvester, Pope and Martyr, and the Order of the Golden Spur.
Membership in these orders is for life. The Papal Orders comprise
the Papal Army, though today this role is more honorary and ceremonial.
Each order has its own distinctive insignia and uniform according to
the rank of the member. The Supreme Order of Christ and the Order of
the Golden Spur come only in one rank, while the others come in ranks
of Knight Grand Cross (the highest), Knight Grand Officer, Knight
Commander, and Knight. The insignia and/or uniform may be worn at
special Church functions and at social functions.
What is the role of Papal Knights today? While they have no official
duties, they are often seen as special honor guards for Bishops and
Cardinals. They process (in uniform) in front of the Prelate they are
escorting. Historically this served to protect the Prelate should
anyone attempt to attack him while performing his ecclesiastical duties.
As a monarchy the Vatican also grants titles of nobility. From
lowest to highest, these are Baron, Count, Count Palatine, Marquis,
Duke, and Prince. The title does not have a territory, and so goes
with the last name, much like a Cardinal. These titles may be for
life or hereditary. Those of the Papal nobility remain historical
servants of the Church and its people.
The other honors of the Vatican include several medals that may be
given by the Pope, as well as the honor of Gentleman of His Holiness.
The Papal Gentlemen are members of the Papal Household. Among their
former duties was that of carrying the mobile Papal throne, which is
no longer in use. Those who saw the funeral of His Holiness the late
Pope John Paul II saw one role of the Papal Gentlemen, namely that of
serving as pallbearers for Papal funerals.
In addition to the Papal Orders, there are several parallel Orders
outside the realm of Papal Decorations. Two of the most famous are
the Knights of Malta and the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The
latter is semi-independent and under the leadership of a Cardinal
appointed by the Pope. It is a serving order, i.e., carries out
charitable works as an organization. The Knights of Malta is a
sovereign Order recognized by the Vatican and is also a serving
order. Both of these orders have distinctive uniforms and church capes.
There are also a number of religious confraternities and
archconfraternities. These are Catholic orders with varying degrees
of independence and varying purposes. Most seem to maintain charity
as one of their principle goals. Members are generally called
Confrères (gentlemen) or Consoeurs (ladies). The
confraternities may gen-erally be identified by their habit, which
typically includes a distinctive mozzetta. The mozzetta is the
shoulder cape also worn by Bishops and Cardinals. The mozzetta of a
confraternity is in a color and often has a cross distinctive to that
confraternity. It is worn over a cassock or similar garment.
Additionally, there are other Catholic orders and societies
recognized by the Vatican with similar roles of service, insignia,
and robes, and sharing the same type lineage as the Papal Orders.
These may be affiliated with a nation, a royal house, or the like, or
be completely independent.
Though the role of those holding Papal Decorations has changed over
the years and the special privileges have been abolished, those who
are Papal Knights and Nobles still have an important role to play in
Church and society today. They are the temporal defenders of the
faith. They should strive to ensure an effective and conducive
temporal environment in which the Church can thrive and the
ecclesiastics can perform their functions. They are role models in
the Church and community.
RETURN
TO THE ARTICLES INDEX
Copyright
© 2006 Entire Contents Copyright Rutherford Johnson, Duke of Florence.
All
Rights Reserved.
This
work may not be replicated, published, or otherwise reproduced,
either
in whole or in part, without prior permission.
Main
Page | Supreme Pontiff | Members
| Papal Orders
Christian
Orders | Religious Orders | Links
|
