Flags & Emblems | Sovereign Order of Malta Switzerland

National Institutions

The Flag of the Order’s Works

The red flag with the the eight-pointed white cross is the flag of the Order of Malta’s works. The eight-pointed cross has been used in the Order as long as the latin cross, and stems from the Order’s ancient links with the Republic of Amalfi. Its present form dates back over 400 years; the first clear reference to an eight-pointed cross was its representation on the coins of Grand Master Fra’ Foulques de Villaret (1305-1319). This is the flag flown by the Order’s Grand Priories and Subpriories, its 48 National Associations and over 100 diplomatic missions around the world. It also flies over hospitals, medical centres and out-patients’ departments, as well as wherever the Order of Malta’s ambulance corps, foundations and specialised units operate.

The Flag of His Most Eminent Highness the Grand Master

The red flag with white eight-pointed cross encircled by the Collar and surmounted by a crown is the personal flag of the Grand Master. It flies over the Magistral Palace and the Order’s Magistral seats when he is in residence.

The Order of Malta’s armorial bearing

The armorial bearings of the Order display a white latin cross on a red oval field surrounded by a rosary, all superimposed on a white eight-pointed cross and displayed under a princely mantle surmounted by a crown (as described in Article 6 of the Order’s Constitution). It is the emblem of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s Grand Magistry and its Institutions: the Grand Priories, Subpriories, National Associations and Diplomatic Missions.

The Emblem of the Order’s works

The emblem is the symbol of the Order of Malta’s medical and humanitarian activities worldwide.
It is a red shield with a white, eight-pointed cross (as described in Article 242 of the Order of Malta’s Code).

Mission

L’Ordre Souverain de Malte est l'une des institutions les plus anciennes de la civilisation occidentale et chrétienne. Ordre religieux et laïc de l’Eglise Catholique depuis 1113 et sujet de droit international, l’Ordre Souverain de Malte entretient des relations diplomatiques avec plus de cent Etats, ainsi qu’avec l‘Union Européenne et jouit d’un statut d’observateur permanent aux Nations Unies. Il est neutre, impartial et apolitique.

L’Ordre de Malte est aujourd’hui actif dans 120 pays, se dédiant aux personnes dans le besoin à travers des activités médicales, sociales et humanitaires. Au quotidien, son large spectre de projets sociaux fournit un soutien à ceux qui sont oubliés ou exclus par la société.

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Mission

The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation.

The Sovereign Order of Malta has been a lay religious order of the Catholic Church and a subject of international law since 1113. It maintains diplomatic relations with over one hundred states and the European Union and enjoys permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.

Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries and is dedicated to helping people in need through medical, social and humanitarian activities. In everyday life, its broad spectrum of social projects provides support for people who are forgotten or excluded from society.

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Auftrag

Der Souveräne Malteserorden ist eine der ältesten Institutionen der westlichen und christlichen Zivilisation.

Der Souveräne Malteserorden ist seit 1113 ein religiöser Laienorden der katholischen Kirche und ein Subjekt des Völkerrechts. Er unterhält diplomatische Beziehungen zu über hundert Staaten sowie zur Europäischen Union und geniesst einen ständigen Beobachterstatus bei den Vereinten Nationen. Er ist neutral, unparteiisch und unpolitisch.

Der Malteserorden ist heute in 120 Ländern aktiv und widmet sich den Menschen in Not durch medizinische, soziale und humanitäre Aktivitäten. Im Alltag bietet sein breites Spektrum an sozialen Projekten Unterstützung für Menschen, die von der Gesellschaft vergessen oder ausgeschlossen sind.

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Missione

Il Sovrano Ordine di Malta è una delle più antiche istituzioni della civiltà occidentale e cristiana.

Il Sovrano Ordine di Malta è un ordine religioso laico della Chiesa cattolica e un soggetto di diritto internazionale dal 1113. Intrattiene relazioni diplomatiche con oltre cento Stati e con l'Unione Europea e gode dello status di osservatore permanente presso le Nazioni Unite. È neutrale, imparziale e apolitico.

Oggi l'Ordine di Malta è attivo in 120 Paesi e si dedica ad aiutare le persone in difficoltà attraverso attività mediche, sociali e umanitarie. Nella vita di tutti i giorni, il suo ampio spettro di progetti sociali fornisce sostegno alle persone dimenticate o escluse dalla società.

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