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The Order pro Merito Melitensi is the order of merit of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, established in 1920. It is awarded to recipients who have brought honour to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, promoted Christian values and charity as defined by the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike Knights or Dames of the Order of Malta (which is a military order of chivalry), those decorated with the Order pro Merito Melitensi are not invested in a religious ceremony, do not swear any oath or make any religious commitment. It may therefore be bestowed upon non-Catholics. Conferees include prominent statesmen, such as Presidents Ronald Reagan, who received it while still in office, and George H.W. Bush.
Contents
- Collar of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
- Military Class
- Civilian Class Gentlemen
- Ecclesiastics Class
- Old style 19201960
- Civilian Class
- Classes of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
- The Collar pro Merito Melitensi
- The Cross pro Merito Melitensi
- The Cross pro piis meritis pro Merito Melitensi
- The Medal pro Merito Melitensi
- Ribbons
- References
The order comprises three ranks, including Commander, now rare in the Order of Malta, and has no nobiliary grades, thus being comparable to numerous orders of merit around the world, including the Papal orders, France's Legion of Honour and Britain's Order of the British Empire.
In addition to membership of the order, a medal is awarded in three classes: gold, silver and bronze.
Collar of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Pro Merito Melitensi Collar – Military Class Pro Merito Melitensi Collar – Civilian Class Single grade, usually bestowed to Heads of State only.Military Class
Grand Cross with Swords pro Merito Melitensi – Special Class Grand Cross with Swords pro Merito Melitensi Grand Officer Cross with Swords pro Merito Melitensi Commander Cross with Swords pro Merito Melitensi Officer Cross with Swords pro Merito Melitensi Cross with Swords pro Merito MelitensiCivilian Class – Gentlemen
Grand Cross pro Merito Melitensi – Special Class Grand Cross pro Merito Melitensi Grand Officer Cross pro Merito Melitensi Commander Cross pro Merito Melitensi Officer Cross pro Merito Melitensi Cross pro Merito MelitensiEcclesiastics Class
Grand Cross pro Piis Meritis Melitensi Cross pro Piis Meritis MelitensiOld style (1920–1960)
Gold Medal pro Merito Melitensi Silver Medal pro Merito Melitensi Bronze Medal pro Merito MelitensiMilitary Class
Gold Medal with Swords pro Merito Melitensi Silver Medal with Swords pro Merito Melitensi Bronze Medal with Swords pro Merito MelitensiCivilian Class
Gold Medal pro Merito Melitensi Silver Medal pro Merito Melitensi Bronze Medal pro Merito MelitensiClasses of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
The Order pro Merito Melitensi comprises the following classes:
The Collar pro Merito Melitensi
The Collar does only have one single grade, but it has instead two divisions, namely "Collar pro Merito Melitensi" for Civilians and "Collar with Swords pro Merito Melitensi" for the Military. The Collar is only awarded to Heads of State.
The Cross pro Merito Melitensi
The Cross is bestowed upon both civilians and military personnel, comprising several grades:
N.B: these decorations are "with Swords" for serving military and "without Swords" for civilians.
The Cross "pro piis meritis" pro Merito Melitensi
When awarded to ecclesiastics, it has the same cross as awarded to civilians and military personnel. Nevertheless, this ribbon is black crossed with two thin red lines and comprises only two grades :
The Medal pro Merito Melitensi
This class has three grades: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Ribbons
There are only three different types of ribbons for both the medal and the crosses.