Order of St. Gregory the Great

On September 1, 1831, seven months after his election, Pope Gregory XVI established by brief Quod Summis the "Order of the Knights of St. Gregory the Great". Of the five pontifical orders of knighthood in the Catholic Church, it is the highest honor that a layman can attain. The order is bestowed on Catholic men in recognition of their service to the Church, unusual labors, support of the Holy See, and the good example set in their communities and country.

Related Topics:
September 1 - 1831 - Pope Gregory XVI - Quod Summis - Orders of knighthood - Catholic Church - Holy See

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The inaugural brief states, in part, that "gentlement of proved loyalty to the Holy See who, by reason of their nobility of birth and the renown of their deeds or the degree of their numificence, are deemed worthy to be honoured by a public expression of esteem on the part of the Holy See". The end of the brief states that they must progressively maintain, by continued meritorious deed, the reputation and trust they had already inspired, and prove themselves worthy of the honour that had been conferred on them, by unswerving fidelity to God and to the sovereign Pontiff.

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It has two divisions, civil and military, and each division is divided into four classes:

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• Grand Cross Knights of the First Class
• Grand Cross Knights of the Second Class
• Commanders
• Simple Knights

The difference between the civilian and military costumes is the former wears the cross hanging from a green crown of laurel, whereas the latter have the cross hanging from a trophy. It is interesting to note that neither of the two documents issued by Gregory XVI says a word about a special uniform for the Knight of St Gregory. A green uniform was later prescribed by Pope Pius IX. The uniform contains a black beaver-felt hat decorated with black silk ribbons, silver metallic twisted rope, buttons and black ostrich feathers. The jacket, made of green wool, is trimmed with silver metallic thread, and has a tail, nine yellow metal buttons in the front and three buttons on the cuffs and is lined with black satin. Finally, the costume contains suspenders, several yellow and red rosettes, white leather gloves, and a short sword with a handle made of mother of pearl with a medallion of the order at the end.

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An eight-pointed cross, the insignia of the Order, bears a representation of St. Gregory on the obverse and on the reverse the motto "Pro Deo et Principe". It is suspended from a red and gold ribbon.

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This honor has no particular obligations to the Church, except for the general ones stated above.

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