How to Join the Knights of Malta: A Comprehensive Guide

The Knights of Malta, also known as the Sovereign Order of Malta or the Order of Malta, is a unique and prestigious chivalric order with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. To join this exclusive order, certain prerequisites and steps must be followed. This guide outlines the requirements and process to help you understand how to become a Knight or Dame of Malta.

Requirements for Membership

The first and most fundamental requirement for joining the Knights of Malta is to be a practicing Roman Catholic. Being a member of this order is a highly devout and religious endeavor. The 13,000 current members, known as Knights or Dames, are chosen by one of the six Grand Priories and approved by the Grand Master, who holds a status equal to that of a cardinal in the Catholic Church.

Challenges for Non-Catholic Applicants

If you are not a practicing Catholic, there are other options available. The Order of St. John, while not exactly the same as the Knights of Malta, is another respected chivalric order with which you can affiliate. For instance, if you are an Anglican, you can consider joining the Order of St. John. The Order of St. John in the UK, where Queen Elizabeth II is the head, is an example of such an order.

The Application Process

The application process to join the Knights of Malta is a rigorous one, requiring commitment, dedication, and significant financial investment. Typically, you should start by finding a local branch, priory, or sub-priory of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Engage in volunteer work and attend their liturgies to get to know the members. Slowly build relationships and see if any member is willing to sponsor or mentor you. This stage can take about a year to develop.

Financial Commitments

Membership in the Knights of Malta comes with significant financial obligations. You are expected to make direct donations to the order for various activities such as healthcare, disaster response, and support for the order's many charitable endeavors. The annual donation is around $5,000, though this figure can vary by association. Additionally, you will need to pay for regalia and ceremony expenses.

For those intending to make solemn religious vows as a Knight of Justice, some financial obligations may be waived, but specifics vary. The core of this chivalric hospitaller order is a religious order composed of members who have made solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Therefore, the commitment is not just financial but also spiritual and personal.

Invitation-Based Membership

The most important aspect to understand is that membership in the Knights of Malta is invitation-only. Membership is not open to the general public and can only be extended by existing members. It is not a merit-based selection; rather, it is a highly respected and secretive process that ensures the order's integrity and exclusivity.

Recognized and Imitation Orders

Considering the high demand and exclusivity of the Order of Malta, imitation orders have emerged frequently, often claiming to be authentic. To avoid joining an unauthorized or fraudulent order, it is essential to only affiliate with the five recognized orders: the Order of Malta, the Order of St. John in the UK, and the "Johanniter" Orders in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The Order of St. John in the UK is led by Queen Elizabeth II.

False Orders Committee

The False Orders Committee, consisting of the five recognized orders, works to combat the proliferation of these self-styled orders. They have created a database of recognized and unauthorized orders, providing resources to help individuals distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent organizations. The Australian Ministry of Defense has published a list of known false orders, which can be found in the reference provided.

By understanding the requirements and process, you can make an informed decision about whether joining the Knights of Malta is right for you. Remember, the pathway involves financial investment, a strong spiritual commitment, and a rigorous vetting process.

For more information, visit the official website of the Sovereign Order of Malta or contact a local priory or member for further guidance.

Keywords: Knights of Malta, Roman Catholic, Sovereign Order of Malta, Invitation Only