The Militia Templi in the United Kingdom
The Militia Templi is a lay Order of Catholic tradition, monastic-military in form, whose purpose is the salvation of the soul and participation in the realisation of the Kingdom of Christ on earth, through faithful observance of its own Rule.
Founded in 1979 by Count Marcello Alberto Cristofani della Magione, who became its first Grand Master, the Order draws its inspiration from the chivalric virtues, ideals, and way of life of the Templar Knights, as described by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in his Liber ad milites Templi de laude novae militiae.
The Militia Templi is the only Templar institution with a legitimate canonical character, though it claims no juridical link or right of descent from the mediaeval Order of the Knights Templar, which was suppressed on 3 April 1312 by Pope Clement V in the bull Vox in excelso.
Canonically recognised as a private association of faithful of diocesan right according to can. 298, 299, 301 CIC.
Contemplative and Combative
The life of a Poor Knight of Christ is at once monastic and knightly. Knights and Dames of the Militia Templi take perpetual private vows of obedience to the Rule and to the Superiors of the Order, of chastity according to their state in life, of spiritual poverty, and of defence of the Holy Faith. Under the discipline of the Rule, members are bound to pray portions of the Divine Office daily, to assist at Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, to receive the Sacrament of Penance at least monthly, and to recite the Holy Rosary each day.
It is through this daily Opus Dei, together with frequent Confession and Communion, that a Knight gains strength for the battle of the apostolate: to deepen the knowledge and practice of the spirituality and culture of Christian Chivalry, to educate the young, to receive and assist pilgrims, and to render moral and material support to one’s neighbour, after the tradition of the ancient Order.
Our Presence in the United Kingdom & Ireland
Currently the Order’s presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland is that of a Delegation. In time it is hoped that a Preceptory can be erected here when enough Knights have been invested. We welcome enquiries from Catholics in good standing, who actively practice the Faith and are drawn to the traditional liturgy and a life of prayer and service.
Plenary Indulgences
- All Members of the Temple Militia (Novices and Novices, Oblates and Oblates, Friends and Friends, Decorated, Decorated and Chaplains on the day of admission and, also privately renewing fidelity to the Statutes, on the anniversary of the foundation of the Militia on May 17.
- The Knights on the day of the Simple and Solemn Profession and also privately renewing fidelity to the Rule on the anniversary day of the Foundation of the Militia on May 17, in the liturgical feasts of St. George the Martyr and St. John the Evangelist and in the anniversaries of the Solemn Profession.
- The Ladies on the day of Temporary or Perpetual Donation and also privately renewing loyalty to the Rule even on the day of the foundation of the Militia on May 17.
- Members may acquire the Indulgences granted to the Militia under the following conditions: Pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff and in the twenty days before or after the day established for the indulgence, go to confession and receive Holy Communion.
“Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.”
— Psalm 113:9