Ranks & Insignias

The Order of Saint Lazarus is the only Catholic Order in the world which admits non-Catholic members. As an order of chivalry, the Order of Saint Lazarus has retained the virtues of nobility but today its members are drawn from across the social spectrum. As Christians they are inhabited by a ‘nobility of spirit’ which is illustrated in their conduct and self-sacrifice.

All members of the Order, whether clergy or laity, are devoted to the values of Christian charity; striving for spiritual perfection by working for the good of others. As a truly ecumenical order of chivalry, membership in the Order of Saint Lazarus is open, depending on sponsorship, to Christian men or women, who respect the values ​​of Christianity, who hold an ardent desire to help others and work for Christian unity.

According to its origin and goals, the Order of Saint Lazarus admits to its ranks those who can conform to the Constitutional Charter, lay men and women, single and married, priests and pastors, religious men and women who are either Catholic or belong to a major ecclesial community. Members of the Order are admitted at the rank which corresponds to their personal situation and have the opportunity to choose the nature of their commitment.

Historically, knights of Saint Lazarus were strictly issued from Nobility, and invested as Knight of Justice, however, since the 20th century, those without noble affiliations who can show proof of good standing with their church, can seek the grace of the Grand Master and receive the chivalric investiture in the Division of Grace. Those without noble heritage, nor religious references, can be admitted to the Associated Division of Merit.

While membership as a Cavalier, the Order’s corp of volunteers, is open to everyone, membership to the General Chapter in the Divisions of Justice or Grace, or associated membership in the Division of Merit has always been by invitation only.

Each member professes the Christian faith, is in good standing with their ecclesial community and participates in the spiritual life of their Jurisdiction in an ecumenical spirit. In order to maintain its status as an Association of the Faithful and consequently the Protection of the Catholic Church, the Order of Saint Lazarus requires members of the General Chapter, those in the Divisions of Justice and Grace, to maintain a particular relationship with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Catholics must maintain complete fidelity with the Church’s teachings. Non-Catholics, instead, make an act of “Good-Faith”. This act of “Good-Faith” does not obligate non-Catholics to practice the Catholic Faith in its entirety, but rather to maintain those teachings that apply to the specific mission of the Order of Saint Lazarus, and to affirm that they will not act contrary or in opposition to these teachings.

Members must be at least 25 years old. However, it is possible to be received into the Order, following the same criteria, from the age of 18 as an Esquire or Demoiselle. Chaplains must have been ordained in the Catholic Church and be in good standing with their Bishop in accordance of Canon 564. Seminarians and students preparing for ordination can be received as novices. Deacons, while ineligible to be chaplains, are able to join the ranks of Professed Knights upon reception into the order.