Publisher's Synopsis
The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem is, without a doubt, one of the oldest and most important institutions of the Catholic Church, but it is also, indisputably, that of the culture and civilization in the West. Its influence has been important in the history of Europe for centuries, and today it is the most important link of our culture with the Crusades. Founded in Palestine to serve our lords the sick, by men who had taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, it soon became a monastic order also dedicated to war against the enemies of the Cross. Together with his Templar rivals and the Teutonic Knights, it constituted one of the great brotherhoods of warrior monks started in the Holy Land. Their freires fought Islam in those regions for two hundred years, and when their last positions fell, they kept up the fight in Rhodes and Malta for centuries. An insurmountable barrier against the Turks and the Barbary corsairs that resisted until well into the 17th century. With such a long historical trajectory, the Order has undergone various vicissitudes as a result of its hectic and exciting evolution over time. Currently recognized as a subject of international law, it is in practice a State without territory, but faithful to the principles of its creator, it is still present in more than 120 countries with its own medical, social, assistance and political activities; maintains diplomatic relations with 104 States, and is represented before dozens of international organizations.
