Listers, the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta has a long and rich history. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta or “SMOM” for short, traces its origins to a crusade-era hospital in the Holy Lands charged with caring for not only Catholics but for Jews and Muslims as well. The Order was further charged with the military defense of those hospitals – especially for the poor and suffering inside – and for Catholic pilgrims. While other military orders faded as their military purpose was no longer needed, the Order of Malta marched on by carrying out their hospitaller mission – to build hospitals (and defenses) wherever they go. Under this auspice, the Order not only survives but thrives as an Order of the Church showing Christ’s merciful love to the poor and suffering.

The following text and images are taken verbatim from either the SMOM International Website or from the Official Website of the American Association save the titles and organization provided by SPL unless otherwise cited.

 

Mission of the Order

 

1. Defense of the Faith & Service to the Poor

"The eight-pointed Cross which symbolises the Order represents the eight Beatitudes and is thus a visual memento of its spirituality."

“The eight-pointed Cross which symbolises the Order represents the eight Beatitudes and is thus a visual memento of its spirituality.”