News
A new Knight of Justice takes his vows in Cambridge
A tradition that dates back centuries
Cambridge, 7 January 2017
Fra’Max Rumney takes his solemn vows, Magdalene College chapel, Cambridge
In the beautiful fifteenth century chapel of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and In the presence of the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’Matthew Festing, Fra’Max Rumney took his final vows in a traditional ceremony to become a Professed knight. The celebrant was Fr.David Irwin, the Order’s Principal Chaplain, and friends and members of the Order in Britain made up the packed congregation.
Magdalene College chapel, Cambridge
A Professed Knight – the meaning of the symbols in the ceremony
The Grand Master receives the vows of the new Fra’ (brother), explaining the symbolism of the ceremony: a sword given to the new Professed knight represents his protection of his faith; spurs for his shoes, to spur him on to greater efforts in his service to those in need; and a stola, traditional in religious ceremonies and here representing the yoke of St John Baptist, the patron saint of the Order and the Passion of Christ.
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About
The mission of the Order of Malta is inspired by its tradition of ‘Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum', to assist the poor and the sick, and bear witness to the Christian faith.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law. The Order - which is based in Rome, in via Condotti - has its own Government, an independent magistracy, and bilateral diplomatic relations with 110 countries.
The Order of St John of Jerusalem is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. Present in Palestine in around 1048, it is a lay religious Order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, noble nature.
Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta
Craigmyle House 13 Deodar Road, London SW15 2NP
Tel: +44(0)20 7286 1414 | info@orderofmalta.org.uk